A high-level gathering leads to the emergence of new regional leaders, pledges regarding climate and health funding, and renewed energy for the African Union's 2 million Community Health Worker Initiative.
Lilongwe, Malawi | July 28, 2025-- On 24-25 July 2025, in Lilongwe, ministers of health and senior officials from ten African Union (AU) member states in Southern Africa convened for the 4th Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (ReSCO) Meeting, where they renewed their appeal for collaborative efforts in health funding, climate adaptation, and disease outbreak readiness.
The Malawi Government organized the gathering, which was formally initiated by Hon. Khumbize Chiponda, Malawi's Minister of Health, on behalf of the Right Honourable Vice President, Dr. Michael Biswick Usi. The event was held under the theme "One Region, One Health, One Future," highlighting the region's shared dedication to safeguarding public health.
ReSCO has emerged as a crucial platform for nations to harmonize regional objectives and promote the broader health agenda across the continent, especially as Southern Africa encounters increasing climate-related health challenges, ongoing disease outbreaks, and escalating pressures on frontline healthcare systems.
In his speech, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), urged for significant financial support to ensure the health prospects of Africa.
Africa's health future should be guided by African leaders for the benefit of African people," stated Dr. Kaseya. "To achieve this, we need to spark a transformation in health funding, focusing on supporting regional organizations, speeding up local production, and creating lasting systems that support our communities.
During the two-day discussions, ministers strongly emphasized the importance of collective leadership and regional unity in promoting health security. At the start of the meeting, Hon. Dr Esperance Luvindao, Minister of Health and Social Services from Namibia, made a strong appeal for solidarity, encouraging Member States to take decisive action against common public health issues. Supporting this idea, Hon. Dr Elijah Muchima, Minister of Health from Zambia and Chair of the Africa CDC Governing Board, reminded attendees that "One Region, One Health, One Future" is not just a slogan, but a necessary strategy that should guide unified efforts across the continent.
The Committee approved several key results that will influence the region's health direction. Among them was the selection of Hon. Dr Douglas T. Mombeshora as Regional Champion for Climate and Health, highlighting the critical connection between environmental conditions and public health challenges. Hon. Dr Luvindao was also appointed as Regional Champion for the Lusaka Agenda on Health Financing, strengthening the region's commitment to boosting local investment in healthcare.
Member States also approved the Southern Africa Region Annual Report and supported key suggestions from the 8th Ordinary and 9th Extraordinary Regional Technical Advisory Committee (ReTAC) sessions. These encompassed actionable advice for executing the Continental Immunisation Strategy (CIS) and enhanced community-focused outbreak monitoring. The Committee also accepted Africa CDC's "Green Book" vision, a continent-wide agreement designed to re-examine health funding, leadership, and service provision.
A significant feature of the meeting was the Southern Africa ReSCO Award Ceremony, which recognized innovative leaders for their remarkable efforts in enhancing public health throughout the region. Dr Kaseya was acknowledged for his outstanding leadership on a continental scale. Dr Kalumbi Shangula, former Minister of Health and Social Services of Namibia, and Hon. Sylvia T. Masebo, former Minister of Health of Zambia, were honored for their long-term public service and steadfast dedication to regional cooperation. Dr Lul P. Riek, Regional Director of the Southern Africa RCC, received special recognition for his crucial role in establishing the Southern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre and promoting regional public health coordination.
These acknowledgments emphasized a key topic of the gathering: that genuine advancement is not solely reliant on structures and financial support, but also on the dedication, guidance, and collaboration of those responsible for safeguarding community well-being.
As the meeting came to a close, Member States expressed their commitment to expand the execution of the African Union's 2 Million Community Health Workers Initiative, promote the Lusaka Agenda for Health Financing, and enhance regional public health systems.
With increased unity and political determination, Southern African nations are ready to transform promises into tangible steps. The results from the 4th Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee Meeting signify a crucial transition, moving from discussion to implementation. The Africa CDC urges all involved parties, governments, and collaborators to act quickly: support frontline capabilities, strengthen healthcare professionals, and create robust systems that ensure no community is left out.
Namibia has been chosen to host the 5th Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee Meeting in 2026.
Copyright 2025 Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (zaia news).
Tagged: Health and Medicine, Southern Africa, Governance
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