The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional health security, disease surveillance and local manufacturing of essential health products as the region seeks to build more resilient health systems.
This emerged during a meeting between SADC Executive Secretary, Elias Magosi, and WHO Representative to Botswana and SADC, Dr Fabian Ndenzako, in Gaborone this Wednesday.
Speaking during the meeting, Magosi praised WHO’s longstanding support to the region and highlighted the need to ensure that the partnership delivers meaningful results for citizens.
“The significant impact this partnership has had on improving the lives of people across SADC Member States is commendable. It is important that we finalise the renewed partnership framework and translate our shared commitments into tangible benefits for the region’s citizens,” said Magosi.
He stressed that stronger cooperation in disease surveillance, health security and access to essential health products would help improve health outcomes across the region.
“Strengthened collaboration in disease surveillance, health security, preparedness and access to essential health products will play a critical role in improving health outcomes and building resilient health systems,” he said.
Drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Magosi called for increased investment in local pharmaceutical and medical supplies production.
“There is a need for mapping and strengthening the whole health product manufacturing value chain, thereby enhancing the region’s local manufacturing capacity and preparedness,” he said.
Dr Ndenzako reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting regional initiatives.
