DURBAN, South Africa, 10 November 2026 – Senior government officials from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have begun a three day meeting in Durban to review regional health priorities and prepare policy recommendations for ministers responsible for health and HIV and AIDS.
The meeting, which opened on 9 November 2026, brings together senior representatives from SADC member states ahead of the Joint Meeting of Ministers of Health and Ministers Responsible for HIV and AIDS scheduled for 12 November.
The officials are meeting until 11 November to examine shared public health challenges, assess progress on existing regional commitments and develop recommendations and documents for consideration by ministers.
The gathering was officially welcomed by Ms T.P. Msimango, Head of Department of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. It is chaired by Dr Thembisile Xulu, Director-General of South Africa’s National Department of Health and Chairperson of the SADC Health Senior Officials Meeting.
The SADC Secretariat delegation is led by Dr Mike Masiye, Acting Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration.
Among the major issues on the agenda is the strengthening of healthcare systems across the region, particularly in responding to public health emergencies and ensuring that countries have the capacity to manage disease outbreaks and other health threats.
The officials are also considering sustainable health financing, pharmaceutical pooled procurement and the expansion of local manufacturing of essential health commodities.
These discussions come as African countries continue to explore ways of reducing dependence on imported medicines and medical supplies, improving access to affordable healthcare products and strengthening the resilience of their health systems.
Another major area of discussion is the regional response to HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, with officials reviewing progress towards ending the three diseases across SADC member states.
The agenda further covers sexual and reproductive health, nutrition and other strategic interventions designed to improve access to quality healthcare services and strengthen regional health security.
The recommendations emerging from the senior officials’ discussions will be submitted to ministers on 12 November for consideration and policy direction.
The ministerial meeting is expected to provide guidance on strengthening cooperation among SADC countries and developing coordinated responses to public health challenges that cross national borders.
The Durban engagements form part of the broader SADC Joint Meeting of Ministers of Health and Ministers Responsible for HIV and AIDS, taking place from 9 to 13 November 2026.
The programme will conclude with the observance of SADC Malaria Day on 13 November, providing an opportunity to focus on regional efforts to prevent and control malaria.
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