SADC Ministers of Health and Ministers responsible for HIV and AIDS met in Johannesburg on February 24 to review regional health priorities, according to an official SADC statement. Malawi was among member states represented at the meeting, SADC said.
At the meeting, ministers committed to stepped-up action on malaria, HIV and TB, and endorsed the 2025 to 2030 Regional Strategy for Strengthening Emergency and Essential Surgery, Anaesthesia, Nursing, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, according to Efficacy News and SADC. SADC said the strategy is aimed at integrating safe, timely and affordable surgical and perioperative care into universal health coverage, while Efficacy News reported that ministers also flagged flooding-linked spikes in malaria and waterborne diseases such as cholera and called for stronger surveillance, improved data sharing, and continued implementation of national and regional cholera plans.