The long-standing partnership between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) was recently strengthened during a meeting between SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi and WHO Representative to Botswana and SADC, Fabian Ndenzako, in Gaborone.

During the meeting, Magosi commended WHO for its coordinated response to international public health issues and emergencies.

The SADC Spokesperson, Barbara Lopi, also said the WHO continues to support the SADC region in as far as the provision of health services is concerned during public health emergencies.

SADC highlighted the need to finalise the renewed partnership framework, strengthen disease surveillance and emergency preparedness, improve access to essential health products, and expand local manufacturing capacity across the health products value chain.

"The meeting underscored the importance of the 2002 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which has guided joint efforts to strengthen health systems, improve health security, and enhance regional health sovereignty across SADC Member States."

WHO Representative to Botswana and SADC, Fabian Ndenzako, reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting regional initiatives.

This includes local manufacturing, pooled procurement of health commodities, and stronger collaboration with the Africa Centre for Disease Control.

During a meeting of SADC Ministers of Health earlier this year, the SADC Regional Strategy for Strengthening Emergency and Essential Surgery, Anaesthesia, Nursing, Obstetrics and Gynaecology (2025-2030) was endorsed.

The meeting reaffirmed collective commitment to integrate safe, timely and affordable surgical and perioperative care into Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across the region.