Southern Africa Health Ministers Commit to Bold Action on Climate, Health Financing, and Resilience
Health Ministers and senior officials from ten Southern African countries have reaffirmed their commitment to collective action on health financing, climate resilience, and outbreak preparedness following the 4th Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (ReSCO) Meeting held in Lilongwe, Malawi from 24–25 July 2025.
The high-level meeting, hosted by the Government of Malawi under the theme “One Region, One Health, One Future,” provided a critical platform for aligning regional health priorities and reinforcing Africa’s continental health agenda amid growing climate-related and public health threats.
Opening the meeting on behalf of the Right Honourable Vice President Dr. Michael Biswick Usi, Malawi’s Minister of Health, Hon. Khumbize Chiponda, underscored the urgency of joint regional efforts. The session was attended by key figures, including Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), who delivered a compelling call for a “revolution in health financing.”
“Africa’s health future must be shaped by African leaders, for African people,” said Dr Kaseya. “To get there, we must invest in regional institutions, local manufacturing, and sustainable systems that serve our communities.”
In a keynote address, Hon. Dr Elijah Muchima, Zambia’s Minister of Health and Chair of the Africa CDC Governing Board, echoed the meeting’s central theme as a call to action. “One Region, One Health, One Future is not just a slogan, it is a strategic imperative for our continent,” he said.
The ministers adopted several key outcomes aimed at transforming the region’s health systems. These included the appointment of Hon. Dr Douglas T. Mombeshora as Regional Champion for Climate and Health, and Hon. Dr Esperance Luvindao of Namibia as Regional Champion for the Lusaka Agenda on Health Financing, reinforcing domestic commitment to health sector investment.
Other major decisions included the endorsement of the Southern Africa Region Annual Report and technical recommendations from recent Regional Technical Advisory Committee (ReTAC) meetings. These cover the implementation of the Continental Immunisation Strategy, enhanced community-based surveillance, and support for Africa CDC’s “Green Book” initiative to reform health financing and service delivery.
A highlight of the gathering was the ReSCO Awards Ceremony, which honoured outstanding leadership in public health. Dr Jean Kaseya received accolades for his continental leadership, while former health ministers Dr Kalumbi Shangula (Namibia) and Hon. Sylvia T. Masebo (Zambia) were recognized for their commitment to regional collaboration. Special commendation was also given to Dr Lul P. Riek, Regional Director of the Southern Africa RCC, for his role in operationalising the Regional Coordinating Centre.
Concluding the meeting, Member States pledged to accelerate implementation of the AU’s 2 Million Community Health Workers Initiative, expand local financing under the Lusaka Agenda, and strengthen regional systems for public health emergencies.
Namibia will host the next ReSCO Meeting in 2026.
The Africa CDC has called on governments and partners to support these resolutions through tangible investments in frontline health systems and workforce capacity, ensuring that no community is left behind.
