SADC SPPS Steering Committee Convenes in Lusaka to Strengthen Regional Health Procurement
The Steering Committee of the SADC Pooled Procurement Services (SPPS) convened in Lusaka, Zambia, in a hybrid meeting supported financially by the SADC-German CESARE III Programme, implemented by GIZ, and the Global Fund’s NextGen Market Shaping Strategic Initiative.
Following the inaugural virtual session held in August 2025, the meeting was convened in line with SADC Council decisions to operationalise the SPPS—a crucial step towards a coordinated and sustainable approach to procuring essential medicines and health products across the region.
In her opening remarks, Ms Duduzile Simelane, SADC Director of Social and Human Development, praised Committee Members as “stewards and pioneers of a regional initiative that seeks to transform the procurement of medicines and associated health products, increasing access, ensuring equity, and contributing to the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals.”
The meeting was officially opened by Dr Hoby Sitraka Ravelomampianina, Director of the Madagascar Medicines Agency and Chairperson of the SPPS Steering Committee, who reaffirmed the region’s collective commitment to strengthening joint procurement mechanisms to ensure affordability, quality, and sustainability of health commodities.
The SPPS Steering Committee provides strategic policy, operational, and financial guidance during the interim Group Contracting Phase and oversees the transition of SPPS into an autonomous Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), as mandated by the SADC Council of Ministers.
The SADC Secretariat extended appreciation to GIZ, the Global Fund, UNITAID, UNFPA, WHO, and other partners for their critical financial and technical support, which is vital to improving access to quality-assured and affordable health products across the SADC region.
