SADC health officials meet in Durban to tackle drug shortages and financing gaps

SADC health officials convened in Durban to tackle drug shortages and financing gaps, with the aim of strengthening regional self-reliance and fortifying healthcare systems against future challenges. The preparatory meetings, set to take place from November 9 to 12, will focus on key priorities to enhance regional cooperation. SADC health officials are meeting ahead of the joint gathering of SADC Ministers of Health and Ministers Responsible for HIV and AIDS, which will occur on November 13, followed by SADC Malaria Day on November 13.

During the preparatory discussions, National Department of Health Director-General Dr Thembisile Xulu emphasized the importance of pooled procurement, local manufacturing, and the role of UNAIDS. Pooled procurement involves aggregating medication volumes for economies of scale and ensuring available supply, a lesson learned from the global supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local manufacturing is becoming increasingly important in light of geopolitical factors, as SADC aims to empower local suppliers with technical transfer capabilities to produce essential medicines for the region.

Xulu highlighted the continued relevance of UNAIDS as a coordination mechanism, given the shared burden of disease in HIV and TB among SADC countries. She underscored the importance of UNAIDS' technical assistance in assisting SADC countries in meeting the 95-95-95 goals, which aim to diagnose, treat, and achieve viral suppression for 95% of people living with HIV, 95% of whom are retained in lifelong antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of people with suppressed viral loads remain HIV-free.

Another critical issue on the table is health financing, which necessitates cooperation between SADC's ministries of health and finance. This collaboration is essential to build a healthy economy with a healthy population, as the well-being of a nation cannot be compromised by a sick populace. SADC health officials are also preparing to address emerging emergencies and priorities such as Ebola, cholera, and other outbreaks, with a focus on readiness, resource mobilization, and robust data surveillance systems.