The 4th Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (ReSCO) meeting for Southern Africa was held in Lilongwe, Malawi, The meeting was organized by Africa CDC and hosted by the Government of Malawi. The meeting took place from 24–25 July 2025, focused on strengthening regional collaboration in disease preparedness and response. Specifically, the meeting aimed to enhance health security within the region and address future pandemic threats.
ReSCO has become a vital platform for countries to align regional priorities and advance the continental health agenda, at a time when Southern Africa faces rising climate-related health threats, persistent disease outbreaks, and growing demands on frontline health systems. Ministers of Health and Stakeholders from across the region met in Lilongwe, Malawi, with the aim to move beyond promises and turn talk into action on some of the most pressing health challenges facing the continent today.
For two days, Senior representatives from ten African Union member states came together to discuss key issues surrounding health and climate financing under the theme "One Region, One Health, One Future."
During his key note address, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) called for a "revolution in health financing." Dr. Kaseya’s message was a wake-up call, emphasizing that Africa’s health future must be forged by African leaders for African people. This means not just investing in regional institutions and local manufacturing, but building sustainable health systems that can truly serve every community.
The ministers echoed this sentiment with Namibia's Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Esperance Luvindao, speaking on the need for solidarity, urging member states to stand together against shared public health challenges. Furthermore, Zambia’s Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Elijah Muchima, who also chairs the Africa CDC Governing Board, put it even more bluntly: "One Region, One Health, One Future" isn't just a catchy slogan, it's a strategic necessity that must drive coordinated action.
Leaders and Champions Emerge
The meeting also discussed solidifying a path forward with several adopted key outcomes that will steer the region's health agenda. Recognizing the undeniable link between climate change and public health, Hon. Dr. Douglas T. Mombeshora was appointed as the Regional Champion for Climate and Health. In a move to strengthen the region’s financial independence, Hon. Dr. Luvindao was named the Regional Champion for the Lusaka Agenda on Health Financing, signaling a renewed push for domestic investment in health.
The ministers also gave their stamp of approval to the Southern Africa Region Annual Report and backed major recommendations from technical committees. This included practical guidance on a continent-wide immunization strategy and improved community based outbreak surveillance. They also embraced the Africa CDC’s "Green Book" vision a bold, continent-wide pact aimed at reimagining how health is financed, governed, and delivered.
A Decisive Shift from Dialogue to Delivery
Lastly, the member states reaffirmed their commitment to several key initiatives such as scaling up the African Union's Two Million Community Health Workers Initiative, advancing the Lusaka Agenda on Health Financing, and bolstering regional public health systems. With this renewed solidarity, the countries of Southern Africa are ready to turn these commitments into tangible action with Namibia selected to host the 5th Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee Meeting in 2026, where the region will undoubtedly measure its progress on these ambitious goals.
