Advancing Regional Health Initiatives: Highlights from the Southern African Meeting in Lusaka

In a strategic move towards combating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), the African Union Commission (AUC) orchestrated the Southern African Regional Meeting in Lusaka, Zambia, from December 13th to 15th, 2023. This pivotal gathering delved into the crucial aspects of mobilizing domestic resources and fortifying programs to address NTDs.

Themed “Leveraging on Neglected Tropical Diseases Programs to Improve the Nutritional Status of Affected Communities,” the meeting sought to amplify the impact of NTD initiatives. The central objective was to assess the progress of Southern Africa Member States in adopting the Continental Framework and the Common African Position on NTDs.

At the heart of the discussions was the aim to facilitate a comprehensive dialogue among regional bodies, including ECSA-HC, SADC, and COMESA, as well as Member States. The focus extended to the manifold benefits of integrating NTD programs into various sectors, with particular emphasis on nutrition. Furthermore, the meeting emphasized the importance of aligning NTD initiatives with existing health delivery platforms.This insightful gathering not only reviewed advancements but also fostered collaboration and synergy among stakeholders. By integrating NTD programs across sectors, the Southern African region is poised to enhance its collective response to these diseases, with a keen eye on improving the nutritional well-being of affected communities.The Lusaka meeting, therefore, stands as a testament to the commitment of the Southern African region in championing health initiatives and fortifying the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases.