ECSAHC’s Landmark Regional Advisory Committee Meeting in Livingstone: A Glimpse into Seven Years of Transformation

In the heart of Livingstone, Zambia, on the 17th and 18th of October, a significant event is taking place that promises to be a milestone in the realm of healthcare development and regional collaboration. The ECSAHC, under its monumental SATBHSS project, is hosting its Regional Advisory Committee meeting, marking the final leg of a seven-year journey that began in 2017, with the project slated to conclude on the 31st of December 2023.

The 10th and concluding Regional Advisory Committee meeting is not merely an event; it’s an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the substantial progress made over these transformative years. It’s a moment to recognize the remarkable achievements, the value added to national strategic goals, the invaluable lessons learned, and most importantly, the sustainability of interventions put in place under the SATBHSS project.

The ongoing Regional Advisory Committee meeting in Livingstone, Zambia, has several key objectives. First, it aims to elicit leaders’ perceptions of the SATBHSS project, its achievements, challenges, and lessons. Second, the meeting seeks to discuss opportunities for promoting collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts in the future. It also intends to delve into innovative approaches and technologies for TB control and elimination implemented under the project and advocate for increased funding and resources for TB programs and research to sustain project gains. Finally, it aims to foster political commitment to prioritize TB on the global health agenda.

At the heart of this momentous occasion lies a high-level panel discussion that promises to be enlightening and inspiring. This discussion will be the epitome of insight, with a focus on the landmark achievements of the project. It will dive into the incredible value added by SATBHSS to national strategic goals, painting a vivid picture of how this project has influenced and shaped the future of healthcare in the participating member states. The conversation will also embrace the invaluable lessons learned along the way, which can guide future endeavours.

This event brings together a distinguished panel, including the World Bank SATBHSS -TTL, AUDA-NEPAD Team leader, Director General for ECSA-HC, and Ministers of Health from Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia, or their heads of delegation, along with nominees from the National TB Program managers (NTPs). The invited audience includes government officials from the Ministries of Health, the Ministry responsible for Labor, the Ministry responsible for Mining, WHO-Afro, the Global Fund, SADC Secretariat, NTPs from the project countries, and the media. As this meeting unfolds, it holds the promise of catalyzing positive change in the realm of TB control and healthcare collaboration in the region. The expected outcomes of this meeting are significant. It will lead to increased awareness of the achievements and impact of the SATBHSS project, providing a deeper reflection on the identified innovative solutions and best practices for TB control. Furthermore, it will strengthen partnerships among stakeholders in the TB response and co-create the vision of the future TB response in the region.

ECSAHC’s Regional Advisory Committee meeting is not just another gathering; it is the culmination of years of dedication, innovation, and transformation. As we stand on the precipice of a new era in healthcare development, this event promises to be a beacon of hope, a testament to what can be achieved when visionary minds and committed individuals come together for a common goal.