TB in the mining sector in southern africa (TIMS) phase III project launch 25th February 2022.

The East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Republic of Malawi will host the TB In the Mining Sector in Southern Africa (TIMS) Phase III Project Launch. The event will take place on the 25^th of February 2022 in Malawi at the Umodzi Park Hotel.

Tuberculosis (TB) in the mining sector has long been recognized as problem in Southern Africa. To the address this issue the SADC Heads of States signed a Declaration on TB in the Mines in 2012. This Declaration directed the SADC Ministers responsible for Health and Ministers of responsible for Finance, Migration, Local Government, Labor and Mining to initiate the implementation of the Declaration and Monitor progress. Following the Declaration by the Heads of States, a Protocol a SADC regional Protocol was developed, as a guiding document on implementation of the Declaration. Since then, there has been several partners supporting countries deal with TB in the mines with the major funders being the Global Fund to Fight TB, HIV and Malaria. With the formation of a Regional Coordination Mechanism (RCM), two phases of the TIMS project have been implemented and a further request was extended to the Global Fund for continuity of the project under Phase III. The Global Fund has committed additional funding to the tune of US$10.5million to advance the regional TB in the mines initiatives and to complement national efforts. This Phase III runs between July 2021 and June 2024 and shall be implemented in the 16 countries in the SADC region.

The project launch will bring together key policy level officials, The Global Fund, the Regional Coordinating Mechanism, National TB Program Managers, representatives from Civil Society organizations, ECSA-HC, and key partners in TB for an official kick-off.

Mindful that Malawi is the presiding chair to the SADC, Malawi is therefore hosting the launch of the TIMS Phase III.

For more details about TIMS Phase III Project launch in Malawi, please contact the following: wodoch@ecsahc.org or s_sibandze@ecsahc.org

If you are not able to attend the Project Launch, follow proceedings via Website www.ecsahc.org, Twitter #ECSA-HC and Facebook #East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community.

Media Focal Points:

Mr Justin Mahimbo

Communications &Advocacy Officer

East Central & Southern Africa Health Community

Mob: +255 745 200 874

Email: jmahimbo@ecsahc.org

Ms Buhle Hlatshwayo

Policy Advocacy Officer

African Union Development Agency -NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD)

Email: buhleh@nepad.org