PEACE has for long been synonymous with southern Africa.
The region is known for being rich in natural resources like diamonds, gold, platinum, copper, coal, lithium and cobalt, among others.
Zimbabwe will host the 44th Sadc summit in Harare, where heads of State and Government will convene on August 17 to deliberate on developmental issues.
The world will surely appreciate our country as it endeavours to achieve Vision 2030.
There is expeditious infrastructural development in the country with roads being repaired to meet international standards.
Our airport has been extensively upgraded to the satisfaction of many travellers to the region.
Hats off to government for the sterling work undertaken so far.
Health and development are symbiotic in nature as a healthy population is a catalyst for economic and social development.
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As southern Africa improves industrial capacity and economies, the health of the citizens remains paramount in ensuring a sustainable future.
The goal to achieve universal health coverage is traced to 1997 when the Sadc Health Programme was developed in line with global and regional declarations and targets.
Three key policy documents were developed to underpin the implementation of the programme and these included The Health Policy Framework, the Sadc Protocol on Health and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan.
Sadc has achieved a lot in the field of medicine, with South Africa contributing four of the top six medical universities in Africa.
Since the formation of the regional bloc in 1980, our country has established three more medical schools, with Great Zimbabwe Simon Mazorodze School of Medical and Health Sciences being the latest addition.
Zambia now has eight medical universities and thousands of doctors graduate at the respective universities every year.
What I think should be done is to improve on working conditions for medical personnel to reduce human capital flight.
The tools of trade should be in place to have strong health delivery systems.
The Sadc Health Policy plans to raise the regional standard of health for all citizens to a desired and acceptable level by promoting, co-ordinating and supporting efforts of member States to improve access to high-impact health interventions.
The framework was approved by Sadc Council of Ministers in September 2000 with great emphasis being placed on health research and surveillance, health information systems, health education and promotion, communicable and non-communicable disease control, reproductive health, nutrition and food security, violence and substance abuse, among others.
The Protocol on Health was approved in 1999 and effected in 2004.
The protocol promotes co-operation among member States on key health issues.
It recognises that this co-operation is essential for the control of communicable and non-communicable diseases and in addressing common health concerns, including emergency health services, disaster management and acquisition of bulky essential drugs.
Article 9 of the Sadc Health Protocol addresses communicable disease control like the deadly COVID-19, while articles 10 to 12 look specifically at HIV and Aids, malaria and tuberculosis.
Article 10 requires member States to co-operate to harmonise and standardise policies in the areas of case definitions for diseases, notification systems, treatment and management of major communicable diseases and share information related to outbreaks and epidemics of communicable diseases.
Sadc is bedevilled by HIV and Aids as about 34% of those living with HIV globally live in the region, putting a strain on social, political and economic development.
Poverty remains key in the region, with drought exacerbating the quagmire.
Sadc is, however, blessed with vast precious minerals which have capacity to propel economic growth.
Health infrastructure should be a priority in each and every country so that health equity and equality are achieved.
There is rampant brain drain in the region, with developed countries fishing from our rich human resources pool, much to the detriment of us as Africans.
We need revised investment in the health sector.
Enhanced co-operation among Sadc member States is vital for peace, economic, social and political developments.
Regional integration is key for economic emancipation.
