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The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and UNAIDS have reiterated their dedication to maintaining progress in combating HIV/AIDS despite increasing funding challenges. This commitment was expressed during a high-level meeting at the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana, attended by SADC Executive Secretary H.E. Elias M. Magosi and UNAIDS Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa H.E. Anne Githuku-Shongwe.
The leaders recognised the achievements in lowering new HIV infections and AIDS-related fatalities in the SADC region but emphasised that HIV/AIDS continues to pose a significant public health issue, especially among youth. They highlighted the urgent need for greater domestic investment in health and HIV/AIDS initiatives due to a decline in international donor support.
SADC and UNAIDS called for enhanced collaboration with the private sector to improve resource mobilisation and ensure the sustainability of essential health programs. H.E. Magosi expressed appreciation for UNAIDS’ assistance in developing the Annual SADC HIV Progress Report and the HIV Strategic Framework, which guide the implementation of HIV/AIDS programs among Member States. He also praised UNAIDS for facilitating National Health Financing Dialogues, helping countries to establish health financing priorities and strategies.
H.E. Magosi cautioned that reduced funding for HIV/AIDS programs in a region heavily impacted by the epidemic could jeopardize the progress achieved. He urged Member States to recommit financially to health initiatives. H.E. Githuku-Shongwe reaffirmed UNAIDS’ commitment to supporting HIV prevention and improving domestic financing strategies for long-term sustainability, emphasizing the vital role of community health systems, such as drop-in centers and clinics, in the HIV/AIDS response.
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To tackle funding challenges, SADC and UNAIDS plan to hold a Joint Meeting of Ministers of Health and Ministers of Finance to explore innovative funding mechanisms for health programs. The meeting included senior officials from both organisations, such as Ms. Duduzile Simelane (SADC Director of Social and Human Development), Ms. Nomenzile Mamba (SADC Programme Officer for HIV/AIDS), Mr. Alankar Malviya (UNAIDS Country Director for Botswana), and Ms. Gloria Bille (UNAIDS Senior Regional Programme Adviser – Prevention).
