16 Jul 2014

Minister of Health, Dr John Seakgosing is in Lilongwe, Malawi for an extra ordinary meeting of Joint Southern African Development Committee (SADC) Health Ministers and Ministers Responsible for HIV AIDS on Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP), Agriculture and Food Security.



Dr Seakgosing is accompanied by the deputy permanent secretary (preventive health services), Mrs Shenaaz El-Halabi and they were expected back home on July 18.

The press release from the ministry stated that, Dr Seakgosing joined other ministers of health in the SADC region who met annually to discuss important health issues that affect their respective countries.

It stated that during the meeting the ministers will review the draft Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) before it is submitted to the SADC Council of Ministers meeting to be held in August.

The release further said member states will also discuss major health challenges and policy issues on HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the SADC HIV Cross border Initiative and the SADC HIV Fund.

The minister will also use the meeting as an opportunity to continue lobbying for the World Health Organisation (WHO) regional director candidate, Dr Matshidiso Moeti. The elections will be held in September this year in Benin, says the release.  

 It also states that during the minister’s absence, the Assistant Minister Dr Gloria Somolekae will act as the Minister of Health. ENDS