Maputo — Africa CDC Southern Regional Coordinating Centre (SA-RCC) hosted by the Government of the Republic of Mozambique successfully held the 5th Regional Technical Advisory Committee (ReTAC) meeting from the 12th to 13th September 2023 in Maputo, Mozambique.
ReTAC serves as a crucial platform in providing technical support and guidance to the Southern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre to effectively address public health concerns and strengthen the existing capacities of Member States.
During the 5th ReTAC meeting, Member States received updates on the operationalization of the Southern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre, with particular emphasis on key highlights from the new Africa CDC Strategic Plan 2023-2027. Furthermore, participants discussed Africa CDC flagship initiatives in the region. These initiatives include the Pathogen Genomic Initiative, Saving Lives and Livelihoods, Lusaka Call to Action, Regional Knowledge Hub and the recently launched Southern Africa Regional Integrated Surveillance and Laboratory Network (RISLNET). Notably, the newly elected Chairperson of the RISLNET presented the drafted work plan and terms of reference to ReTAC members.
Delivering his remarks, the Republic of Mozambique Deputy Minister of Health, Honorable Ilesh Jani, described ReTAC as "the most important regional technical and scientific committee in the Southern African Region aiming at advising Member States on health security issues." He emphasized the significance of Mozambique hosting this important regional event, reminding participants that diseases know no borders therefore, strengthening regional collaboration is imperative.
Dr. Eduardo Samo Gudo, ReTAC Chairperson, who presided over the event, expressed his gratitude to all Member States for the continuous support and collaboration during his tenure as the 2nd Chairperson. "Southern Africa has exceeded all expectations because we remained focused on our shared responsibility to drive the agenda of the health security in the Southern Africa region, focusing mainly on the mission and working together," Dr Eduardo underscored.
Following the appointment of Dr Eduardo as Chair of the Africa CDC Advisory and Technical Council (ATC) in July 2023, Member States selected and endorsed the current Deputy Chair Dr. Matthew Kagoli from the Republic of Malawi, as the new interim Chair for the ReTAC until elections are held.
In his remarks, Africa CDC Acting Deputy Director General, Dr. Ahmed Ogwell Ouma, applauded the outgoing ReTAC Chair and newly appointed ATC Dr. Eduardo on his remarkable dedication and commitment towards Africa's health agenda. Dr. Ouma also extended his gratitude to all ReTAC members for their continuous support of the work of Africa CDC. "Our aim is to ensure that everyone can access quality, affordable and equitable health services, regardless of income, location, or background," he added.
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The 5th ReTAC meeting was attended by 40 representatives drawn from Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and public health partners including the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) and AMREF Health Africa.
