The meeting will allow to address on public health issues to contribute to improving the quality of life of the regional peoples.

Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss the healthcare situation in the SADC area.

The meeting was preceded by the meeting of senior officials responsible for health and the fight against HIV and AIDS, during which evaluated actions and strategies that will be the basis for decision-making at the assembly.

Although the number of AIDS-related deaths has been reduced by 69%, and countries such as Botswana, Eswatini, the United Republic of Tanzania and Zimbabwe are achieving their targets, HIV/AIDS continues to be major health problem in the area.

The UN program’s report on the subject this year found that in sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls account for 63% of all new HIV infections.

Furthermore, only about 42% of districts reporting high HIV incidence in this region have specific prevention programs for teens and young women.

pll/abo/lam/kmg