East African leaders convene to advance regional health sovereignty

East African health leaders are convening to discuss regional health security and sovereignty through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Fourth Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (ReSCO) meeting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

At the East African Health Federation conference, officials emphasized that healthcare should be viewed as a strategic economic driver rather than a social cost. The discussions focused on reducing reliance on external supply chains by building regional industrial strength and harmonizing regulatory frameworks to create a more integrated market.

Representing Eritrea at the ReSCO meeting, officials highlighted the importance of primary health care as a foundation for national security. Eritrea reported utilizing a network of over 300 health facilities and 3,000 community health agents to provide essential services to rural and nomadic populations, aiming to strengthen epidemic preparedness and maternal and child health across the region.