# East African regional health sovereignty initiatives > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/east-african-regional-health-sovereignty-initiatives > Updated: 2026-08-20T16:57:13.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. East African health leaders convened in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for the Fourth Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (ReSCO) meeting and the East African Health Federation conference. The discussions, involving the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), focused on advancing regional health security and sovereignty. Participants emphasized transitioning healthcare from a social cost to a “strategic economic driver.” Key objectives included reducing dependence on external supply chains by developing regional industrial strength and harmonizing regulatory frameworks to foster an integrated market. During the meeting, Eritrean officials highlighted the role of primary health care in national security, noting the use of over 300 health facilities and 3,000 community health agents to serve rural and nomadic populations. These efforts aim to improve epidemic preparedness and maternal and child health across the region. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-20: East African Community ministers meet to bolster regional employment EAC Ministers are meeting in Mombasa, Kenya, to discuss strengthening the regional bloc’s employment sector and filling over 164 vacant institutional positions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/east-african-community-ministers-meet-to-bolster-regional-employment ### 2026-08-20: East African leaders convene to advance regional health sovereignty East African health officials are meeting to advance regional health sovereignty, focusing on primary health care, economic integration, and reducing dependence on external medical supply chains. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/east-african-leaders-convene-to-advance-regional-health-sovereignty --- Cite as: East African regional health sovereignty initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/east-african-regional-health-sovereignty-initiatives