South Africa is hosting a major regional healthcare gathering in Durban as health ministers and officials from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) meet from 9 to 13 November 2026 to strengthen cooperation and address some of the region's most pressing public health challenges. The joint meeting of Ministers of Health and Ministers Responsible for HIV and AIDS brings together representatives from member states to assess progress in regional health programmes, share experiences and identify practical strategies for improving access to quality medical services. Key discussions will focus on HIV and AIDS, malaria, communicable and non-communicable diseases, maternal and reproductive healthcare, nutrition and sustainable health financing. The gathering also provides an opportunity to explore stronger regional medicine procurement systems, local pharmaceutical manufacturing and coordinated responses to cross-border health emergencies. Technical and ministerial engagements are scheduled from 9 to 12 November, followed by the commemoration of SADC Malaria Day on 13 November. With many Southern African countries facing healthcare workforce shortages, medicine supply challenges and increasing pressure on public health systems, the meeting represents an important opportunity to strengthen partnerships and develop more resilient healthcare services. Although the outcomes have yet to be announced, the discussions could help advance regional health security and progress towards universal health coverage
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