Southern African countries concluded a three-day meeting in Windhoek to accelerate the establishment of national public health institutes in their respective countries. 

The 3rd Southern Africa Annual National Public Health Institutes meeting was organised by the Africa Centre for Disease Control. 

Ben Nangombe, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, emphasised the importance of this initiative. 

He noted that Africa is one of the regions most frequently experiencing emergencies, disease outbreaks, and epidemics. 

Nangombe stressed that the successful preparation and establishment of national public health institutes would be one of the most critical interventions to address these challenges.

Dr. Shiva Murugasampillay is a public health medical specialist.

WHO's Country Representative, Dr. Richard Banda, affirmed their commitment to work with the Ministry of Health and Africa CDC to secure necessary funding and align legal processes.

While some countries, such as Zambia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, have already established their institutions, others, including Namibia, are still in the process. 

Rejoice Nkambule from the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of eSwatini shared her experience.

As the meeting concluded, participants expressed renewed commitment to the establishment and strengthening of national public health institutes.