Namibia & South Africa Champions leading the way to a new normal in Southern Africa

It was a game changing move: at that time South Africa was Chair of SADC. So, as Chair of the Health Minister’s group, Dr Motsoaledi could prioritise a progressive agenda across the region. SADC brings together 16 diverse countries ranging from Tanzania to Angola, from DRC to Mozambique and with many challenges for women and girls, including very high rates of HIV, maternal mortality – often due to unsafe abortions – and gender based violence. Since that bold pledge, the SADC Chair has shifted to Namibia, meaning that this year Health Ministers will meet under the chairmanship of another SheDecides Champion: Dr Bernard Haufiku, Namibian Minister of Health and Social Services.