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The proposed framework will provide a coordinated mechanism for supporting regional priorities and translating them into action that improves the lives of East Africans.
The framework was discussed during a high-level meeting between the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and the EAC Secretary General, Amb. Stephen P. Mbundi, at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The delegation was led by Ms. Lydia Zigomo, UNFPA Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, and comprised Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa; Ms. Etleva Kadilli, UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa; and Ms. Medhin Tsehaiu, UNAIDS Deputy Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa.
Welcoming the delegation, Amb. Mbundi expressed appreciation for the longstanding collaboration between the EAC Organs and Institutions and the UN agencies. The Secretary General welcomed the proposed framework, noting that it would help consolidate existing areas of collaboration, strengthen regional coordination and support more coherent action on priorities affecting the lives and livelihoods of East Africans.
Amb. Mbundi emphasised the importance of formalising the framework through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to define the areas of cooperation and provide a clear basis for implementation. He called on the EAC and the UN agencies to fast-track the development of the framework, with the process to be completed within the next three months.
The Secretary General further underscored the importance of strengthening public awareness of the EAC integration process and demonstrating its practical contribution to improving the lives and livelihoods of citizens across the region.
The discussions highlighted health and human capital development as important areas for strengthened regional action. The meeting noted that sustained investment in Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH), HIV, gender, adolescents and youth, and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is critical to human capital development and to harnessing the demographic potential of East Africa’s youthful population. It also underscored the importance of sustainable financing and supportive legal and policy environments in improving health outcomes and advancing inclusive development.
The four UN agencies reaffirmed their commitment to working with the EAC and Partner States to protect and build on progress made in RMNCAH, HIV, UHC, gender, and adolescent and youth health across the region.
The EAC and the four UN agencies have previously collaborated to strengthen regional coordination in these areas, including through regional forums on RMNCAH, HIV and health data management, as well as the development of regional minimum standards for integrated RMNCAH and HIV services.
The partnership framework will provide a more coordinated platform for the EAC, UN agencies and Partner States to align efforts, strengthen regional capacities and translate regional priorities into practical interventions that improve the health and wellbeing of East Africans.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).
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