As we navigate through 2025, the global development sector finds itself at a critical juncture. Recent shifts in international funding priorities and evolving geopolitical dynamics have created new challenges for health programs worldwide.
These changes remind us that we must continuously adapt and innovate to deliver impact for communities in need. Against this backdrop, I participated in the 74th Health Ministers’ Conference of the East, Central, and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) in Lilongwe, Malawi.
This milestone event, following ECSA-HC’s Golden Jubilee celebration in 2024, brought together health ministers and policymakers from across the ECSA-HC member states—Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—to chart an ambitious course for the future of health care delivery. The conference also marked an important leadership transition, as Dr. Ntuli Kapologwe of Tanzania was appointed ECSA-HC’s next Director General, following the dedicated service of Acting Director General Mr. Sibusiso Sibandze.
Dr. Samson Mndolo, Malawi’s Secretary for Health; Hon. Dr. Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, Malawi’s Minister of Health; and Dr. Nanthalile Mugala, PATH’s Chief of Africa Region, at the 74th ECSA-HC Meeting
PATH’s extensive footprint across the region, with established offices in Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia, as well as our work in neighboring countries like Mozambique, Rwanda, and South Africa, positions us well to support ECSA-HC’s regional health initiatives. This smooth transition exemplifies ECSA-HC’s institutional strength, and I look forward to building on our strong partnership under Dr. Kapologwe’s leadership to advance regional health priorities.
As a discussant on the conference’s “Partnerships” panel, I had the opportunity to share insights on how technical partners can support member states beyond traditional funding models. Drawing from PATH’s four decades of experience, I outlined six key areas where partnership can drive sustainable impact: program design and implementation, health systems capacity-building, policy advocacy, data systems strengthening, evidence generation, and community engagement. These approaches become particularly crucial as we work to maximize available resources and find innovative solutions to pressing health challenges.
“PATH’s extensive footprint across the region positions us well to support ECSA-HC’s regional health initiatives.”
During the conference, I engaged in productive discussions with regional leaders, including Malawi’s Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, and Dr. Samson Mndolo, Malawi’s Secretary for Health. These conversations reinforced a central theme: the transformative power of sustained partnerships in advancing health equity. For over 50 years, ECSA-HC has demonstrated exemplary leadership in fostering collaboration across borders, and their bold new strategic plan for 2024–2034 sets an inspiring vision for the next decade of regional health cooperation.
Our engagement with Malawi exemplifies the kind of deep, multifaceted partnerships needed to achieve lasting health impact. Through our country office in Lilongwe and technical teams across the region, PATH has worked closely with Malawi’s Ministry of Health since 2015 across various initiatives, from strengthening digital health systems to expanding access to lifesaving vaccines and medical oxygen.
We at PATH are particularly grateful for the trust placed in our partnership by HE Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, President of Malawi, whose vision for digital health transformation has helped catalyze significant progress in strengthening the country’s health information systems. This partnership led to a strategic seed funding initiative that is demonstrating the power of targeted investment in digital health. By strengthening data sharing and accessibility across systems, we are building a foundation for improved health service delivery that benefits multiple health programs and strengthens the entire health system.
The results of our collaboration speak volumes about what’s possible when partners align around shared goals. Through the Malawi Digital Transformation Agenda Program, we have worked together to establish vital infrastructure for health data sharing and management. PATH’s work and support for the national malaria vaccine implementation has contributed to Malawi’s leadership in demonstrating the feasibility and impact of the RTS,S vaccine in routine settings. Meanwhile, our work on oxygen systems and medical device management is helping ensure that lifesaving equipment reaches those who need it most.
Despite current headwinds in the global health funding landscape, we see tremendous opportunities to leverage innovative partnerships and financing approaches to sustain and expand lifesaving work. By combining technical expertise with strong government leadership and commitment, we are building resilient systems that will serve communities for generations to come.
Looking ahead, I am inspired by the bold vision set forth in ECSA-HC’s new strategic plan and encouraged by the strong foundation of partnership we have built with governments across the region.
PATH remains deeply committed to working hand in hand with governments and partners to strengthen health systems, advance digital transformation, and improve health outcomes.
