Team Europe Launches Regional Initiative to Strengthen Health Systems in East and Southern Africa

Strategic Insights -

Team Europe, comprised of the European Union, Germany, and Sweden, has launched the Regional Access and Accountability for Increased SRHR Equity in East and Southern Africa (RAISE SRHR) initiative, a critical program aimed at strengthening health systems and expanding access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across the region. The program focuses on improving access to life-saving SRHR services and commodities while enhancing regional collaboration and accountability. The initiative is a reflection of Team Europe's commitment to partnership, solidarity, and shared ambitions, as underscored by Ambassador Petra Pereyra of the European Union to Botswana and SADC.

Key Takeaways:

  • The RAISE SRHR initiative is a EUR 19 million program funded by the European Union, Germany, and Sweden, and implemented in partnership with the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and UN partners, including UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF, and WHO.
  • The program focuses on strengthening data and accountability systems for SRHR, supporting equitable access to quality-assured SRHR commodities through regional pooled procurement and local manufacturing.
  • The RAISE SRHR initiative builds on long-standing investments by the European Union and its Member States under the broader Africa-EU Health Partnership.
  • The program represents a significant milestone in the collective journey to strengthen and sustain resilient health systems across the East African region and beyond.
  • The initiative will support the regional ambition to build resilient and sustainable health systems, enhance local and regional capacity, and facilitate access to quality and affordable medicines.

Statistics:

  • The RAISE SRHR initiative has a total investment of approximately EUR 19 million.
  • The program is implemented in partnership with 8 key stakeholders, including the EAC, SADC, GIZ, 4 UN agencies, and other partners.
  • The initiative aims to strengthen data and accountability systems for SRHR, with a focus on improving access to quality-assured SRHR commodities.
  • The program will support regional pooled procurement and local manufacturing of SRHR commodities.

Sources:

  • Delegation of the European Union to Botswana and SADC
  • European Union
  • German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ)
  • UNAIDS
  • UNFPA
  • UNICEF
  • WHO
  • APO Group