The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have agreed on a framework to strengthen health emergency preparedness across Eastern, Central and Southern Africa. The framework emerged from a meeting of Regional Economic Communities in Lusaka, Zambia, held from 14 to 16 October 2026.
Five regional blocs took part: SADC, IGAD, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).