About ECSA Health Community

 In 1974, the East, Central and Southern African (ECSA) Health Community, formerly known as Commonwealth Regional Health Community Secretariat was established under the auspices of the Commonwealth Secretariat in London. The organization was set up to promote regional cooperation in health. In 1980, the ownership of the organization was transferred directly from COMSEC to 14 member states in the East, Central and Southern Africa namely; Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Mauritius, and Bostwana. The 14 member states together have a combined population of more than 190 million people, making ECSA one of the largest health organizations in the region.

 During the 30 years of its existence ECSA, has evolved into a strong regional organization that provides member countries with a unique framework for addressing health problems that require joint action. As an inter-governmental organization ECSA enjoys direct links with regional health policy-makers who include Health Ministers and Permanent/Principal Secretaries as well as an extensive network of regional health institutions. ECSA also maintains strong linkages with international development agencies based in the region and other parts of the world.

 ECSA contributes to improving health in the region by undertaking activities that aim to promote and encourage efficiency and relevance in the provision of health services in the region. Most of the activities have been undertaken in the areas of capacity building, policy and advocacy, research and evaluation and information sharing.