• Reference: P-Z1-IB0-007
• Approval date: 31/05/2006
• Start date: 15/12/2006
• Appraisal Date: 03/03/2006
• Status: OngoingOnGo
• Implementing Agency: SADC - SOUTHERN AFRICA DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY
• Location: SADC REGION

The proposed project, which will be implemented over a period of 60 months, will build the capacity of SADC secretariat to harmonize regional communicable disease control efforts in support of MS, strengthen information systems required for effective coordination and support the implementation of harmonized policies protocols and guidelines for prevention care and treatment of communicable diseases in MS. In the long term the project is expected to result in increased life expectancy in the SADC region. In the medium term, the expected results arising from project interventions will be a reduction in morbidity and mortality due to the three major communicable diseases, HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria. The project interventions although regional in focus will realize results at country level thereby benefiting the people of the SADC region.

The expected project outputs include:

(i)Improved capacity to harmonize policies, protocols and guidelines for the control of communicable diseases by SADC secretariat;

(ii) Increased capacity to implement harmonized policies protocols and guidelines in SADC Member States;

(iii)Effective regional communicable disease surveillance system operational;

(iv)Improved and sustainable availability of essential medicines.

The objective of the project is to contribute to regional integration through the harmonized control of communicable diseases (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria) in the SADC region.

HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria are major causes of mortality, morbidity and poverty in the SADC countries. As a result, the SADC adopted strategies for the control of the three diseases. The strategies are in line with the SADC's vision, which is focused on the well-being, improvement of the standards of living and quality of life. The strategies conform to the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP), which sets priorities, focal areas of intervention and major programmes of the SADC for the next 15 years.

At country level within SADC member states, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria are being controlled using various interventions. Effective inter-country control measures require regional coordination. This can be better achieved with the existence of a regional coordinating body that has the capacity to harmonize control interventions through common policies, strategies and protocols as well as pooling of resources. The SADC offers an appropriate channel for regional coordination .

The Vision Statement of the Bank Group, endorsed by the Governors of the Bank in May 1999, identified regional cooperation and economic integration as important themes for the Bank's operations. The pivotal role that cooperation and integration can play in promoting Africa's sustainable development, economic growth and poverty reduction, is also recognized in the Bank Group's Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration Policy approved by the Board of Directors in March 2000. The proposed project conforms to the Bank Group's Health Sector Policy, Strategies for the Control of HIV/AIDS and Malaria and the Bank Group's Guidelines on Financing of Multinational Operations.

Given the need to strengthen on-going cooperation with regional integration organisations, the proposed project will be financed through grant resources from the ADF allocation for financing of multinational operations. It will be implemented within the framework of the ADB/SADC Cooperation Agreement signed in 1999 and which is aimed at promoting economic integration and development in the member countries.

Economic Impact

Disruption in the social and human capital accumulation process, resulting in the loss of domestic savings, is the essence of what causes HIV/AIDS to adversely affect the economic development process. Social and political changes, social norms, violence and extensive migrations, sex inequality are among major factors in the SADC region contributing to high rates of HIV infections. These high rates of infection reduce economic growth and the capacity of society to provide services, and this in turn accelerates the numbers of people infected. The limited resources available to Governments and civil society to finance health and other services are of necessity reallocated from other priority areas to HIV/AIDS, thus reducing economic efficiency and compromising prospects for the SADC region to improve. High morbidity results in extensive labor absenteeism at all levels, coupled with premature mortality, translate into significant losses in labor productivity.

The project is technically, economically and socially justified. The results will translate into savings in lives as well as reduced burden of illness. Reduced burden of illness at individual, household and community level contribute to increased productivity, thus resulting in the well being of individuals and households and a reduction of health expenditure.

Social Impact

The proposed project responds to Governments' major concerns as stated in the RISDP. It will contribute towards SADC's goal of attaining an acceptable standard of health for all citizen within the objective of 'Health for All' by 2020 in all SADC member states. The project will facilitate the development of responses to the needs of people who are highly susceptible to the impact of communicable diseases, and who require regional-level assistance, such as mobile populations and displaced people. The harmonization of numerous policies, protocols and guidelines currently used by 14 SADC MS, the development of harmonized IEC content, will ensure implementation of communicable disease control programs that will benefit the entire population of the SADC region estimated at 234 million. In addition, managers of communicable disease programs in SADC MS will be trained in the harmonized policies, protocols and guidelines. Further training will be done within countries to ensure national implementation of the new tools.

KGOSIDINTSI Nana Beth Gokwadilwe - OSHD3

Finance source	Amount
ADF	UAC 20,000,000
Co-financier	UAC 2,220,000
Total	UAC 22,220,000