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✒ Pooled Procurement of Pharmaceuticals
The SADC Pooled Procurement Services (SPPS) became a reality after an MOU was signed in
2018 for the pooled procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, hosted by the
Medical Stores Department of the United Republic of Tanzania and expected to reduce the cost
of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies in the region.

✒ Curbing the Spread of HIV and AIDS
The adoption and institutionalisation of a standard, comprehensive package that addresses the
unique challenges in providing equitable and effective HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health
Rights, and provision of services to key and vulnerable populations within SADC, has contributed
greatly in curbing the spread of HIV and the impact of AIDS.

✒ SADCRQF
SADC has taken a significant step towards the harmonisation of education across the region by
approving a Regional Qualifications Framework (SADCRQF) in 2017 that will facilitate the
recognition of entry and exit qualifications in critical skills areas, marking easier access for learners
and workers across the region.

✒ SADC Gender Declaration and Protocol
The first SADC instrument toward gender equality following the 4th World Conference on Women
in 1995 was the SADC Gender Declaration approved in 1997 at the 17th SADC Summit in Blantyre,
Malawi, acknowledging that gender equality is a fundamental human right demanding equal
representation of women and men in decision-making and full access by women to, and control
over, productive resources and formal employment. An Addendum on the Prevention and
Eradication of Violence Against Women and Children was adopted in 1998. The SADC Protocol
on Gender and Development was adopted in 2008, and amended in 2016 to align with
4 international commitments. Most Member States have made notable progress in the participation
and representation of women in political decision-making and economic development.

Milestones/Achievements at a Glance _______
INSTITUTIONAL MILESTONES

✒ Symbols of SADC
The 14 Summit held in August 1994 declared 17 August as SADC Day to be commemorated
th
annually in SADC Member States with popular activities and cultural/sporting events. The SADC
Flag was launched at the 15th SADC Summit in August 1995 at Midrand in South Africa, following
a design competition throughout the region.

✒ SADC Headquarters
The new SADC Headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana was officially opened in 2010 at a
ceremony attended by SADC Heads of State and Government.

✒ Creation of Vibrant Institutions
A key achievement is the establishment of strong regional mechanisms to facilitate deeper
regional integration through institutions such as the River Basin Organisations, Southern African
Power Pool, and the SADC Climate Services Centre.

✒ The Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation
This was first launched as the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security at an Extra-Ordinary Summit
held in Gaborone in June 1996 as a formal institution of SADC with the mandate to support the
maintenance of security and the rule of law in the SADC region, as part of the SADC Secretariat
but with its own strategic planning. Another milestone came in 2020 with its inclusion in a joint
regional strategic plan, the RISDP 2020-2030 as the foundation of regional development.