Story by Wellington Makonese
ZIMBABWE has assumed the chairmanship of the SADC Military Health Services (MHS) Working Group, with the body aiming to finalise its military health doctorate and research as its immediate priorities.
Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF)’s Brigadier General Godfrey Mutetse will chair the Working Group, taking over from Zambia’s Brigadier General Jackson Kasela.
Brigadier General Mutetse’s mandate is to spearhead research and address mental health issues, among other priorities.
Outlining his priorities during a two-day Annual General Meeting which started this Monday in Harare, Brigadier General Mutetse said the group would accelerate the implementation of the Military Health Doctorate Programme and expand research in areas affecting regional defence forces.
“We are committed to advancing the adoption of the Military Health Service Doctorate, which will enhance our operational capacity. Our target is to begin implementing this through joint exercises by 2027 or 2028. In addition, we will be focusing on key areas of research and development, particularly the One Health concept, which addresses environmental health, infectious diseases, and the growing impact of non-communicable diseases on our defence forces. Mental health, especially issues related to drug and substance abuse, will also be a major area of focus. Over the next year, we will work through our established structures to develop policy frameworks that will guide our progress” Brigadier General Mutetse said.
The Guest of Honour, Air Vice Marshal Selebale Masera, highlighted the need for innovation to address contemporary challenges.
“I urge each of you to carry the spirit of collaboration and innovation beyond this meeting. We must sustain this momentum to ensure that our collective efforts have a lasting impact on the health of our military personnel and their families.”
The SADC Military Health Services is a mechanism within the region meant to address health issues within the military forces of SADC member states, facilitating discussions and cooperation on various health matters, including HIV and AIDS, TB, malaria, and other health concerns affecting military personnel and their families.
