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Zambia has officially handed over the Chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Military Health Working Group (MHWG) to Zimbabwe, marking the end of its one-year tenure.
The transition took place during the just-concluded Annual General Meeting of the SADC MHWG held from April 14 to 16, 2025, in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The meeting was officially opened by the Zimbabwe Defence Force Chief of Staff Support Services, Air Vice Marshal Salebale Masera.
Brigadier General Dr. Jackson Kasela, Director General of the Zambia Defence Force Medical Services, handed over the chairmanship to his Zimbabwean counterpart, Brigadier General Geoffrey Mutetse, Director General of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Health Services.
Zambia assumed the chairmanship from Tanzania in 2024.
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Reflecting on his tenure, Kasela highlighted key achievements under Zambia’s leadership to include the finalization and adoption of the Working Group’s draft doctrine, the promotion of mental health research and well-being of combatants, and the advancement of the One Health Concept across the region.
“Our tenure was marked by unity of purpose and a spirit of collaboration,” Kasela said. “The adoption of the draft doctrine after years of collective effort is a major milestone, and I am optimistic that it will receive final approval at the next SADC Defence Subcommittee sitting.”
He extended gratitude to member states and the SADC Secretariat for their support and urged continued cooperation under the new leadership.
“As I pass on the chairmanship, I do so with full confidence in Brig Gen Geoffrey Mutetse. I am certain the Working Group will continue to grow in strength, relevance, and impact,” he said.
Kasela pledged full support to his successor and called on all member states to rally behind the new chairperson, emphasizing shared regional values of peace, stability, and health.
In his acceptance speech, Mutetse thanked Zambia for its exemplary leadership and praised Kasela for his dedication and foresight.
“His steadfast commitment to military healthcare has been truly inspirational. Under his guidance, the Working Group reached several milestones, including the successful Troika Meeting in Zambia which laid the groundwork for this AGM,” Mutetse said.
He noted the progress made in standardizing medical equipment, harmonizing medicine regulations, and developing the SADC Military Health Services Doctrine.
He also acknowledged Kasela’s foresight in addressing the withdrawal of donor funding and the need to mobilize internal resources.
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