Who we are

The East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) is a regional organization set up in 1974 to foster cooperation among member states that will lead to the strengthening of health care programs in the region and promote attainment of the highest possible standards of health among member countries.

Through a health ministers resolution in 2014 (ECSA/HMC54/R9), an umbrella college, the ECSA College of Health Sciences (ECSA-CHS) was established. The ECSA-CHS is meant to streamline the operation and relationship amongst the professional colleges, enhance visibility, standardize processes and procedures including quality management, engage stakeholders and tackle common challenges related to accreditations and recognitions by education and professional regulators in the member states, leading to excellence and cost-efficiency in specialists healthcare training, service provision and research in the region.

It focuses on improving health care in the East, Central, and Southern Africa region through the development of high-quality health science education, research, and training programs. ECSA-CHS currently has nine (9) constituent colleges under its umbrella.

Our Vision

A regional College and Center of Excellence contributing to the attainment of the highest standard of health for people in the region.

Our Mission

The Mission of the ECSA-CHS is to promote excellence in specialist services in the East, Central and Southern Africa region in training, service provision and research through the constituent Colleges

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Prof. Yoswa Dambisya emphasized that leadership is key to tackling challenges and ensuring sustained excellence in the healthcare sector.

Prof Yoswa Mbulalina Dambisya (MB ChB; PhD), Director General

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to innovation, equity, and compassion. Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient future for all

Dr. Consity Mwale (COESCA), Chairperson, ECSA-CHS Senate Chairperson

Prof. Yoswa Dambisya emphasized that leadership is key to tackling challenges and ensuring sustained excellence in the healthcare sector.

Prof Yoswa Mbulalina Dambisya (MB ChB; PhD), Director General

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to innovation, equity, and compassion. Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient future for all

Dr. Consity Mwale (COESCA), Chairperson, ECSA-CHS Senate Chairperson

Leadership

The ECSA-CHS governance and management are organized into three main bodies:

senate

The Senate

  • Composed of Presidents and Secretary Generals of the Constituent Colleges (or their equivalents).
  • Meets at least once a year to provide policy and strategic direction

The Executive Committee

  • The Senate Chairperson, Committee Vice Chairs, ECSA-HC Director General, and ECSA-CHS Registrar.
  • The Senate Standing Committees are advisory to the Senate.
  • Academic Affairs Committee
  • Financial Affairs Committee

The Secretariat

  • An administrative unit led by the College Registrar.
  • Responsible for the day-to-day management of ECSA-CHS and the implementation of the Strategic Plan.

The Senate Members

Keynote message – Director General ECSA HC

During the 5th Senate meeting, the Director General of ECSA HC, Prof. Yoswa Dambisya, congratulated the newly elected senate members to the Senate of the ECSA College of Health Sciences. He commended the secretariat and colleges for their remarkable resilience and dedication during the challenging COVID-19 period, noting that their unwavering commitment had been instrumental in navigating these unprecedented times.

 

Prof. Dambisya indicated that there were critical areas demanding immediate attention and action. Firstly, he stressed the need to strengthen accreditation processes to ensure that all programs meet the highest standards of quality and rigor, which would uphold the reputation of the colleges and guarantee that graduates are fully equipped to excel in their professions. Secondly, he highlighted the importance of enhancing recognition efforts through advocacy for the recognition of qualifications and certifications on both national and international levels, as this is crucial for the mobility and career advancement of graduates. Lastly, he urged the facilitation of the absorption of trained Healthcare Workers (HCWs) by working closely with health institutions, government bodies, and the private sector to create pathways for their swift employment and integration into the workforce, which would help mitigate ongoing healthcare challenges and improve public health outcomes.

 

He emphasized that leadership is essential in tackling these issues and driving the institutions towards a future of sustained excellence and impactful contributions to the healthcare sector