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Representative Byron Rushing and Dr. Bevan Goqwana, Eastern Cape Provincial Minister for Health.
Massachusetts has a long and distinguished history as a supporter of democratic rights in South Africa. Having established deep ties with South Africa over four decades of activism against apartheid, many in Massachusetts wanted to continue their support for South Africa's equitable and sustainable development. In January of 1997 SA Partners played a pivotal role in the historic signing of the Sister State-Province Agreement between Massachusetts and the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The Agreement, which fosters cooperation between the two regions, outlines areas of collaboration, such as health care, economic trade, education, and cultural exchange.
Under the auspice of this Agreement, a dynamic bilateral partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and the Eastern Cape Department of Health (ECDOH) has since developed. Collaborations operating within the parameters of this partnership are focused in a number of key areas designed to improve overall administrative and financial management skills within the ECDOH and its various district offices, hospitals, and clinics. Among the priority areas are project management, human resource development, disease surveillance, and information technology. The long-term goal of this partnership is to strengthen the health care infrastructure in the Eastern Cape Province, the most disadvantaged of South Africa's nine provinces.
MDPH established the Massachusetts - South Africa Health Task Force in 2000 to oversee the development of partnerships between universities and community organizations. These partnerships, like those of MDPH, focus on transferring important skills to South Africa, while addressing pressing social issues in both countries.
South Africa Partners serves as staff to the Massachusetts - South Africa Health Task Force.
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