States Parties shall co-operate in addressing health problems and challenges facing them through effective regional collaboration and mutual support under this Protocol for the purposes of achieving the following objectives: a) to identify, promote, co-ordinate and support those activities that have the potential to improve the health of the population within the Region; b) to co-ordinate regional efforts on epidemic preparedness, mapping, prevention, control and where possible the eradication of communicable and non-communicable diseases; c) to promote and co-ordinate the development, education, training and effective utilisation of health personnel and facilities; d) to facilitate the establishment of a mechanism for the referral of patients for tertiary care; e) to foster co-operation and co-ordination in the area of health with international organisations and co-operating partners; f) to promote and co-ordinate laboratory services in the area of health; g) to develop common strategies to address the health needs of women, children and other vulnerable groups; h) to progressively achieve equivalence, harmonisation and standardisation in the provision of health services in the Region; and i) to collaborate and co-operate with other relevant SADC Sectors. --ARTICLE 4 INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS 1. The Health Sector Member States hereby establish institutional mechanisms within the Health Sector necessary for the effective implementation of this Protocol. The institutional mechanisms shall be: (a) The Health Sector Co-ordinating Unit; (b) Health Sector Committee of Ministers; (c) The Health Sector Committee of Senior Officials; and (d) Technical Sub-Committees. Health Sector Co-ordinating Unit 2. The Health Sector Co-ordinating Unit (HSCU), shall be the executing organ of the Health Sector. 3. The HSCU shall be headed by a Director who shall be appointed by the Member State responsible for co-ordinating the Health Sector and shall be assisted by a complement of qualified and experienced personnel in the relevant fields. 4. The functions of the HSCU shall be to a) provide leadership in the articulation of the objectives of the Health Sector, including the preparation of necessary documentation on issues affecting the Health Sector, as well as initiating sectoral plans and projects; b) advise Member States on matters pertaining to the development of the Health Sector; c) organise and manage all policy and technical meetings of the Health Sector; d) prepare Annual Reports of the Health Sector; e) draft terms of reference for consultancies and studies as well as manage consultants hired by the Health Sector; f) convey to and follow-up with relevant parties the decisions of the HSCM and the Council; g) mobilise financial and technical resources for the implementation of the programmes and projects of the Health Sector; and h) carry out any other activity aimed at the promotion of the work of the Health Sector. Health Sector Committee of Ministers 5. The HSCM shall comprise the Ministers responsible for health issues in Member States. 6. The functions of the HSCM shall be to: a) provide guidance and co-ordination of polices, programmes and projects for the Health Sector; b) advise Council on policies to be addressed by the Health Sector; c) liaise with the SADC Secretariat on matters pertaining to the Health Sector; and d) establish sub-committees and other institutional mechanisms for the work of the Health Sector. e) The HSCM shall meet at least once a year under the chairpersonship of the Member State co-ordinating the Sector. Health Sector Committee of Senior Officials 7. The Health Sector Committee of Senior Officials (HSCSO) shall comprise the Permanent Secretaries or persons of equivalent rank responsible for health in Member States. 3