2.2.5 The HIV/AIDS pandemic in the region is now recognised as the single greatest developmental and public health concern. It is a cross-cutting issue which impacts all sectors including the water sector; but it is also impacted on by the water sector. It is acknowledged that HIV/AIDS decreases the productive capacity of all sectors, including the water sector, due to mortality and morbidity of the economically active population; therefore it has demonstrable adverse impacts on the institutional capacities for water resources management. It also has physical impacts on the environment; for example, the expanding cemeteries around large urban centres are degrading the environment and impacting water quality. Therefore the Regional Water Policy will promote activities to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS, such as improving access to reliable water supply and sanitation, increasing food security. As well, the water sector will collaborate with the health sector, in particular with regard to public awareness and information campaigns to address this paramount health concern. 2.3 Rationale for Regional Water Policy 2.3.1 SADC requires a comprehensive policy framework to guide the management of water resources. At present there is no long-term policy and strategy for the development and management of the region‟s water resources, and in particular the management of transboundary watercourse systems. The Revised SADC Protocol on Shared Watercourses and the Southern African Vision for Water, Life and the Environment, together with its eight sub-visions need to be supported by a comprehensive policy framework. 2.3.2 There are a number water related policy statements scattered in various SADC documents, either of the Water Division or other related sectors (e.g., energy, agriculture, health). These policies were not developed in a coordinated manner, and, in some respects there are gaps or overlaps. There is a need to consolidate policy provisions on water into one single document. It is equally important to establish inter-sectoral coordination on water related management issues at regional2, river basin and national levels. This would facilitate the integration of water, land and other sectors in order to achieve the effective management of water resources for the ultimate goal of regional integration and poverty eradication. 2.3.3 SADC has embarked on the implementation of the RISDP with the aim of achieving regional integration and poverty eradication. Furthermore, SADC Member States are committed to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, which particularly call for improvement in access to sustainable water supply, food security, and energy security. Water resources management, being a cross-cutting and multi-sectoral issue has a vital role to play in these global as well as national initiatives. This can only be effectively carried out within a more comprehensive policy framework 2 In this document, unless otherwise defined the term “region” refers to the entire SADC region and not to geographical areas within a single country. - 10 -