By Iliya Kure
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has announced its 1st International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA), which will take place virtually from 14-16 December 2021.
The conference will bring together African researchers, policymakers and stakeholders to share scientific findings and public health perspectives and collaborate on research, innovation and public health.
The conference was initially slated to hold earlier this year, but was later postponed due to COVID-19, a disease, which caused economic and social disruptions on the continent and have threatened lives and livelihoods.
According to African CDC, COVID has so far infected 7 million people and claimed almost 175,000 lives across the continent.
A statement on the conference, by Director of the Africa CDC, John Nkengasong, says, “Africa has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, COVID-19 has created a historic opportunity to build a new public health order that makes health for all a reality across the continent. Together, we can build health systems and manufacturing capacities to effectively respond to multiple health threats.
“The Africa CDC’s inaugural annual conference provides a platform that capitalizes on the knowledge, experience and ambition of Africans to collectively pave the way for a healthier future for all.”
Over the course of three days, scientific tracks focusing on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, health systems strengthening and learnings from the COVID-19 response will be covered through keynote and panel presentations, plenaries and participatory sessions with a special focus on skill-building for early career professionals.
An Organizing Committee of more than 15 health leaders from across Africa and the globe are helping to shape the strategic direction of the conference.
CPHIA Co-Chair and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Global Health Equity, Professor Agnes Binagwaho, said, “By convening some of the leading figures in public health in Africa, the conference will provide a forum to review lessons learned from COVID-19 and to shape more resilient health systems that can effectively respond to future crises.
“We are eager to see up-and-coming future leaders take center stage in front of their peers as they work to advance public health, scientific education and research in Africa.
Also commenting, Co-Chair and Director of Global Programs and the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, Professor Senait Fisseha, said, “The past 18 months have been full of uncertainty and hardship – especially for women and girls and other marginalized groups – but one clear message has emerged: to build a healthier and more equitable future for all Africans, we need African leadership and African-led solutions.
“I am so inspired by the immense talent and expertise we already have on our continent, and in awe of the leadership of Africa CDC. Through this unique platform, we can chart a bold path forward to improve health care for all people.”
Registration portal is active at www.cphia2021.com to interested individuals who want to participate in the conference.
News Editor