The third edition of the annual conference on public health in Africa is slated to commence next week in the Zambian capital, Lusaka.
The gathering which is organized by the African Union and its public health agency, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), provides a platform for leaders across the continent to reflect on lessons learned in health and science, and agree on a way forward for creating more resilient health systems.
It offers an opportunity for African researchers, policymakers and stakeholders to share perspectives and research findings in public health, with the objective of strengthening scientific collaboration and innovation across the continent.
This year’s event is being held on the theme: ‘Breaking barriers: Repositioning Africa in the Global Health Architecture.’
It builds on the first two previous editions first held virtually in 2021 and the second edition in-person, in Kigali, Rwanda last year.
Hundreds of delegates are billed to attend the event which will be hosted at the Mulungushi International Conference Center in Lusaka.
Among the line-up of speakers already confirmed is Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Dr Austin Demby, as well as the World Health Organization Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti.
Nine topics are up for deliberation in nine plenary sessions in the course of the four days, from pandemic preparedness and resilient financing mechanism to fostering African-led innovation in areas like local production of vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics.
The delegates will also discuss universal health coverage in Africa, access to adequate healthcare for young girls and women, as well as safeguarding the continent’s health security.
Last year’s edition, held in December, was attended by about 2. 800 delegates from across the continent and beyond.
“As African countries accelerate the realisation of a New Public Health Order, this year’s conference will help to build a healthier, more prosperous Africa – for the continent, and the world,” the organizers said in a statement ahead of the event.
