The CPHIA: A Platform for African-Led Public Health!
Jedidiah Emmanuel Katongo
By Jedidiah Emmanuel Katongo
The International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) was formed in 2017 by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in collaboration with the African Union, the World Health Organization, and other partners. The inaugural CPHIA conference was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in November 2017.
The CPHIA was formed to provide a platform for African leaders to reflect on lessons learned in health and science, and to align on a way forward for creating more resilient health systems on the continent. The conference also aims to promote African-led innovation in public health, and to strengthen partnerships between African governments, civil society, the private sector, and academia.
In a statement at the inaugural CPHIA conference, Dr. John Nkengasong, the Director of the Africa CDC, said:
“The CPHIA is a historic opportunity for Africa to come together and shape its own future in public health. We are facing many challenges, but we also have many opportunities. By working together, we can create a healthier and more prosperous Africa for all.”
The CPHIA has been praised by many African leaders and public health experts for its role in promoting African-led public health initiatives. In a statement, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, said:
“The CPHIA is a vital platform for African leaders to come together and share ideas on how to improve public health on the continent. The WHO is committed to working with the Africa CDC and other partners to support the CPHIA and its mission to create a healthier and more prosperous Africa for all.”
The CPHIA is held annually, and has since grown to become one of the largest and most important public health conferences in Africa. The 2023 CPHIA conference will be held in Lusaka, Zambia, from November 27 to 30.
Statements from others on the CPHIA:
“The CPHIA is a critical platform for African leaders to come together and discuss the most pressing public health challenges facing the continent. It is also an opportunity to showcase African innovation and to strengthen partnerships between African governments, civil society, the private sector, and academia.” – Dr. Agnes Binagwaho, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Global Health Equity
“The CPHIA is a valuable opportunity for African public health professionals to share their knowledge and expertise, and to learn from each other. It is also a platform for African governments to make commitments to improving public health on the continent.” – Dr. Ayoade Alakija, CEO of the African Leadership Institute
“The CPHIA is an important platform for promoting African-led innovation in public health. It is also an opportunity to showcase the continent’s progress in public health, and to highlight the challenges that still need to be addressed.” – Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa
The CPHIA has played an important role in promoting African-led public health initiatives and in strengthening partnerships between African governments, civil society, the private sector, and academia. The conference has also been praised for its role in showcasing the continent’s progress in public health and in highlighting the challenges that still need to be addressed.
