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The third annual International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) organised by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and hosted by the Zambian Ministry of Health took place in Lusaka, Zambia from November 27th – 30th 2023. Under the theme, “Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the Global Health Architecture, the conference provided a unique African-led platform for leaders across the continent to reflect on lessons learned in health and science and align on a way forward for creating more resilient health systems.

During the opening ceremony, H.E. Hakainde Chilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, stated, “CPHIA is unique in the sense that it is talking about health in a holistic way. Health for one, health for families, health for countries, health for the World.”

Appreciative of Africa CDC choosing Zambia as the host country, Zambia’s Health Minister, Hon. Sylvia Masebo, noted that the conference had provided a unique platform for African leaders to define common public health problems affecting Africa. She also emphasized the need for political will and multi-sectoral collaboration as essential tools to ensure equitable health delivery on the continent. “Political will is required for building sustainable health systems.”

CPHIA 2023 showcased how the continent is breaking down barriers, reaffirming Africa as a powerhouse in science and innovation, generator of new knowledge and health products, and exemplar of progress.

Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC said, “Breaking barriers requires us to think beyond the confines of traditional health care models, to leverage new technologies and innovations, to embrace equity and social justice principles, and to foster robust collaborations.” Dr. Kaseya also went on to award Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Lifetime Achievement in Public Health Award for his great contribution to public health in the World.

As African countries accelerate the realization of a New Public Health Order, CPHIA is helping build a healthier, more prosperous Africa – for the continent, and the world. The lessons learned and decisions made during the conference are expected to have a lasting impact on shaping policies, guiding research initiatives, and influencing the allocation of resources to address health challenges on the continent.

CPHIA Through the Years
2021 2022 2023
Virtual and focused on COVID-19 and Africa CDC’s New Public Health Order Theme was “Preparedness for Future Pandemics and post-pandemic recovery: Africa at a crossroads.” Theme “Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the Global Health Architecture”
12,190 online participants 2,800 in-person participants and 11,625 livestream participants 5,100 in-person participants, over 30,000 livestream participants with over 90 countries represented
7 plenaries, 11 parallel and special sessions 9 plenaries, 16 parallel sessions and 3 special sessions 9 plenaries, 18 parallel sessions and 3 special sessions
98 oral abstract and poster presentations 9 abstract sessions, 225 oral and poster presentations 36 abstract sessions with 402 oral, poster and virtual presentations
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