By Jerry Omondi
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will hold its second Annual International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2022) between 13-15 December, in Kigali, Rwanda focusing on the continent’s post-pandemic recovery.
Under the theme of Preparedness for future Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Recovery: Africa at a Crossroad, CPHIA 2022 will bring together African leaders, researchers, policymakers and stakeholders to share scientific findings and public health perspectives and collaborate on research, innovation and public health across the continent.
Africa, like most of the world, is still recovering from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has so far killed more than 252,000 people on the continent.
The CDC has been at the forefront in calling for stronger health systems to tackle future health crises, especially in lower-income countries.
The agency expects CPHIA 2022 to help further its mission to “strengthen Africa’s public health institutions’ capacities, capabilities, and partnerships to prevent, detect and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats based on science, evidence-based policy, and data-driven interventions and programs.”
Ahead of the December conference, CPHIA Co-Chair, Professor Senait Fisseha has called for African-led solutions to the continent’s health needs.
“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,” said Professor Fisseha, MD and Director of Global Programs at the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation.
“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.”
