African leaders gather to break barriers and reposition the continent in global health. In public health, Africa is working toward becoming more self-sufficient and strengthening its healthcare systems. A promise to improve collaboration and investment in healthcare was made at the beginning of the Third International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA), which took place all across Africa.
In his remarks, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), emphasized that the conference theme for this year, “Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the Global Health Architecture,” highlights a fundamental truth. He stated that health is a matter of medical science and policy, equity, and global cooperation.
Over five thousand delegates met in Lusaka, Zambia, for the opening ceremony, where Kaseya made this statement. The ceremony’s purpose was to dive into crucial challenges defining the public health landscape in Africa. The Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, is a champion of transformative change; the Prime Minister of Namibia, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, is a beacon of resilience; the Minister of Health of Zambia, Sylvia T. Masebo, is a staunch advocate for well-being; and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who is the world’s foremost guardian of global health, will be present at this momentous occasion.
“Breaking barriers in public health requires us to think beyond traditional models and embrace technology, equity, and collaboration,” according to Kaseya. The voices of those who are vulnerable need to be amplified, and we need to rethink our position in the field of global health. By working together, we can create a new public health order for Africa that is robust, egalitarian, and prepared for the future. The purpose of this conference is to mark the first anniversary of Africa CDC’s founding as an independent organization under the visionary leadership of African leaders. Africa’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have become a symbol of optimism and advancement, persistently working to improve the health and well-being of the African people.
According to Kaseya, the African Center for Disease Control and Prevention is committed to implementing a New Public Health Order for Africa. This order is intended to reshape the African continent’s healthcare landscape by emphasizing the 5Cs, which are community, connectivity, capacity, collaboration, and climate.
Hakainde Hichilema, the President of Zambia, issued a clarion call for African nations to develop their healthcare systems through collaborative effort, transcending geographical barriers. This statement was an echo of Kaseya’s plea for unity and collaboration.
“There is no’my area’ in healthcare,” he said before the audience. “We must work together to optimize resource utilization, even amidst scarcity.”
According to Hichilema, the COVID-19 epidemic was a stark reminder of the interdependence among African countries in the fight against health issues. He reaffirmed the commitment of African leaders to ensure that all people have equal access to vaccinations and medical supplies. This was done to prevent a repetition of experiences during the epidemic. Hichilema cited Zambia’s budgetary growth from seven percent to twelve percent over the previous two years to emphasize the significance of making substantial expenditures in healthcare systems. It was emphasized that it is essential to allocate resources responsibly, prioritizing areas that increase healthcare efficiency.
Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, the Prime Minister of Namibia, has been one of the driving forces behind the construction of robust, resilient, and sustainable healthcare systems across Africa. These systems are rooted in the fundamental principle of primary healthcare. She emphasized the inextricable connection between good health and national development during her speech, stating that a nation can’t grow without providing its residents with high-quality medical care.
The conference, which will take place from November 27th to 30th, will serve as a shining example of African ingenuity. It will highlight the continent’s pioneering scientific breakthroughs and unshakable dedication to health fairness. This high-level gathering will bring together African leaders, academics, and scientists to address the most critical health issues the African continent faces.
Innovations in Health Technology and Public Health Bring Africa to the Forefront of the World
Professor Margaret Gyapong, CPHIA 2023 Co-Chair and Director of the Institute of Health Research, University of Health and Allied Sciences, stated during the media press briefing that Africa is experiencing a surge in health technology advancements. Mobile health apps, telemedicine platforms, and digital disease surveillance systems drive these advancements.
The researcher stated that African scientists and researchers are leading these innovations, resulting from partnerships between governments, businesses, and civil society organizations.
In addition, Gyapong stated that African scientists and researchers are at the forefront of the development of innovative vaccinations that are specifically designed to combat regional disease loads such as HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria. An illustration of this would be the creation of the RTS-S malaria vaccine, which is currently being utilized to protect populations from infections that vaccination may prevent. Another illustration is the Afrigen Lab in South Africa, which is now developing the first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine that Africans own. A digital community surveillance platform has been built in Kenya to assist workers and disease surveillance officers in detecting, texting, and reporting hazards and illnesses at the grassroots level.
“To maximize the impact of these innovations, there must be concerted efforts to scale up successful interventions across the continent,” said the researcher.
In her statement, the Minister of Health for Zambia, Sylvia Masebo, expressed her pride by stating, “Over the course of the past few years, Zambia has made significant strides in public health, including increased access to healthcare, improved sanitation, and the implementation of various disease prevention programs.” Consequently, we have witnessed a significant increase in the general health of our population, and we continue to be unwavering in our efforts to improve the quality of life throughout the whole country of Zambia.
The next thing that Masebo did was express the nation’s delight about hosting CPHIA 2023. He also mentioned the conference’s significance in boosting collaboration and knowledge-sharing among African nations.
“The topics discussed at CPHIA 2023, such as disease prevention, health policy and governance, health promotion, and health equity, are all highly relevant to Zambia’s public health challenges,” said the government minister. “CPHIA 2023 allows us to learn from experts in the field and engage in critical discussions about these and other pressing issues.”
