By: Peter Emmanuel |
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has called on scientists, researchers and public health experts to submit their work and contribute to shaping the scientific programme of the 5th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2026).
The conference, scheduled to take place from November 23 to 27, 2026, will focus on Africa’s efforts to strengthen health security and move from health dependency and vulnerability towards greater ownership, resilience and sovereignty.
The call for abstracts and applications from qualified experts to serve as abstract reviewers was announced by Africa CDC on August 12, as preparations intensify for the continental public health gathering.
Researchers, scientists, public health practitioners and implementers from Africa and beyond are being encouraged to submit new evidence, innovations and practical experiences that can contribute to discussions on the continent’s health priorities.
Africa CDC said the initiative would help ensure that evidence and knowledge generated by researchers and practitioners contribute directly to the policies, programmes and systems shaping public health across Africa.
Africa CDC Opens Call for Abstracts, Reviewers
The call for abstracts provides researchers and public health practitioners with an opportunity to present new evidence, implementation experiences and innovations at CPHIA 2026.
Africa CDC said selected submissions would form part of a scientific programme designed to connect research with policy and practical decisions affecting public health across the continent.
The agency is also inviting qualified experts to apply as abstract reviewers who will assess submitted work and contribute to determining the scientific content of the conference.
The review process is expected to help ensure that the scientific programme reflects strong evidence, practical experience and emerging ideas from Africa and other parts of the world.
Professor Yemane Berhane, Co-Chair of the CPHIA 2026 Scientific Programme Committee, said Africa was producing knowledge and innovation that should increasingly influence public health decisions on the continent and beyond.
CPHIA 2026 Targets Health Sovereignty, Resilience
CPHIA 2026 will be held under the theme, “Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty: Transformation from Health Dependency and Vulnerability to Ownership and Resilience.”
The conference comes as African countries continue to face outbreaks and other public health emergencies alongside challenges including reduced health financing, climate pressures and gaps in access to essential health services.
At the same time, Africa CDC said stronger national and continental institutions, expanding African research and innovation, local manufacturing and a new generation of public health leaders are creating opportunities for the continent to take greater ownership of its health agenda.
The conference will examine practical issues around how African countries can finance their health priorities, strengthen institutions, develop and retain skilled health workers, produce essential health commodities and generate evidence to guide decisions.
Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, said Africa was building the institutions, knowledge and capabilities needed to define and deliver the public health future it wants.
Conference to Connect Science, Policy and Public Health
CPHIA 2026 is expected to bring together political leaders, scientists, health workers, communities, young people, innovators, civil society organisations and private-sector actors to discuss the continent’s public health priorities.
Africa CDC said the conference would focus on translating commitments into the systems, investments and capabilities required to protect populations and strengthen preparedness for health emergencies.
The scientific programme will provide a platform for research and practical experiences that can influence policy, improve public health programmes and strengthen health outcomes across African countries.
Professor Berhane said a rigorous and diverse scientific review process would help identify research and practical experiences with the greatest potential to influence policy and improve health outcomes.
The conference is also expected to serve as a platform for broader discussions on Africa’s ability to lead, respond to health emergencies, protect its populations and prevent crises before they escalate.
Ahead of the November conference, Africa CDC said it would continue engaging governments, scientists, communities, young people, media organisations and development partners across the continent.
Further announcements on speakers, partnerships, the scientific programme and participation are expected as preparations continue.
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