Africa CDC Postpones 4th Conference on Public Health in Africa

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The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has announced the postponement of the 2024 Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA), which was originally set to take place under the theme: “Moving Towards Self-reliance to Achieve Universal Health Coverage and Health Security in Africa” in Rabat, Morocco, from November 26 to 29, 2024.

A statement by Africa CDC described the postponement to a yet-to-be-announced date as a “difficult but necessary decision” made following consultations between Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, and Professor Khalid Aït Taleb, Morocco’s Minister of Health and Social Protection, during a meeting held September 13, 2024, in Rabat, Morocco.

The statement said Africa CDC is currently battling a severe Mpox outbreak that has spread across all five regions, prompting Africa CDC to declare it a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) on 13 August, which was followed by the WHO’s declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 14 August.

“Africa CDC is now concentrating all its efforts and resources on combating this devastating Mpox outbreak. We recognize the CPHIA as an essential platform for dialogue, collaboration, and exchange among public health leaders across Africa. Therefore, we will reschedule the conference to a later date in 2025, which will be announced in due course. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Kingdom of Morocco for their exceptional preparations and commitment to hosting the CPHIA,” the statement said.

Africa CDC says it remains steadfast in its intention to organize the next CPHIA in Rabat in 2025 and calls on all African Union Member States to remain vigilant and continue implementing rigorous measures to curb the spread of Mpox.

CPHIA continues to serve as a unique African-led platform, gathering leaders and experts from across the continent to reflect on progress made in health and science and to align on the path forward toward more resilient health systems. This year’s conference is particularly significant as Africa intensifies efforts to prioritize self-reliance and innovation. The 2024 conference will feature eight major tracks, each focusing on pivotal issues critical to the health and well-being of the continent.

The CPHIA 2024 tracks include Building Health Security in Africa: Local Production of Health Products; Innovative and Sustainable Health Financing for Universal Health Coverage; Revitalizing Primary Health Care to Advance Universal Health Coverage. Others are Digital Innovation and AI for a Healthier Africa; Climate Change and One Health: Strengthening Health Security; Women and Youth: Catalysts of Health and Innovation; New Horizons in Disease Responses; as well as Pandemic Resilience and Preparedness: Optimizing Surveillance and Response.

As Africa continues to face pressing global health challenges, including the impact of climate change on health, the need for robust health security measures, and the pursuit of universal health coverage, CPHIA 2024 will provide a vital platform for discussion and strategy. The event will highlight Africa’s leadership and innovation in tackling these challenges and reaffirm the continent’s role as a key player in global health.

For more information and further updates, please visit our website or contact the Africa CDC Communications team at communications@africacdc.org.