The 3rd International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2023) kicked off on Tuesday, November 28 in Lusaka, Zambia. 

Distinguished by the presence of African Heads of State, health ministers, and a constellation of scientists, innovators, and researchers, the conference promises to be a pivotal event shaping the future of public health on the continent.

Under the theme "Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the Global Health Architecture," the four-day conference spans four days from November 27-30, 2023. It is set to illuminate cutting-edge research, innovations, and homegrown solutions to the persistent challenges faced by Africa's public health landscape.

Evidence of Africa's progress, particularly bolstered by the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the conference acknowledges the significant strides made in disease surveillance and outbreak response.

However, it also confronts the stark realities: infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS still claim millions of lives annually, noncommunicable diseases are on the rise, and maternal mortality remains alarmingly high.

The Director-General of Africa CDC, Dr Jean Kaseya expressed optimism in the face of these challenges: "Africa faces significant barriers, but through our collective resilience and ingenuity, we are breaking down these barriers and creating a New Public Health Order for the continent."

CPHIA 2023 aims to propel Africa into the global health narrative by fostering conversations that showcase African-led research, health products, and best practices. 

Dr Kaseya affirmed, "Our continent is a source of extraordinary knowledge and innovation – this conference will showcase this excellence and position Africa as a transformative force in the global health narrative."

Hosted by the African Union and Africa CDC in collaboration with the Zambia Ministry of Health and the Zambia National Public Health Institute, the conference's diverse agenda includes plenary and parallel sessions, high-level special sessions, abstract-driven sessions, and over 100 side events. The event combines both in-person and virtual components, building on the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prof. Senait Fisseha, CPHIA 2023 Co-Chair, and Vice President of Global Programmes, Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, emphasised the significance of the conference in the context of recent global challenges: "CPHIA started during the COVID-19 pandemic – a pivotal time for Africa and the world. Coming together virtually in 2021 and in person in 2022, we shared lessons and approaches that saw us through the pandemic, and we have emerged stronger as a continent."

Discussions in Lusaka will explore resilient financing mechanisms, Africa's progress in local production of health essentials, healthcare access for women and girls, and multi-sectoral responses to enhance health security. 

The conference seeks to showcase how African researchers and health leaders leverage scientific research and innovations to develop groundbreaking solutions and generate lessons for the global community.

Prof. Margaret Gyapong, Co-Chair of CPHIA 2023 and Director of the Institute of Health Research at the University of Health and Applied Sciences, emphasised that the conference will build upon the achievements of CPHIA 2021 and 2022.

“Building on the success of CPHIA 2021 and 2022, this year’s convening will show how African researchers and health leaders are leveraging scientific research and innovations to develop groundbreaking solutions to long-standing challenges – and generating critical lessons from which the rest of the world can learn.’’

The distinguished speakers at CPHIA 2023 include Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia; Sylvia Masebo, Minister of Health of Zambia; Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization; and other key figures from the African Union, World Health Organization, and health research institutions.

Minister Sylvia Masebo, Minister of Health of Zambia, expressed pride in hosting the continent's largest gathering of health experts: "CPHIA is the largest gathering of health experts, leaders, and researchers in Africa, and we are proud to host this year’s conference in Lusaka, Zambia."

The conference is anticipated to spark collaborations, foster knowledge exchange, and pave the way for a healthier and more prosperous Africa. CPHIA 2023 embodies the collective determination to break barriers and create a robust foundation for the future of public health on the continent.