“Gathering Health’s Voices: Strengthening CPHIA and Continental Collaboration”

In a continent where the fight against disease has long been waged not only in clinics and laboratories but also in forums of collaboration and shared vision, a new chapter is unfolding. This week, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) announced a strategic partnership with Informa Markets — a global events and exhibitions leader — aimed at expanding the Africa CDC International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) and strengthening other flagship public health events across Africa. The collaboration is designed to bring greater scale, sustainability, and global engagement to gatherings that shape the continent’s health agenda.

CPHIA has rapidly grown since its inaugural edition in December 2021, becoming a central hub where African leaders, scientists, policymakers, frontline health workers, and global partners converge to discuss shared priorities such as disease surveillance, health security, and pandemic preparedness. But as demand for coordinated, continent‑led public health responses increases, so too has the need for a robust framework to ensure that these high‑impact events deliver long‑term value and broader participation.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Addis Ababa, Africa CDC Director‑General Dr. Jean Kaseya and Informa Markets’ President for Middle East, India, Türkiye, and Africa, Mr. Peter Hall, agreed to combine scientific leadership with seasoned expertise in event management. The goal is to enhance the planning, delivery, and sustainability of CPHIA and related forums — while preserving Africa CDC’s scientific and strategic ownership of content.

Dr. Kaseya emphasized that the partnership reinforces Africa CDC’s commitment to continental ownership of public health priorities. He noted that CPHIA has become a vital platform where African voices lead discussions on setting the continent’s health security agenda. As part of Africa CDC’s 2023–2027 Strategic Plan and its Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) agenda, this collaboration aims to elevate CPHIA’s reach and impact, both within Africa and on the global stage.

Informa Markets — known internationally for organizing large‑scale healthcare exhibitions, including the World Health Expo — will leverage its extensive network and experience to broaden participation, attract diverse stakeholders, and help deliver CPHIA events that are more visible and impactful. “Together,” Hall said, “we will ensure CPHIA 2026 delivers lasting value for Africa’s public health ecosystem.”

For public health leaders and communities across Africa, this partnership represents more than an administrative agreement. It is a reflection of a shared vision: that African‑led forums should not only convene minds and voices but also broadcast Africa’s perspectives and solutions to global audiences. As CPHIA evolves into its fifth edition — scheduled for Addis Ababa in 2026 — the hope is that these strengthened public health events will help drive sustained progress toward healthier, more resilient societies.

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Sources Africa CDC official release Guardian Nigeria Metro / News Healthcare Middle East & Africa publication AllAfrica.com aggregation TechEconomy.ng coverage