More than 100 experts from across Africa and beyond have been appointed to develop the scientific program for the fifth International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2026), set to take place in Addis Ababa in November 2026.
The conference, co-hosted by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the Ethiopian government, is expected to bring together policymakers, scientists, health professionals, development partners, innovators, and private-sector representatives from around the world.
Speaking at the launch event this week in Addis Ababa, Hadera Abera, a state minister for Foreign Affairs, said the success of CPHIA 2026 would depend on “the engagement and shared commitment of all involved partners.”
Officially opening the launch, the State Minister said African Union member states, international organizations, registered institutions, development partners, the private sector, academia, civil society organizations, youth groups, and innovators are all expected to participate actively in the conference.
“We hope the conference will deliver practical outcomes and foster partnerships that will accelerate the move toward a healthier and more prosperous Africa,” he said.
During the briefing, organizers also outlined the ongoing work of the Scientific Program Committee (SPC), which is leading preparations for the conference agenda.
According to organizers, the scientific program will be coordinated by Professor Placid Mbala, who heads the international coordination team, and Professor Yemane Birhane, who leads the local coordination team. Together, they will oversee a network of more than 100 experts tasked with shaping the conference agenda and facilitating dialogue among politicians, policymakers, researchers, and program implementers.
The SPC is responsible for coordinating conference sub-teams, reviewing abstracts, ensuring scientific and evidence-based content across conference platforms, and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and international health partners.
Organizers said weekly planning meetings are already underway to refine the conference themes and discussion tracks, with sessions expected to continue throughout the preparation period and after the conference itself.
This year’s conference will be held under the theme: Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty: Transformation from Health Dependency and Vulnerability to Ownership and Resilience.
Launched in 2021, CPHIA has become Africa’s largest public health gathering, serving as a platform for discussions on health systems, scientific innovation, disease preparedness, and continental health policy.
Organizers also highlighted efforts to mobilize private-sector support in addition to existing sponsorship packages and partnership initiatives. The secretariat said it is developing communication, advocacy, and branding strategies and has contracted agency partners from the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates to support conference organization and private-sector engagement.
The secretariat added that Ethiopia has the infrastructure needed to host the event, including streamlined visa procedures and adequate airline connectivity for the expected international delegates.
Speaking at the briefing, Professor Yemane Birhane said the conference presents “an opportunity to renew Africa’s commitment to self-reliance.”
He added that the continent’s investments in training, research infrastructure, and institutions over the past decades have grown significantly. He said the conference will create opportunities to strengthen partnerships, showcase innovations, and promote the exchange of knowledge and skills across Africa.
