ADDIS ABABA, August 14, 2026 — Africa is seeking to strengthen its ownership of the continent’s public health agenda as the 5th International Conference on Public Health in Africa [ CPHIA 2026 ] prepares to bring together policymakers, scientists and health practitioners in November.
Convened by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention [Africa CDC], CPHIA 2026 will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from November 23 to 27 under the theme, “Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty: Transformation from Health Dependency and Vulnerability to Ownership and Resilience.”
Ahead of the conference, Africa CDC has called on researchers, scientists, public health practitioners and implementers from Africa and beyond to submit abstracts for presentation. It has also invited qualified experts to apply to serve as abstract reviewers.
The two calls are intended to help shape the scientific programme and ensure that research, evidence, innovation and practical experience inform discussions at the conference.
CPHIA 2026 comes as African countries continue to face outbreaks and other public health emergencies, alongside pressure on health financing, climate-related threats and persistent gaps in access to essential health services.
At the same time, the continent is expanding its public health capacity through stronger national and continental institutions, growing research and innovation, increased local manufacturing and a new generation of public health leaders.
The conference will seek to bring these developments together, with discussions focusing on how African countries can strengthen the systems, investments and capabilities needed to protect their populations and respond more effectively to health emergencies.
“Africa is defining the public health future it wants and building the institutions, knowledge and capabilities to deliver it,” Africa CDC Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya said.
“CPHIA 2026 is where we bring that ambition together. We want an Africa that can lead, respond, protect and prevent, and that has the confidence and capacity to take ownership of its health security.”
Science at the centre
The call for abstracts will provide researchers and practitioners with an opportunity to present new evidence, implementation experience and innovations relevant to public health in Africa.
Selected submissions will form part of a scientific programme intended to connect research with policy and practice across the continent.
The review process will also be used to identify research and practical experience that can contribute to policy, programmes and improved health outcomes.
Professor Yemane Berhane, co-chair of the CPHIA 2026 Scientific Programme Committee, said the conference would seek to showcase African-generated evidence and innovation.
“Africa is producing knowledge, evidence and innovation that should increasingly shape public health decisions on the continent and beyond,” he said.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that CPHIA 2026 brings the strongest of that work to the forefront. A rigorous and diverse scientific review process will help us identify the research and practical experience with the greatest potential to influence policy, improve programmes and strengthen health outcomes across Africa.”
Professor Berhane is co-founder and director of the Addis Continental Institute of Public Health [ACIPH] in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Focus on health sovereignty
CPHIA was established as a platform for Africa to convene around its public health priorities. The 2026 conference is expected to place greater emphasis on the practical dimensions of health sovereignty.
Discussions will examine how African countries can finance their health priorities, expand local production of essential health commodities, strengthen institutions, develop and retain health workers, generate locally relevant evidence and build systems capable of responding to health threats before they escalate.
The conference will bring political leaders together with scientists, health workers, communities, young people, innovators, civil society and the private sector.
Africa CDC said the road to CPHIA 2026 will also provide an opportunity to engage governments, researchers, communities, young people, media and partners across the continent on Africa’s health security and readiness.
The conference will be guided by four priorities: Ready to Lead. Ready to Respond. Ready to Protect. Ready to Prevent.
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