The acting President of the Republic of Zambia, Mrs Mutale Nalumango, has called on African Heads of State, ministers of health, and leading scientists, innovators and researchers among others to implement decisions and policies that will safeguard public health in Africa and beyond.
According to The PUNCH, Nalumango made this call at the closing ceremony of the third International Conference on Public Health in Africa in Lusaka, Zambia, on Thursday night.
She said, “After sitting here, I am saying indeed, that so much has been learnt, so much has been shared, but for me standing here, as I always say to people that meet in conferences like this, is the implementation of our decisions. We want solutions.”
Nalumango, who is the Vice President of Zambia explained that though Africa’s public health challenges are many and diverse, adding that there is an opportunity for innovation, collaboration, and change.
“I see some of the discussions and some of the resolutions to some of the things that have been done. The various platforms and round table discussions during this conference highlighted the complexities, and challenges that Africa faces in public health.
“The experts in this conference explored many areas in public health, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and the emerging and re-emerging diseases affecting the continent.
“Though our public health challenges are many and diverse, we remain hopeful that there is an opportunity for innovation, collaboration, and change,” she stated.
Nalumango also lauded the speakers and panelists’ contributions to inspiring new ideas that will shape the future of public health policies and practices in Africa.
“As you go back, I encourage you to carry the torch of knowledge and collaboration forward, sharing with those who were not privileged to be in attendance, ensuring to hold on to the connections, and good partnerships and transformative initiatives.
“Let our shared commitment to public health be a guiding light as we navigate the path ahead.
“Let us go back with renewed energy and strengthen the sense of purpose and conviction. Together, we can build a healthier and more resilient Africa. Let us align with the theme of the conference, which was, Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the Global Health Architecture,” she advised.
The Minister of Health, Sylvia Masebo, has enjoined stakeholders to boost health systems in the continent.
“The conference challenged us to build a resilient and functional public health system on the continent.
“The public health system should be built to be able to withstand all public health shocks.
“We are challenged to respond to disease threats arising from climate change challenges, as we know that this is the next biggest thing challenging humanity,” Masebo said.
The PUNCH reported that the third CPHIA themed “Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the global health architecture,” was held in Lusaka, Zambia, from November 27-30, 2023, with a virtual programme, including abstract presentations and side events.
The 2023 CPHIA was attended by over 5,100 participants, including African Heads of State, Ministers of health, leading scientists, researchers, innovators, journalists, among others, from over 90 countries.
The 45 sessions and 97 in-person side events held at the conference made it the highest-attended event since 2021.
