The acting President of the Republic of Zambia, Mrs. Mutale
Nalumango, said this at the closing ceremony of the third International
Conference on Public Health in Africa in Lusaka, Zambia, on Thursday night.
Nalumango 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 noted that
though Africa’s public health challenges are many and diverse, 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.
The acting President also commended 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.
Also, the Minister of Health, Sylvia Masebo, charged
stakeholders to strengthen 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 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.
This year’s 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.