Africa charts a path to health self-reliance at CPHIA 2025
The 4th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2025) was held in Durban, South Africa, from 22–25 October 2025, under the theme “Moving Towards Self-Reliance to Achieve Universal Health Coverage and Health Security in Africa.” The conference showcased African-led innovation in vaccines, diagnostics, and health technologies, and featured discussions on digital transformation, climate-resilient health systems, and pandemic preparedness.
The Science for Africa Foundation (Kenya), in collaboration with the Infectious Diseases Institute (Uganda), hosted a CPHIA-aligned side-event exploring a critical question: “What should clinical trial preparedness for Africa look like in a pandemic?”
Dr Michelle Singh, Project Officer, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the EDCTP as a proven model for building sustainable clinical trial capacity. The session, moderated by Dr Caxton Murira, featured an expert panel — Dr Fridah Mwendia, Ms Waila J. Mukulu, Dr Jacqueline Mirera, and Dr Miriam Njoki — who shared rich insights on Africa’s untapped potential in clinical research.
Discussions emphasised the importance of expanding clinical trial capacity, strengthening ethics and regulatory frameworks, and fostering collaborative networks across the continent. Speakers underscored the need for strong leadership, integration of clinical trial readiness into national health security strategies, domestic financing, standardised master protocols, workforce retention, and alignment with the GAP-CTS. They also highlighted community engagement, digital readiness, and continuous collaboration as essential enablers.
CPHIA 2025 concluded with the launch of The Durban Promise outcome document outlining seven continental commitments to advance resilient, equitable, and self-sustaining health systems, driven by African leadership and innovation.
Notably, the outcomes of CPHIA 2025 will inform the upcoming Health Working Group Ministerial meeting under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, particularly on global health financing, regional manufacturing capacity, and pandemic preparedness frameworks, ensuring that Africa’s voice remains central in global health decision-making.
CPHIA 2026 will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.