Ethiopia to host the CPHIA 2026 as Africa rallies for health sovereignty

ETHIOPIA — The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia have officially launched the Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) 2026, setting the stage for what is expected to become the continent’s largest public health gathering.

The launch, announced in Addis Ababa on May 8, signals growing momentum behind Africa’s push to strengthen health security systems and reduce dependence on external support.

Scheduled for November 23–27, 2026, the conference will convene governments, scientists, policymakers, healthcare professionals, innovators, and development partners to advance practical solutions for the continent’s health transformation.

H.E. Ambassador Hadera Abera, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the launch reflects Africa’s determination to build stronger and more resilient health systems in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

He noted that CPHIA 2026 will help accelerate the continent’s transition from dependency to self-reliance while fostering coordinated action to address emerging health threats and systemic vulnerabilities.

Advancing Africa-led health solutions

Held under the theme “Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty: Transformation from Health Dependency and Vulnerability to Ownership and Resilience,” the conference will serve as a strategic platform for advancing Africa-led solutions and accelerating implementation of the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) agenda.

Dr. Raj Tajudeen, Acting Deputy Director General of Africa CDC, said the conference offers an opportunity to shape evidence-based policies that will define the health security future of Africa’s 55 African Union member states.

He highlighted the event’s rapid growth, noting that while the inaugural CPHIA in 2021 attracted 2,500 participants, the 2026 edition aims to host 30,000 delegates, reflecting increasing continental and international engagement.

This year’s event also builds on commitments outlined in the Durban Promise, adopted during CPHIA 2025, which calls for stronger governance, increased investment in primary healthcare systems, and greater regional collaboration to achieve health sovereignty.

Broader momentum for continental health resilience

The launch comes amid several recent Africa CDC initiatives aimed at strengthening public health infrastructure across the continent.

Earlier this month, the agency launched the Advancing Regional Integrated Laboratory Capacity for AMR Control initiative to improve antimicrobial resistance surveillance across eight African countries.

The program seeks to modernize microbiology laboratories and strengthen disease detection systems.

Africa CDC has also expanded strategic partnerships, including a collaboration with Informa Markets to scale CPHIA and other flagship events.

Hosting CPHIA 2026 further reinforces Addis Ababa’s position as Africa’s diplomatic and public health hub, home to the African Union, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and Africa CDC headquarters.

“We are proud to partner with Africa CDC to host this important gathering,” Ambassador Hadera said, while Dr. Tajudeen reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working closely with Ethiopia to ensure a successful conference.