Picture this: Lusaka, November 27th to 30th, where we attended the third Conference of Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2023). It was more than just a conference; it was a vibrant gathering of African leaders, researchers, policymakers, and health enthusiasts, all diving into the deep pool of public health discussions.
Our mission? Simple. We soaked up knowledge, shared experiences, and mingled with the brilliant minds shaping Africa’s health security landscape. No, it was not just business as usual; it was an inspiring adventure filled with insights, collaboration, and a dash of African warmth.
Amidst the buzz, we did not just sit back; we jumped into key sessions, workshops, and panel discussions. Why? To stay on top of our public health game. From community engagement which stole the spotlight as an effective response to health challenges, to the power of partnerships cutting across borders and sectors, we were there, soaking it all in.
And we uncovered many gems. There were important discussions on the importance of strong leadership in public health response and the role of the private sector in training health heroes. There was also a key discussion on the epic battle against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)—the supergerms we are always fighting at DRASA. At CPHIA, we connected the dots between AMR and the 2023 Sustainable Development Goals, urging policymakers to act pronto
In addition, priority issues highlighted included local vaccine manufacturing, waving goodbye to Neglected Tropical Diseases, and investing in climate-resilient health systems—all on our radar. We dived into the nitty-gritty details of each of these, from improving health literacy on climate change to the magic of data-driven decisions.
And here is the best part: CPHIA 2023 was like a treasure chest for us at DRASA. We made connections, absorbed knowledge, got inspired, and even identified opportunities to collaborate with new partners. It was an important event, and we cannot wait to put all these lessons into action.
As we look to the future, our compass points to community-driven and resilient health systems, advocating for the changes that matter, and keeping our mission alive: boosting health security in Nigeria and across Africa.
The journey has just begun, and we are all in!
