South Africa to host 4th International Conference on Public Health in Africa in 2025

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in partnership with the Government of South Africa, has announced the dates and details for the 4th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2025), set to take place from 22 to 25 October 2025 in the vibrant city of Durban. This year's conference will unfold under the ambitious theme “Moving Towards Self-Reliance to Achieve Universal Health Coverage and Health Security in Africa.”

As a convergence point for political leaders, policymakers, researchers, innovators, civil society organisations, and youth, CPHIA 2025 promises to be a transformative gathering aimed at defining Africa’s pathway towards more resilient health systems and reducing reliance on foreign aid. The emphasis on self-reliance underscores a collective commitment to bolstering capacity within the continent.

“CPHIA is a vital part of ongoing efforts by African countries and Africa CDC to build stronger, self-reliant health systems,” commented H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC. “It provides an important platform for leaders, public health experts, and communities to come together to reimagine and transform health financing, ensuring Africa’s health security is driven by African leadership, innovation and partnerships.”

This year’s conference holds strategic global significance, as it will precede the G20 Health Ministers’ meeting, convened under South Africa’s Presidency in early November 2025. The outcomes of CPHIA 2025 will culminate in the “Durban Declaration,” capturing Africa’s collective voice and positioning African-led solutions at the center of global health reform.

“CPHIA is a critical opportunity to promote an African-led agenda for health, anchored in self-reliance and transformation,” said Professor Olive Shisana, CPHIA 2025 Co-Chair. “We aim to align around a Durban Declaration that ensures these priorities are front and centre during the G20 and Global Fund Meetings in November.”

The G20 Health Ministers’ meeting will focus on promoting health equity, solidarity, and universal health coverage, addressing pressing public health challenges through collaborative dialogue and innovation. The outcomes from these discussions will directly inform the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg later that month, where Africa's health and development priorities will take centre stage.

The scientific programme for CPHIA 2025 is spearheaded by Co-Chairs Professor Olive Shisana (President of Evidence Based Solutions) and Professor Placide Mbala Kingebeni (Director of the National Institute of Biomedical Research, DRC). Together, they will assemble public health experts from over 20 nations to build a dynamic and evidence-driven agenda. The conference will highlight three strategic pillars:

• Financing the Future: Investing in resilient and sustainable health systems, while exploring innovative funding models that empower African nations in prioritising their health agendas.
• Boosting Local Manufacturing: Enhancing the production of vaccines, medicines, and diagnostics within Africa to lessen reliance on imports and strengthen health sovereignty.
• Transforming Primary Health Care: Showcasing African-led innovations such as telemedicine and AI-driven digital health solutions designed to extend access and optimise care quality, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Dr. Nhlanhla Msomi, President of AfricaBio and a partner in this conference, remarked: “The BIO Africa Convention is proud to join forces with Africa CDC to connect science, innovation, and enterprise with public health. Together, we can harness the continent’s life sciences ecosystem to drive health resilience and self-reliance.”