Michael Gwarisa
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has announced that Ethiopia will host the 2026 edition of the International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA), one of the continent’s premier gatherings for health professionals and policymakers.
The fifth CPHIA conference will take place from November 1 to 5 in Addis Ababa, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders including government officials, researchers, development partners, and frontline health practitioners.
Speaking during a virtual press briefing, Jean Kaseya said the conference is expected to draw an unprecedented number of participants, underscoring its growing importance on the global health calendar.
“We are expecting 30,000 participants, bringing together governments, partners, researchers, and practitioners to advance Africa’s public health agenda,” said Kaseya.
CPHIA has rapidly evolved into one of Africa’s largest and most influential public health platforms, both in terms of attendance and the depth of discussions shaping policy and practice. The conference serves as a critical space for sharing innovations, strengthening partnerships, and aligning efforts to address the continent’s most pressing health challenges—from infectious diseases to emerging health threats.
Kaseya added that this year’s gathering will not only spotlight Africa’s progress but also foster global collaboration.
“We are expecting to share more of what Africa is doing, as well as what the rest of the world is doing, during this conference,” he said.
The upcoming event follows a successful fourth edition held in Durban, South Africa, which attracted approximately 20,000 delegates. Organisers say the steady increase in attendance reflects growing interest in Africa-led health solutions and the continent’s expanding role in shaping global health discourse.
With Ethiopia set to host, expectations are high that the 5th CPHIA will further consolidate Africa’s voice in global health and accelerate efforts toward stronger, more resilient health systems across the continent.
