Expanding the horizons of the conference once again, CPHIA 2023 will showcase how the continent is breaking down barriers, reaffirming Africa as a powerhouse in science and innovation, generator of new knowledge and health products, and exemplar of progress.

As African countries accelerate the realization of a New Public Health Order, this year’s conference will help to build a healthier, more prosperous Africa – for the continent, and the world.

As part of its activities, Africa CDC is promoting artistic expression in a variety of formats, including photography, by launching an AMR photo competition called “AMR advocacy in photos”

1. Theme of the photo contest

Preventing Antimicrobial resistance together.

Description: A captivating photograph(s) that illustrates the collaborative relationship between humans, animals, and the environment in preventing antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing the interconnection of our well-being, which collectively contributes to maintaining our health.

2. Eligibility and submission criteria

a) Eligibility

The contest is open to students across Africa aged between 18 to 30 years old.

b) Submission

Formats for the photographs are the following: jpg, tiff, png, psd, bmp. Files must not be over 10 MB.

The following information must be provided in a word format:

• Author’s name
• Date of the photograph
• Place of the photograph (Location, Country)
• Title of the photograph
• Accompanying text explaining the nature of the photograph and how it relates to AMR Side event theme (100 words)

3. Evaluation area

• Quality of the photo
• Emotion
• Story telling
• Relation to the main theme of the event.

4. Selection Process

The selection will be done in two steps.

1^st Phase: 1 winner per Region

This stage will consist of electing the regional winners for the 5 regions.

 2^nd Phase: The continental winner.

This stage will consist of electing the continental winner.

Judge committee

1^st phase: The application will be judged by the Africa CDC communication experts in collaboration with an independent body of adjudicators in the field of AMR.

2^nd phase: The application will be judged by the Africa CDC communication experts in collaboration with an independent body of adjudicators in the field of AMR.

5. Awards

 1^st phase: All the 1^st phase winner (5 winners) will be offered the CPHIA Experience in Zambia Lusaka (and have the opportunity to interact with the AMR Stakeholders.

2^nd phase: While in Zambia, the continental winner will receive the AMR advocacy contest Certificate and will be appointed as one of the Youth Africa CDC AMR champion

Africa CDC will acknowledge the champion’s achievements and provide a platform

including public announcements, press releases, and recognition at the CPHIA event.

Africa CDC will facilitate connections with experts, professionals, and organizations in the field of AMR, including youth-led AMR organizations, to enable the winner to collaborate with others in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Africa CDC will provide mentorship and guidance to the champion on how to effectively advocate for AMR awareness and action and public relations and communication for the champion to effectively communicate their message and engage with the media.

6. Exclusion criteria: Photographs that contain inappropriate theme as sexual, racist or any other theme that may result offending for the audience will be rejected. Photographs that are not submitted together with the Consent and Declaration form will be rejected.
7. Copyright and permission: The person who submits a photograph must agree with the Consent and Declaration form.
8. Ownership: Ownership of the photographs will be maintained by the participant. However, by participating to the contest, the author gives permission to Africa CDC to display it during the CPHIA and to use it in any format, printings, e-flyer and to also use it on the Africa CDC website and social media handles.

HOW TO SUBMIT

1. Submission: Click https://forms.gle/2fVcAUGAhWNHVT9Y9 to submit your photo + the word document describing the photograph + signed consent form.
2. Deadline: The application will be open by the 30th October, 2023 and shall close by Friday 14^th of November, 2023 (at 4PM EAT)

Should you have any queries or require further assistance, please contact us on Email: LiteteR@africa-union.org , GichiaK@africacdc.org and SheikhF@africa-union.org

We look forward to receiving your application and celebrating Youth commitment to the fight against AMR in Africa using various communication aspects as photographs. Important note: The judges’ decision shall be final. By accepting to enter for these contest, the winners have accepted the rules and conditions of the Award without any reservations.

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1. Can we build global vaccine production capacity in time for the next pandemic? 09:40 CET on Tuesday 17^th October 2023 Key speaker Akhona Tshangela, Program Coordinator for PAVM, Africa CDC
2. Africa’s move towards local manufacturing on the continent -Our framework and action plan by 2040:  11.00 CET Wednesday 18^th of October Key Speaker Akhona Tshangela, Program Coordinator for PAVM, Africa CDC
3. Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) and Bacterial Vaccines:  15:00-15:30 CET Wednesday 18^th October Key speaker Dr Yewande Alimi, AMR and One Health Unit Lead, Africa CDC

Africa CDC will also be exhibiting at the congress and we invite you to explore our significant contributions to the vaccine value chain, including the Partnership for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM), the Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative, and Institute of Pathogen Genomics (PGI). Our exhibition booth will serve as a vibrant hub where you can delve into the pioneering work of Africa CDC.

Prepare to be inspired, informed, and engaged as we collectively strive for a healthier future through vaccination. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the impactful work of Africa CDC at the World Vaccine Congress Europe 2023!

About the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a continental autonomous Public Health agency of the African Union which supports Member States in their efforts to strengthen health systems and improve surveillance, emergency response, prevention and control of diseases.

Learn more at: http://www.africacdc.org

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Special Press Briefing on the launch of Africa CDC Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme (MELP)

INVITATION TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

OVERVIEW: On the margins of the 36^th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, Africa CDC will convene a high-level Ministerial Forum and perform the official launch of the Africa CDC Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme, as a critical component of its strategic objective. The Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme (MELP), is a tailored program for Health Ministers aimed at refining political strategy for transformative leadership through the New Public Health Order for Africa.

Representatives of the media are invited to the opening session of the Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme (MELP) with several Heads of States (see attached flyer).

Date: 18^th February 2023

Time: 7:00am EAT

Venue: Sheraton Hotel, Addis Ababa

 A special press briefing to provided critical updates on the outcome of the closed Ministerial sessions, and highlights on the next steps of the programme’s activities in 2023 will be held as follow:

SPEAKERS:

1. Dr Ahmed Ogwell OUMA, Ag. Director, Africa CDC
2. Prof. Senait Fisseha, Vice President for Global Programs, The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation
3. Dr. Austin Demby, Honorable Minister of Health, Republic of Sierra Leone 
4. Dr Ali Mrabet, Honorable Minister of Health, Republic of Tunisia
5. Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, Honorable Member of Parliament & Minister of Health, Republic of Uganda

WHEN: 18^th February 2023

TIME: 1:30 – 2:00pm EAT (10:30 – 11:00 GMT)

WHERE: Sheraton Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (In-person/Physical)

MODERATOR: G. Nekerwon Gweh, Communication Officer, Africa CDC

Media Q&A: There will be a brief Q&A session with the speakers

For more information:

Ms. Faith Nekabari Nfii, Senior Programme Coordinator – Health Workforce Development & Executive Programme | Africa CDC | Tel: +251 901 091 183 | Email: nfiif@africa-union.org

Media inquiries:

Dorothy Wambeti Njagi, Senior Communication Officer – Policy, Health Diplomacy & Communication: Africa CDC | Tel: +251 940 559 950 | Email: njagid@africa-union.org

G. Nekerwon Gweh, Communication Officer – Policy, Health Diplomacy & Communication; Africa CDC | Tel: +251 945 502 310 | Email: GwehN@africa-union.org

About Africa CDC

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a continental autonomous Public Health agency of the African Union which supports Member States in their efforts to strengthen health systems and improve surveillance, emergency response, prevention and control of diseases.

Learn more at: http://www.africacdc.org

About the African Union

The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. AU Vision: to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient and responsive Commission.

Learn more at: http://www.au.int/en

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This year’s conference has been organized by a committee of leading and renowned health experts under the theme Preparedness for future Pandemics and Post-Pandemic Recovery: Africa at a Crossroads. Building on CPHIA 2021, this year’s conference will also serve as a catalyst to strengthen resilient health systems across the continent to better prepare for and manage emerging health threats while also addressing long-standing infectious diseases. 

Participants from more than 80 countries around the world are expected to attend the gathering. Over three days, CPHIA 2022 will feature presentations from African Heads of State and Government, dignitaries and leading health experts. CPHIA 2022 will feature nine plenary sessions; several parallel and special sessions, abstract-driven oral sessions and posters; and more than 50 side events. 

The conference will focus on:

• The need to address long-standing health challenges on the continent, including local production capacity (vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics), health systems and universal health coverage
• The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and lessons learned to date
• Women in health leadership as an essential building block to improving health outcomes 
• The importance of a renewed focus on NCDs and Africa’s major infectious diseases: HIV, TB, Malaria and NTDs

Click here for a full conference programme and to register.

As part of the conference programme, members of the media are invited to join the following two press briefings: 

12 December (pre-conference media briefing)

7.00am – 7.30am ET / 1.00pm – 1.30pm WAT / 2.00pm – 2.30pm CAT / 3.00pm – 3.30pm EAT 

Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0S_CaejrTWunXxb-LmuXZA] 

Speakers:

• Dr Yvan Butera, Minister of State, Rwanda Ministry of Health
• Dr Ahmed Ogwell Ouma, Ag Director, Africa CDC
• Professor Senait Fisseha, CPHIA 2022 Co-Chair, Vice President, The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation
• Professor Agnes Binagwaho, CPHIA 2022 Co-Chair, Retired Vice-Chancellor, University of Global Health Equity
• Nekerwon Gweh, Moderator

15 December

12.00pm – 1.00pm ET / 6.00pm – 7.00pm WAT / 7.00pm – 8.00pm CAT / 8.00pm – 9pm EAT

Register: [https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_v_3vlNwiSBa9gI0cKt_pow]

Speakers: 

• Hon. Sylvia Masebo, Minister of Health, Zambia
• Dr Ahmed Ogwell Ouma, Ag Director, Africa CDC
• Professor Salim Abdool Karim, Director, Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)
• Julien Mahoro Niyingabira, Moderator

Live stream: https://livestream.com/africanunion/events/9033858 – On Africa CDC social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.     
Languages: The briefing will be available in English and French through interpretation.  
Media Q&A: Journalists may submit questions to Africa CDC during the briefing by sending their full name and the name of their media organization to WhatsApp at +251 94 550 2310.  Journalists may also ask questions live through Zoom.

[END]

For more information or interview opportunities please contact:

Nekerwon Gweh
Communication & Media Engagement, Africa CDC
GwehN@africa-union.org

Chrys Promesse Kaniki
Senior Technical Officer for Strategic Programs, AU COVID-19 Vaccination Bingwa Initiative Coordinator
KanikiC@africa-union.orgOuma Onyango
Manager, Global Health Strategies
oonyango@globalhealthstrategies.com

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WHAT: Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and Global Action for Fungal Infections (GAFFI) launch Report on Diagnostics for fungal diseases in Africa

WHEN: 12 December, 2022

TIME: 18:00 – 20:00 (UTC+2)

WHERE: 2^nd International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2022), Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda

WHY: Fungal infections kill nearly 50% of AIDS patients, many cancer, and intensive patients, exacerbate asthma and COPD and cause blindness through fungal keratitis. Africa CDC and GAFFI will present 2022 survey data from 48 African countries on diagnostic availability and a pilot program in Guatemala that reduced mortality in 2 years by 8% simply with improved rapid diagnostics. The major report will be launched at the event.

About CPHIA 2022

The formal programme takes place 13-15 December 2022 in Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda. Official Side Events begin on 12 December.

The 2nd International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2022) is a three-day conference that will provide a unique platform for African researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to come together and share perspectives and research findings in public health while ushering in a new era of strengthened scientific collaboration and innovation across the continent.

Conference theme: Preparedness for future Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Recovery: Africa at a Crossroad. www.cphia2022.com/

About the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)

Africa CDC is a specialized technical institution of the African Union that strengthens the capacity and capability of Africa’s public health institutions and partnerships to detect and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats and outbreaks based on data-driven interventions and programs. For more information, please visit: http://www.africacdc.org

About Global Action for Fungal Infections (GAFFI)

The high-level objective of GAFFI is to ensure that WHO Essential Diagnostics and Antifungal drugs are accessible to all and aligned to Universal Health Coverage. Vulnerable people from countries in the global south are disproportionately affected, and those afflicted with fungal disease live in misery due to morbidity, the inability to work, and the stigma. Limited diagnosis and poor measurement of disease morbidity means that the true scale of the problem is unknown. GAFFI has been a key global voice for fungal diseases in terms of public and global health since 2013. www.GAFFI.org

Journalists are invited to join the virtual meeting here: Click here

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ms. Liliane Bilogho Ndong Nang | Advocacy/Communications Officer | Africa CDC | E-mail: nangl@africa-union.org | Libreville, Gabon

Ms. Maya Yglesias| Public relations | GAFFI | E-mail: maya.y@thisisgoodwork.org | London, England Division of Policy, Health Diplomacy, and Communication, Africa CDC, African Union Commission | E-mail: africacdc@africa-union.org | Web: www.africacdc.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow us: Facebook | Twitter | Youtube | Linkedin

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Civil society and young people play a crucial role in African countries in promoting public health and reaching communities. With African youth constituting over 65% of the continent’s population, their meaningful engagement has the potential of positively impacting Africa’s health security. Therefore, their structured and systematic engagement in the conversation on public health in Africa is key.
Acknowledging this, Africa CDC will convene a Youth Pre-Conference on 10 – 11 December 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda prior to its 2nd Annual International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) 2022. The aim is to kick-start a long-term strategic engagement between Africa CDC and young people, to advance the full implementation of the NPHO and thereby, drive health security in Africa and globally.

This Youth Pre-Conference will take place in-person and participants are invited to participate at the CPHIA 2022 (13-15 December 2022) to engage in the conversation on the theme: meaningful youth engagement for advancing sustainable health security in Africa. Africa CDC is therefore announcing a call for applications for young public health professionals who are interested in participating in this conference.

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DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION : 22 NOVEMBER 2022 | 17H00 (EAT)

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Background
Antimicrobial agents1, including antibiotics, have saved millions of lives by substantially reducing the burden of diseases in people, animals, and plants and hence improving quality of life, contributing to better food security and safety, and aiding to increased life expectancy.
However, the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in several microorganisms is reversing these benefits and further complicating the management of many infectious diseases. AMR is a major threat to human development and the fight against infectious diseases. It also endangers animal health and welfare and food production as well as affect the health and productivity of ecosystems. While human and animal health dimensions of the AMR crisis have received considerable attention, the environmental dimension is not yet at par. In the recently concluded United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 5), AMR was featured in the resolution on Biodiversity and Health which highlighted the spread of antimicrobial resistance in the environment is increased by pollution from human activities and affecting both human and animal health. This further emphasizes the need to address the challenges posed by AMR using a One-Health approach. The global theme for the 4th World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW4) “Preventing antimicrobial resistance together” is therefore in keeping with the
objective of addressing AMR in a coordinated, multi-stakeholder, multidisciplinary and inclusive manner.
The factors driving the emergence of AMR are complex and multifactorial therefore requiring the use of a multidisciplinary approach to address them. Accordingly, AMR requires a collective and practical response. To mitigate AMR risks with a holistic approach, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), and World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Africa Union Task Force on AMR are working closely together at all levels to achieve this.
The One-Health approach is the holistic approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, ecosystems, and the wider environment. It mobilizes multiple sectors, disciplines, and communities to work together to foster well-being and tackle threats to health and ecosystems. Taking a ‘One Health’ approach has many benefits, such as complementarity for amplified impact, cost savings incurred by addressing multiple threats simultaneously etc.
Under the auspices of the Africa quadripartite members (FAO, OIE, WHO, UNEP), and Africa Union ((Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR)), the 4th continental joint WAAW Africa campaign will be celebrated from 18 to 24 November 2022 on the theme “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together in Africa”

Overview of the weeks’ activities
The 2022 WAAW Africa campaign will be organized in a hybrid mode with focus on the
following topics:

1. Adopting a One Health approach and multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms for AMR prevention and mitigation
2. Optimizing AMR Implementation: Successful Initiatives on AMR control
3. Understanding the environmental dimensions of AMR
4. AMR in aquaculture a concern for food safety, the environment and aquatic animal health
5. Becoming AMR advocates: Why voices of young Africans are needed.
   
   

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