The government of the Republic of Zambia has issued a clarion call to African Heads of State, health ministers, and prominent figures in the fields of science, innovation, and research, urging them to prioritize the implementation of decisions and policies aimed at safeguarding public health in Africa and beyond.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the third International Conference on Public Health in Africa in Lusaka, Zambia, the acting President of the Republic of Zambia, Mrs. Mutale Nalumango, emphasized the need for swift action. “After sitting here, I am saying indeed, that so much has been learnt, so much has been shared, but for me standing here, as I always say to people that meet in conferences like this, is the implementation of our decisions. We want solutions,” she stressed.
Nalumango, who is the Vice President of Zambia, acknowledged the myriad challenges faced by Africa in the realm of public health but also expressed optimism regarding the scope for innovation, collaboration, and change. “I see some of the discussions and some of the resolutions to some of the things that have been done. The various platforms and round table discussions during this conference highlighted the complexities and challenges that Africa faces in public health,” she noted.
The conference delved into various facets of public health, encompassing infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and the emergence of new diseases afflicting the continent. As Nalumango reiterated the multifaceted nature of Africa’s public health challenges, she underscored the potential for groundbreaking innovations and collaborative endeavors to effect positive change.
Amid acknowledging the pivotal role of the speakers and panelists, Nalumango called upon the attendees to embrace a forward-looking approach. “As you go back, I encourage you to carry the torch of knowledge and collaboration forward, sharing with those who were not privileged to be in attendance, ensuring to hold on to the connections, and good partnerships and transformative initiatives. Let our shared commitment to public health be a guiding light as we navigate the path ahead,” she implored.
The Minister of Health, Sylvia Masebo, also delivered a compelling charge to stakeholders, emphasizing the need to fortify health systems across the continent. “The conference challenged us to build a resilient and functional public health system on the continent. The public health system should be built to be able to withstand all public health shocks. We are challenged to respond to disease threats arising from climate change challenges, as we know that this is the next biggest thing challenging humanity,” Masebo underscored.
The recently concluded conference, themed “Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the Global Health Architecture,” witnessed the participation of over 5,100 attendees, including African Heads of State, health ministers, leading scientists, researchers, innovators, and journalists, from more than 90 countries. The event comprised 45 sessions and 97 in-person side events, marking it as the most well-attended conference since 2021. This substantial global participation has reinforced Zambia’s leading role in spearheading the global discourse on public health policies.
The resounding call from Zambia for the adoption of decisive measures to enhance public health across the African continent serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating the commitment to surmounting the myriad challenges and emerging as a more resilient Africa. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose in advancing public health for the betterment of societies worldwide.
