The 5th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2026) will take place from 23–27 November 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together public health leaders, researchers, policymakers, governments, private-sector actors, innovators, programme implementers, and partners from across Africa and the wider global health community. The conference is co-hosted by the Government of Ethiopia and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
CPHIA is Africa CDC's flagship annual public health conference and has grown into an important continental platform for discussing the health challenges facing Africa, sharing scientific evidence and innovations, building partnerships, and turning research into policies, health products, programmes, and practical action.
Why CPHIA Matters for African Public Health
Year
Location
Participants
2021
Virtual
12,000+ virtual participants
2022
Kigali, Rwanda
14,000+ in-person and virtual
2023
Lusaka, Zambia
35,000+
2025
Durban, South Africa
17,000+
2026
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
30,000+ expected
Core Pillars of CPHIA
Pillar
Description
Science and Innovation
Present research and connect knowledge with decision-makers
Transformative Policies and Action
Move beyond identifying problems to policies and programmes
Political Leadership for Impact
Government leadership and political commitment for health systems
Why You Should Attend
Benefit
Description
High-Level Policy Dialogue
Engage with Heads of State, Ministers, global health leaders
Scientific Sessions
100+ sessions presenting research and innovations
Innovation Showcase
Health products, technologies, African solutions
Networking
Connect with 30,000+ delegates
Awards
Best Oral, Best Poster, Young Investigator, Innovation in Public Health
Partnerships
Strategic partnerships for health security
Exhibition
Showcase products and services
Side Events
Organize satellite sessions
CPHIA 2026 Conference Tracks
Track 1: Elevating Africa as a Leader in a Reformed and Inclusive Global Health Architecture
Focus
Description
African Leadership
Strengthening Africa's role in global health
Governance
Governance of global health institutions
Representation
Equity and decision-making power
Health Sovereignty
Health sovereignty and international partnerships
Track 2: Institutionalisation of Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response in Africa
Focus
Description
Surveillance
Disease surveillance systems
Emergency Preparedness
Preparedness for health emergencies
Laboratory Capacity
Laboratory and diagnostic capacity
Workforce Preparedness
Health workforce development
Cross-Border Collaboration
Regional cooperation
Track 3: African Stakeholders' Empowerment and Predictable, Innovative and Blended Financing
Focus
Description
Health Financing
Innovative and sustainable financing
Universal Health Coverage
Financing for UHC
Self-Reliance
Greater African ownership and financial sustainability
Track 4: Primary Health Care, Digital Transformation and AI-Enabled Health Systems
Focus
Description
Digital Health
Digital transformation in healthcare
Artificial Intelligence
AI-enabled health systems
Primary Healthcare
Evidence-based primary healthcare
Health Data
Health information systems
Track 5: Unlocking Opportunities for Local Manufacturing in Africa
Focus
Description
Local Manufacturing
Building Africa's ability to manufacture health products
Health Sovereignty
Reduced dependence on external supply chains
African Solutions
Locally driven health solutions
Track 6: Climate, Health Security and African Resilience
Focus
Description
Climate Change
Climate impacts on health
One Health
Environmental and public health connections
Health Security
Climate-resilient health systems
African Resilience
Building resilience to climate and health challenges
Abstract Submission
Key Dates
Event
Date
Call for Abstracts Opens
5 August 2026
Abstract Submission Deadline
15 September 2026
Acceptance Notification
15 October 2026
Final Presentation Upload
30 October 2026
Abstract Requirements
Requirement
Details
Maximum Length
300 words (excluding title and author info)
Structure
Background, Methods, Results, Conclusion
Title
Maximum 20 words
Keywords
3–5 keywords
Originality
Original work, not previously published
Authors
List all authors and affiliations
Conflicts of Interest
Must be declared
Abstract Review Criteria
Criteria
Description
Scientific Merit
Scientific quality
Originality
Novelty of research
Relevance
Connection to CPHIA themes
Methodological Rigor
Quality of methodology
Impact
Potential impact on African public health
Presentation Formats
Format
Details
Oral Presentation
12 minutes presentation + 3 minutes Q&A
Poster Presentation
A0 size (841 × 1189 mm), portrait orientation
E-Poster
PowerPoint, maximum 5 slides, digital display
Important Abstract Rules
Rule
Description
Presenting Author
Must register for the conference
Late Submissions
Will not be accepted
Maximum Submissions
Each presenting author may submit maximum 3 abstracts
Conference Proceedings
Accepted abstracts included in proceedings
Registration Information
Registration Timeline
Event
Date
Early-Bird Registration Opens
3 August 2026
Early-Bird Registration Closes
22 August 2026
Regular Registration Opens
23 August 2026
Conference Dates
23–27 November 2026
Travel Scholarships
Detail
Information
Eligibility
Researchers submitting high-quality abstracts
Relevant Deadline
15 September 2026
Note
Abstract acceptance does not automatically guarantee funded travel
5th International Conference on Public Health in Africa by Africa CDC.
Q2. Where is it located?
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Q3. When is it?
23–27 November 2026.
Q4. What is the theme?
Africa's Health Security and Sovereignty.
Q5. How many attendees are expected?
30,000+.
Q6. What are the conference tracks?
6 tracks covering global health architecture, pandemic preparedness, financing, primary healthcare & AI, local manufacturing, climate & health.
Q7. Can I submit an abstract?
Yes, deadline 15 September 2026.
Q8. What is the abstract length limit?
300 words.
Q9. When does early-bird registration close?
22 August 2026.
Q10. Are travel scholarships available?
Yes, for researchers submitting high-quality abstracts.
CareerFlora Expert Insight
CPHIA 2026 represents a landmark opportunity for public health professionals, researchers, and policymakers to engage with Africa's most pressing health challenges. With the theme "Africa's Health Security and Sovereignty," the conference addresses critical issues including pandemic preparedness, health financing, digital health, local manufacturing, and climate resilience.
The presence of Africa CDC leadership, heads of state, ministers, and global health leaders makes this a unique platform for networking and collaboration. The six scientific tracks cover the full spectrum of contemporary public health priorities, ensuring relevance for diverse stakeholders.
Best Opportunity For
Category
Suitable
Public Health Professionals
Yes
Medical Researchers
Yes
Epidemiologists
Yes
Clinicians
Yes
Health-Policy Specialists
Yes
Government Officials
Yes
Students & Early-Career Researchers
Yes
Digital-Health Specialists
Yes
One Health Specialists
Yes
NGOs & Civil Society
Yes
Competition Level
Category
Level
Overall Competition
High
Selection Difficulty
Competitive
Application Complexity
Medium
CareerFlora Recommendation
Area
Details
Conference Value
Excellent
Career Growth
High
Application Difficulty
Medium
Apply Early
Strongly Recommended
Final Call-to-Action
Register for CPHIA 2026 in Addis Ababa before the deadlines.
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