The fourth International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2025) opened in Durban, South Africa, on October 23, 2025, with a resounding call for the continent to accelerate its journey toward health self-reliance. The four-day gathering, hosted by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in collaboration with the South African government and AfricaBio’s BIO Africa Convention, brought together leaders, scientists, policymakers, and global health partners from over 20 countries. The theme, “Moving Towards Self-Reliance to Achieve Universal Health Coverage and Health Security in Africa,” framed the discussions as both urgent and aspirational, reflecting Africa’s determination to build resilient systems that can withstand future shocks.
At the opening ceremony, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, delivered a powerful message about Africa’s evolving role in global health. “For the first time, Africa is inspiring the world. The world is coming to learn from Africa. We are 1.4 billion proud Africans making our own agenda,” he declared. His words captured the spirit of the conference: a shift from dependency on external aid and imported solutions toward African-led innovation, policy, and research.
South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Joe Phaahla, echoed this sentiment, urging participants to ensure that the conference’s deliberations translate into concrete outcomes. “Every decision we take here must move us closer to health equity, economic inclusion and social justice. Through African leadership and global solidarity, we can build a future where our health systems are powered and sustained by Africans themselves,” he said. His remarks highlighted the dual responsibility of African leaders: to strengthen domestic systems while also engaging with the global community on equitable terms.
The President of AfricaBio, Dr. Nhlanhla Msomi, addressed the structural challenges that continue to hinder Africa’s health sovereignty. “Our healthcare industry still relies on borrowed technologies and ideas. We must decouple from that dependence if we are to win the battle for health sovereignty,” he stated. His call to action reflected a broader recognition that Africa’s innovation ecosystem must be nurtured and expanded if the continent is to achieve long-term resilience.
The timing of CPHIA 2025 is significant. It precedes the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting, which South Africa will host in November under its presidency. The outcome statement from the Durban conference is expected to shape Africa’s position at that global forum, outlining strategic directions for advancing health security and universal health coverage. By situating its agenda within both continental and global contexts, Africa CDC and its partners are positioning the continent not as a passive recipient of aid but as an active contributor to global health governance.
Key discussions at the conference revolve around several pressing themes. Health financing and accountability remain central, as many African countries continue to grapple with underfunded health systems and reliance on donor support. Delegates are examining ways to boost domestic financing, improve transparency, and ensure that resources are directed toward priority areas. Digital health and telemedicine are also high on the agenda, with participants exploring how technology can bridge gaps in access, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Another critical focus is local vaccine production. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed Africa’s vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions, with the continent initially struggling to secure adequate vaccine doses. CPHIA 2025 is therefore placing strong emphasis on building regional manufacturing capacity, not only for vaccines but also for diagnostics and therapeutics. This ambition aligns with Africa CDC’s broader vision of achieving 60 percent local vaccine production by 2040.
Climate resilience and One Health approaches are also being integrated into the discussions. With climate change driving new health threats, from vector-borne diseases to food insecurity, African leaders are recognising the need for holistic strategies that link human, animal, and environmental health. By embedding these approaches into
national and regional health policies, the continent aims to strengthen its preparedness for emerging challenges. The conference is not only about policy but also about collaboration. By bringing together policymakers, researchers, and private sector leaders, CPHIA 2025 is fostering partnerships that can accelerate progress. The presence of global organisations such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF, Gavi, and the Global Fund reflects the importance of aligning African-led initiatives with international support, while ensuring that Africa’s priorities remain at the centre of the agenda.
As the sessions unfold, one theme resonates strongly: the need for Africa to define its own path. The repeated calls for equity, innovation, and sovereignty reflect a growing consensus that the continent must move beyond dependency and chart a future where health systems are resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. The words of Dr. Kaseya, Dr. Phaahla, and Dr. Msomi capture this vision, but the real test will be in the implementation of strategies that emerge from Durban.
The outcome statement expected at the close of the conference will serve as a roadmap for the coming years, guiding investments, reforms, and collaborations. If effectively implemented, it could mark a turning point in Africa’s health trajectory, reducing vulnerability to external shocks and ensuring that no community is left behind.
In many ways, CPHIA 2025 represents a declaration of intent: Africa is ready to lead, innovate, and invest in its own health future. The challenge now lies in translating this intent into action, ensuring that the momentum generated in Durban carries forward into tangible improvements in health outcomes across the continent.
Source: Science Nigeria – Africa Charts Path To Health Self-Reliance As CPHIA 2025 Opens In Durban
