Dear Colleagues and Friends,

 It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 8th AFREhealth Annual Conference. This year is especially significant as it marks the first time our conference is being hosted in a Francophone country, an important milestone in our commitment to inclusivity and diversity across the continent on our journey to make AFREhealth a truly Pan-African family.   

After our vibrant meeting in Nairobi last year, we now continue our collective journey here, ready to share, learn, and perhaps even test our French along the way! 

Our theme, “Reimagining Public Health in a Globalized World,” could not be more timely. The world has taught us that health knows no borders. Whether it is pandemics, climate change, or migration, public health challenges ripple across nations. This conference invites us to think boldly and creatively about new approaches, partnerships, and innovations that will prepare us for a future that is as interconnected as it is unpredictable. 

The conference provides a platform for diverse voices: academics, policymakers, practitioners, students, and partners to engage in meaningful dialogue and to chart new pathways for impact. We are privileged to have a line-up of seasoned speakers and thought leaders, who will challenge our thinking, provoke meaningful discussions, and inspire fresh solutions. But let’s remember that AFREhealth conferences are not only about the plenary and breakaway sessions and PowerPoints. They are also about the conversations over coffee, the debates that spill into the hallways, and the friendships that last long after the closing ceremony.   I encourage you to take advantage of every moment. These moments, just as much as the formal program, are where ideas come alive. 

I wish to express sincere gratitude to our Steering Committee, Local Organizing Committee, partners, sponsors, and all contributors who have worked tirelessly to make this event possible. Above all, I thank you, our participants, for your dedication and for bringing your expertise and passion.  

May this conference inspire us all to strengthen collaboration and continue building a healthier future for Africa. 

Warm regards 

Prof Nelson K. Sewankambo 

Dear Colleagues and Friends, 

On behalf of the Local Organizing Committee, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to Dakar, Senegal, the land of Teranga (finest hospitality), for this year’s AFREhealth Conference. Putting this event together has been a true team effort. I am deeply grateful to my colleagues on the Committee who have worked tirelessly over the past months, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully planned to make your experience both enriching and memorable. 

Dakar, the host city, is a place of vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and rich history. From its lively markets and beautiful coastline to its unique music and cuisine, the city offers countless opportunities for discovery and connection beyond the conference halls. We hope you take time to explore and experience the beauty and spirit of Senegal. 

This conference promises stimulating discussions, groundbreaking ideas, and meaningful collaborations. You can expect diverse sessions led by distinguished speakers, engaging workshops, and networking opportunities that will inspire us all to work together towards advancing health across Africa. 

As you engage in the conference, we also encourage you to take the opportunity to embrace the French language, which is widely spoken here. Even a few simple phrases can open doors to deeper connections and help you experience the warmth and generosity of the Senegalese people more fully. Their friendliness and hospitality are sure  

to make your stay unforgettable. 

We look forward to sharing this journey with you, learning from one another, and building lasting partnerships in the heart of Dakar.  

I encourage you to take some days after or before the conference to explore Dakar, and its surroundings, immerse yourself in Senegal culture, and taste national recipes, especially the Famous Jolof Rice (Ceebu Jën). The ceebu jën dish and associated practices, viewed as an affirmation of Senegalese identity, were inscribed in 2021 by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.  

Merci !!

It is with great honour and privilege that I welcome you to the 8^th   AFREhealth Annual Conference. This flagship event continues to serve as a premier platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among health professionals, researchers, educators, and policy makers who are committed to advancing improved health outcomes across the African continent and beyond.  

The successful organization of this Conference is a reflection of the tireless efforts and commitment of the AFREhealth Secretariat, the Conference Steering Committee, and the Local Organizing Committee. For several months, the Secretariat has worked closely with both the Conference Steering Committee and the Local Organizing Committee to ensure that every element of the programme is designed to foster meaningful engagement and make a lasting impact. This year’s Conference will provide opportunities not only for rigorous scientific exchange and capacity building but also for exploring innovative solutions, forging new collaborations, and charting forward-looking strategies aligned with the theme.  

I extend my deepest appreciation to the chair and co-chair of the Conference Steering Committee - Prof Prisca Adejumo and Prof Serigne Magueye Gueye, and all who served on both the Steering and Local Organizing Committee, the Secretariat, our partners, and sponsors for their invaluable contributions.   

My heartfelt thanks go to our regular participants whose commitment enriches our annual conferences, and a warm welcome to those joining us for the first time. We hope to see you again at future gatherings.   

I also wish to acknowledge our distinguished speakers and presenters for availing themselves to share knowledge with others.   

I encourage you to engage actively in the sessions, to build new partnerships, and to carry forward the insights gained here into your respective countries, institutions and communities.  

With best wishes for a productive and memorable Conference.