Celebrating 20 Years of Impact: AFENET at 20
In 2025, the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) commemorates a major milestone—20 years of strengthening public health systems and advancing field epidemiology across Africa. Since its establishment in 2005, AFENET has evolved into a continental leader in applied epidemiology training and epidemic response, supporting national, regional, and global health priorities.
To honor this two-decade journey of growth and impact, AFENET has launched a series of anniversary campaigns and events.
AFENET officially kicked off its 20th anniversary celebrations with the unveiling of the “AFENET@20” campaign, reflecting on its past achievements while looking toward the future. This initiative reaffirms the network’s commitment to building resilient health systems through field-based training and workforce development.
A dedicated AFENET@20 logo and branding suite has been introduced, symbolizing two decades of innovation, collaboration, and transformation. The visuals will feature prominently across events, publications, and digital platforms throughout 2025.
The year-long celebration will culminate in a flagship event in August 2025. The calendar includes:
Through multimedia campaigns on social media and web platforms, AFENET will showcase:
A signature series of video documentaries and podcasts will highlight the stories of frontline epidemiologists, unsung public health heroes, and the evolution of field epidemiology in Africa. These productions will document AFENET’s contributions to major public health responses and its role in shaping Africa’s health workforce.
The devastating burden of epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa and the chronic shortage of skilled public health professionals prompted the creation of AFENET. Between 2004 and 2005, public health leaders from Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, along with partners from WHO, CDC, and USAID, convened to design a unified approach to applied epidemiology training.
Their vision led to the establishment of AFENET—a collaborative network of Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) and Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programs (FELTPs)—to expand and support locally led, field-based training initiatives.
The network continues to serve as a trusted implementing partner for global health initiatives and regional surveillance systems.
As we celebrate 20 years, AFENET is not only reflecting on the past but also reimagining the future.
Join us in celebrating 20 years of public health excellence—and in shaping the next 20.
Advancing Public Health in Africa through Strategic Leadership
For the past two decades, the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) has been at the forefront of strengthening public health systems across Africa. With an expansive presence in over 40 countries, AFENET continues to be a key player in enhancing health security, building a skilled public health workforce, and responding effectively to emerging and re-emerging health threats. As the organization commemorates its 20th anniversary in 2025, it is charting a bold path forward through six strategic priorities aimed at fostering a healthier, more resilient Africa.
Resilient health systems require all six building blocks—service delivery, health workforce, information systems, medicines, financing, and governance—to function in synergy. Under this strategic objective, AFENET is enhancing collaborative and integrated public health surveillance systems, with a strong emphasis on digitization to improve real-time data sharing and response coordination. The organization is also helping countries build their International Health Regulations (IHR) core capacities to detect and respond to threats more effectively. By scaling up its Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programs (FE(L)TPs), AFENET is accelerating the development of a skilled workforce equipped to manage public health emergencies and support long-term recovery efforts.
Recognizing the indispensable role of laboratories in clinical care and public health decision-making, AFENET supports the development of robust national laboratory systems aligned with global and continental standards. This includes meeting targets set by the PEPFAR 5-3 Five Year Strategy, the Global Health Security Agenda, WHO’s Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, and international accreditation frameworks. In partnership with WHO, Africa CDC, ASLM, CARICOM, and others, AFENET is investing in human resources for laboratory science, informatics, and epidemiology. The goal is to enhance laboratory-based surveillance, modernize data systems, and improve diagnostic supply chains using a multiplexed, networked diagnostic approach.
As non-communicable diseases—including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory conditions, mental health disorders, and injuries—emerge as leading causes of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, AFENET is committed to addressing this growing challenge. Through this objective, the organization supports the implementation of WHO’s recommended “best buys” for NCD control, aiming to reduce the disease burden through evidence-based, cost-effective prevention and management strategies.
Universal Health Coverage ensures that all individuals can access the health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. AFENET’s approach to promoting UHC focuses on overcoming critical barriers such as inequitable access, poor service quality, and inefficiencies. By strengthening primary health care (PHC)—where up to 90% of essential UHC interventions can be delivered—AFENET is improving access to preventive services like immunization and expanding digital health innovations to make care more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable. A strong PHC foundation is essential for both UHC and health security.
AFENET promotes the One Health approach as a central strategy to protect human, animal, and environmental health. This integrated model addresses complex health issues such as zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), food safety, and environmental threats. Over the next five years, AFENET will strengthen multisectoral collaborations to monitor and respond to AMR and disease outbreaks, improve food safety and One Health surveillance, and contribute to efforts that mitigate the health impacts of climate change and ecological degradation.
Innovation and evidence-based decision-making are vital to effective public health practice. AFENET is dedicated to creating an enabling environment that nurtures scientific inquiry, supports operational research, and encourages the sharing of knowledge. The organization fosters a strong research culture through regional and international scientific conferences, open-access publication initiatives, and support for field-based investigations. Platforms such as alumni networks and communities of practice further enhance collaboration, learning, and knowledge translation across the public health ecosystem.
A Vision for the Future
As AFENET enters its third decade, it remains firmly committed to its mission: building strong, responsive, and equitable public health systems across Africa. Through these six strategic priorities, the organization is not only responding to today’s challenges but also laying the groundwork for a healthier and more secure future for all Africans. By continuing to invest in people, partnerships, and innovation, AFENET is empowering Africa to lead its own public health transformation.