Prof Mohamed Janabi WHO Afro Regional Director

AFENET@20 Anniversary message

Distinguished colleagues and dear friends, it is a great honour to join you, albeit virtually, as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the African Field Epidemiology Network, AFENET. Since its establishment in 2005, AFENET has grown to a strong alliance, spanning 40 countries. Nearly 20,000 field epidemiologists have been trained, strengthening national and sub-national capacity to prevent, detect and respond to outbreaks and other public emergencies.

This is a remarkable achievement, one that has greatly advanced health security in our region. WHO has been proud to stand alongside AFENET throughout this journey. Together, we have confronted major health threats such as Ebola and Cholera, while also investing in sustainable systems, stronger laboratories, emergency operation centres, immunisation programmes and integrated disease surveillance.

This celebration is a chance to reflect on the past two decades and to look ahead. The future demands that we build on this foundation, embracing innovation, strengthening partnership and ensuring that every country in Africa has the capacity to safeguard the health of its people. On behalf of WHO, I congratulate AFENET, its founders, partners and thousands of graduates who embody its vision of a healthier Africa.

May the next 20 years be even more impactful. I thank you.