Advancing Public Health Security in Africa through the 8th AFENET Scientific Conference

“Strengthening Public Health Systems in Africa Towards Enhanced Global Health Security: The Role of Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programs (FELTPs)” In November 2023, over 1,000 public health experts, scientists, FE(L)TP residents and graduates, policymakers, and partners from across Africa and beyond convened in Mombasa, Kenya for the 8^th AFENET Scientific Conference. Guided by a powerful vision of a healthier Africa, the conference provided a dynamic platform for sharing scientific evidence, advancing strategic partnerships, and strengthening Africa’s capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to public health threats. The main objective of the scientific conference was to provide a platform for FE(L)TP graduates, residents, faculty and public health fraternity to share their field experiences, best practices and networking while achieving their scientific communication and presentation competencies.  Through plenaries, workshops, and scientific presentations, the conference sought to highlight achievements, discuss emerging threats, and set a forward-looking agenda for resilient health systems anchored in field epidemiology and laboratory strengthening. The conference brought together leaders from WHO, CDC, Africa CDC, TEPHINET, WAHO, ASLM, IGAD, Global Implementation Solutions and ministries of health, all acknowledging the critical role FELTPs play in emergency response, surveillance, and workforce development. Key messages emphasized partnership-building, One Health approaches, digital innovations, sustainable workforce financing, and the need for stronger integration of FETPs within national health systems. A remarkable 759 abstracts were submitted, with 464 accepted for presentation—an indication of the vibrant scientific contribution from across the continent. These included 172 oral presentations and 292 posters covering priority areas such as outbreak investigations, vaccine-preventable diseases, laboratory systems, One Health, maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases, and innovations in public health. The conference also featured robust discussions on global health security frameworks, biosafety and biosecurity, pandemic preparedness, and lessons from COVID-19, Ebola, mpox, and other outbreaks. Partners such as the Global Fund, Africa CDC, and TEPHINET reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening health systems and supporting the next generation of African epidemiologists. A major highlight of the conference was the recognition of exceptional scientific work through awards for outstanding scientific presentations, posters, innovations, and photography. The 8^th AFENET Scientific Conference, being the first AFENET conference hosted after the Covid-19 pandemic, was a powerful success story of renewed commitment to health security in Africa. It demonstrated the strength of FELTPs in driving surveillance, outbreak response, and evidence-based decision making across the continent. As participants departed Mombasa, one message was clear: Africa’s future resilience relies on a well-trained epidemiology workforce, strong partnerships, and sustained investment in public health systems.