Remarks by AFENET Board Chairperson Dr Lazarus Kuonza

I will stand on the protocols that have already been established, that we are already observing from the morning. So, all protocol observed. On this glorious day, I think we have heard a lot in terms of what AFENET is, where AFENET has come from, and what we have managed to achieve over the past 20 years. The director gave us a very good summary, and I can confirm that it was indeed a very summarized version of the achievements that we have made over the past 20 years.

Before I go further, I just want to recognize the entire network and recognize all those that have walked this beautiful journey with us over the past 20 years. The Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Livestock, Environment, and all the other ministries that we have been working with across the continent and beyond. The academic institutions from various countries, we are thankful for your unwavering support that has sustained our growth as an organization.

I thank the funders, stakeholders, and partners that we have worked with, that have worked this long journey with us. US CDC, Gates Foundation, MasterCard, Resolve to Save Lives, WHO, Gavi Alliance, Africa CDC, and so many others. Thank you to all the partners and funders for believing in the AFENET vision and for working alongside us.

I also want to thank the management, past and present, and staff of AFENET. Your tireless work and focus have helped the organization grow to where we are today. I thank you on behalf of the board.

I also want to thank our founding members and pioneers who planted this seed two decades ago. I appreciate your foresight and commitment; you laid the foundation and made sure the seeds germinated.

To the past and present program directors, board members, and directors of AFENET, your strategic leadership and efforts have helped shape the organization. To our graduates and trainees across the network, the work you have done and continue to do has immeasurably improved and protected the health of many communities.

I also want to appreciate the communities that we serve; thank you for allowing us to be of service to you. To all others who have been part of this journey, thank you. You are the heartbeat of this network. Let us continue to work together to grow the network and make an impact in terms of protecting the health of the continent and beyond.

AFENET has grown tremendously over the 20 years, from 4 countries in 2005 to the current 40 countries on the continent and other countries we are working with globally. We have a network of more than 20,000 FETP graduates, and this growth has made a huge difference in strengthening our surveillance systems and supporting health security.

As we launch these celebrations, let us remain committed to our mission and vision of a healthier Africa through collaborative efforts. And as the director mentioned, our scope has expanded. We aim to raise more than $160 million to continue building on the foundation we have laid. We want to strengthen health security preparedness, response to outbreaks, and public health emergencies, and promote universal health coverage.

To the alumni and trainees of FETP, I urge everyone to rededicate yourselves to the efforts of prevention, detection, and response to all health threats in your countries. Let’s embrace new knowledge and technologies and remain accountable and transparent in our work. I thank you.