The African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) is a network of public health training institutions in Africa that seeks to strengthen manpower to enhance health systems on the continent. AFENET works closely with Ministries of Health to develop sustainable programs and capacity to strengthen field epidemiology and ensure healthier lives for Africans. AFENET’s goal is to strengthen field epidemiology and public health laboratory capacity and effectively contribute to addressing epidemics and other major public health problems in Africa. Its vision is “A healthier Africa”.

ECOWAS Regional Centre for Disease Control(RCDC) was inaugurated by ECOWAS Heads of States to protect and keep the citizen of West Africa safe from disease threats following the devastating effects of Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in 2014. The RCDC, based in Abuja Nigeria is hosted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control works with west African countries and West Africa Health organization (WAHO) to strengthen surveillance and information systems for early detection, laboratory strengthening, preparedness and emergency response and workforce development and retention. RCDC supports implementation of the Integrated Diseases Surveillance and Response(IDSR) and International Health Regulations(IHR). 

6th AFENET and 1st ECOWAS RCDC Scientific Conference  

Fellows of the Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programs (FELTPs) (within Ministries of Health) respond to disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies in a systematic and scientific approach. Fellows also conduct public health research to guide evidence based interventions. The conference will present a strategic platform for the fellows and FELTPs to show their contribution to solving public health issues and to network with wider public health community as they develop a common agenda to address critical public health challenges in Africa and beyond. Since its establishment in 2005, AFENET has organized 5 scientific conference in various countries namely: - Ghana (2005), Uganda (2007), Kenya (2009), Tanzania (2011) and Ethiopia (2013).This year’s conference (6th) will be held in Nigeria and will be jointly co-hosted by the RCDC. Nigeria FELTP is hosted by NCDC/RCDC within the Federal Ministry of Health.  The conference will also incorporate 10th AFENET anniversary commemoration and a Special Ministerial Session to discuss progress and implementation of the 2011 Ministerial Dar es salaam Plan of Action for strengthening public health workforce through FELTP (http://www.afenet.net/new/images/stories/publications/dar-es-Salaam_Agenda_for_Action_signed.pdf).

The conference will be held from 8 – 12th August 2016 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria. There will be pre-conference workshops on 6th and 7th August 2016.

CONFERENCE ATTENDEES

Over 800 attendees from over 30 countries are expected to attend the conference. Attendees will include fellows of FELTPs, Senior Ministry of Health officials, Honourable Ministers of Health, academic institutions, subject matter experts from CDC, USAID, WHO, AFENET, African CDC, WAHO/ECOWAS and the wider public health community among others. Over 360 scientific presentations and 20 key note presentation on current public health issues such as IHR, Global Health Security Agenda, antimicrobial resistance, one health concept, building resilient public health systems and much more will be presented.