Join PATH at the Africa Health ExCon 2025

Africa’s health agenda renewal

12:15- 2:15 p.m. UTC+02:00

This session will focus on advancing Africa’s health security by strengthening systems, policies, and partnerships that move the continent from reactive crisis management to long-term preparedness and resilience. With growing health threats and cross-border risks, this session will:

• Explore pathways for transitioning from emergency-driven responses to proactive, sustainable public health systems that withstand future shocks.
• Examine how pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPPR) can be integrated into the revised Africa Health Strategy to build a continent-wide framework for action.
• Highlight the urgent need to strengthen disease surveillance and early warning systems, particularly in cross-border settings, to enable faster detection and containment of outbreaks.
• Discuss expanding the local manufacturing capacity for medical countermeasures (MCMs), such as vaccines and essential medicines, to reduce reliance on external supply chains.
• Deliberate on the policy and regulatory frameworks required to enhance cross-border collaboration and coordination for a more unified and effective health response.

Keynote address:

• Dr. Raji Tajudin, Acting Deputy Director General , Africa CDC

The panelists for this session include:

Moderator: Dr. Lwazi Manzi, Head of Secretariat of AU PPPR Commission

• H.E. Mrs. Nardos Bekele Thomas, CEO, AUDA-NEPAD
• Hon. Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, Minister of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe
• H.E. Dr. Salek Baba Hassena, Minister of Health, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
• Amb. Amr Ramadan, Vice-Chair, INB Bureau
• Dr. Adham Ismaeil, Deputy Programme Manager, WHO/EMRO
• Dr. Nagashi Ngongo, Lead IMST and Principal Advisor, Africa CDC
• Dr. Mohannad El Nasour, GOARN, EMPHNET
• Mr. Sibusiso Hlatjwako, Director of External Affairs, PATH
• Dr. Rady Hammad, Head of Preventive Sector, Ministry of Health, Egypt

Human development accelerator

1:00–3:00 p.m. UTC+02:00

This session will spotlight the critical role of human capital development in shaping Africa’s long-term health and economic future, with a strong emphasis on youth-led innovation, education reform, and workforce training.

This session will:

• Explore how to equip the next generation with the skills and tools needed to transform the health sector.
• Delve into alignment of education and gender equity with health system strengthening, leveraging AI and digital health to address the projected shortfall of 6.5 million health care workers by 2030, and integrating Indigenous knowledge into formal health care systems.
• Examine the strategies for retaining talent, promoting gender-responsive leadership, and harmonizing qualifications across borders to enhance regional mobility.

The panel will include:

Moderators: Prof. Dr. Lamia Mohsen, Dean, New Giza University and Dr. Susan Lin, Regional Policy Lead, Health R&D, PATH

• H. E. Dr. Ashraf Al Araby, Chairperson of the Egyptian Planning Institute
• Dr. Sindiswa Mzamo, Ambassador of Businesswomen, President Africa Investment Summit
• Mr. Sano Samuel, Chairperson of IPSF African Regional Office
• Dr. Abla El Alfi, Deputy Minister of Health of Egypt
• Mr. Sibusiso Hlatjwako, Director of External Affairs, PATH
• Dr. Heba Medhat Zaki, Director of Egypt Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center
• Nassar El Mubarak, CEO of Reaching Last Mile Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation

Silent, neglected, and pandemic diseases: Strengthening Africa’s disease response

1:00-2:30 p.m. UTC+02:00

This session will examine the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) across Africa, conditions often under-prioritized, but have profound implications for health systems and development. As countries work toward universal health coverage and stronger public health infrastructure.

This session will:

• Address critical gaps in disease surveillance, diagnostics, and access to care for NCDs and NTDs, particularly in underserved and high-burden communities.
• Discuss strategies to boost local research and development (R&D) investments, with focusing on community-driven innovations and context-specific interventions.
• Explore opportunities for cross-border collaboration and regional coordination mechanisms to strengthen disease control efforts and ensure no one is left behind.

Keynote address:

• Dr. Solomon Zewdu, CEO, End Fund
• Prof. Francisca Mutapi, Deputy Director, Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA) Partnership, University of Edinburgh and Vice Board Chair, Uniting to Combat (virtual)

The panelists for this session include:

Moderator: Dr. Sherif Moussa, Assistant Prof. Tropical Disease, Cairo University

• Dr. Amro Kandil, Deputy Minister of Health, Egypt
• Dr. Mohamed Moussif, Member of IHR Review Committees; National Coordinator of the Points of Entry Morocco
• Dr. Naema Al Gaseer, Public Health Consultant
• Dr. Susan Lin, Regional Policy Lead-Health R&D, PATH
• Dr. Raji Tajudeen, Ag. DDG, Africa CDC
• Mr. Samuel Kariuki, Eastern Africa Director, DNDi