The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has postponed the 2024 Conference on Public Health in Africa, which was originally set to take place in Morocco from November 26 to 29, 2024.
The Africa CDC, who announced this in a statement posted on its website on Friday, noted that it is concentrating its efforts and resources on combating the mpox outbreak.
It said the difficult but necessary decision was made following consultations between the Director-General of Africa CDC, Dr Jean Kaseya, and Morocco’s Minister of Health and Social Protection, Prof Khalid Taleb, during their meeting on Friday, in Rabat.
“Dr Jean Kaseya extends his heartfelt gratitude to the Kingdom of Morocco for their understanding and support during these challenging times. The continent is currently battling a severe mpox outbreak that has spread across all five regions, prompting Africa CDC to declare it a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security on August 13, followed by the WHO’s declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on August 14.
“Africa CDC is now concentrating all its efforts and resources on combating this devastating mpox outbreak. We recognise the CPHIA as an essential platform for dialogue, collaboration, and exchange among public health leaders across Africa. Therefore, we will reschedule the conference to a later date in 2025, which will be announced in due course.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Kingdom of Morocco for their exceptional preparations and commitment to hosting the CPHIA. Africa CDC remains steadfast in its intention to organize the next CPHIA in Rabat in 2025. During these difficult times, the Africa CDC calls on all African Union member states to remain vigilant and continue implementing rigorous measures to curb the spread of mpox.” it said.
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