Health care transformation in Africa highlighted at conference

African women leaders gather at a luncheon during the Africa Health Conference
African women leaders gather at a luncheon during the Africa Health Conference

March 13, 2024 – The second annual Africa Health Conference at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health highlighted the changing health care landscape in Africa—and featured changemakers who are helping drive that transformation.

The two-day event, held in late February and attended by some 200 people, was sponsored by the Harvard Chan Africa Health Students Forum. Student organizers of the event included Valencia Lambert, SM ’24; Sabrina Ebengho, MPH ’25; Teguo Djoyum, DrPH ’24; Tatenda Mujeni, DrPH ’24; and Anja Riester, MPH ’24.

Experts spoke on topics such as lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and how to safeguard Africa’s health security and prepare for the next pandemic; strengthening supply chains, manufacturing, and innovation around drugs and vaccines; health startups; health information technology and artificial intelligence; and health financing.

Speakers included officials from the World Health Organization, African ministers of health, health care professionals and entrepreneurs, and researchers.

The event wrapped up with an awards ceremony and a gala featuring African culture, food, music, and traditional dance performances.

Karen Feldscher

Photos: Loïs Umutesi