Every two years, Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programs (FELTPs) are presented with a strategic platform to show-case their contribution to the public health community via the AFENET scientific conference.
The conference also provides an opportunity for Residents and graduates of FELTPS to network with other stakeholders as they develop a common agenda to address critical public health challenges in Africa and beyond.
The 6th AFENET scientific conference under the theme “Enhancing Global Health Security through Field Epidemiology Training Programs” was held be- tween 8th and 12th August 2016 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja, Nigeria and Uganda scooped two (2) awards. Residents and FELTP graduates made outstanding presentations on outbreak investigations and research on issues of public health priority.
Over 360 scientific presentations on current public health issues such as IHR, Global Health Security Agenda, antimicrobial resistance, one health concept, building resilient public health systems among others were made at this conference. Uganda was ably represented by a delegation from the Ministry of Health led by the Minister, Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng, Fellows from the Public Health Fellowship Program, graduates from the Makerere University School of Public Health, epidemiology subject matter experts among others.
Conference highlights
- Several Ministers of Health attended the conference and held a ministerial dialogue on how to improve IDSR in their respective countries through FELTPs.
- Special emphasis was put on the recent Ebola pandemic in West Africa specifically the nature in which the outbreak was swatted in Nigeria.
- Several networking activities were held including an international and cultural night where participants showcased their unique cultures and a sports gala