By godfrey Olukya 19-11-2013
An estimated 500 participants converged in the Ethiopian Capital Addis Ababa for the 5th AFENET Scientific Conference, which started on 17 November 2013. The five-day conference ending 21 November has attracted representation from over 20 African countries and elsewhere in the world.
African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) together with the Ethiopia Field Epidemiology Training Program (Ethiopia FETP) are hosting the event at the United Nations Conference Centre, with a series of workshops, presentations based on a wide range of public health themes among others.
Participants were treated to an opening ceremony on Monday 18 November which was officiated by the Ethiopia Minister of Health, Dr. Kesetebirhan Admasu accompanied by other invited dignitaries. A Ministerial Meeting for representatives of eight African countries, is also took place on the same day as a side event.
At the conference, participants will showcase over 200 orals and oral poster presentations, manifesting the rich research work undertaken by Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programs (FELTPs) in Africa. The conference will bring together trainees of African FELTPs, Public health experts, government officials, and other delegates with public health interest from Africa and all over the world to share experiences and best practices in tackling public health issues in Africa.
Dr. Sheba N. Gitta, the acting executive Director) said “The Scientific conference is the biggest event on our annual calendar. Africa has for long been plagued by avoidable disease outbreaks, but with converted effort from all stakeholders, we are making headway in addressing some of the critical concerns. I thank all our funding partners, the organizing teams and the participants for the enormous efforts invested to make this important event a reality. I wish everyone a memorable conference”
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