CPHIA 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions

The International Conference on Public Health in Africa, CPHIA, is Africa CDC’s flagship public health conference. It brings together political leaders, policymakers, scientists, health professionals, researchers, young people, civil society, communities, innovators, the private sector, media and partners from across Africa and around the world. CPHIA is a space to exchange evidence and ideas, build partnerships and advance African-led solutions to the continent’s public health priorities.

CPHIA 2026 will take place from 23 to 27 November 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

CPHIA 2026 will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Detailed venue, access and logistical information will be published on the CPHIA website as arrangements are confirmed.

The theme is: Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty: Transformation from health dependency and vulnerability to ownership and resilience.

CPHIA 2026 is co-hosted by Africa CDC and the Government of Ethiopia.

CPHIA welcomes participants from Africa and around the world. Participants include health professionals, policymakers, researchers, scientists, students, young professionals, civil society organisations, community leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, private-sector organisations, development partners, media and others working on or interested in public health.

No. CPHIA brings together people working across health, research, policy, financing, technology, manufacturing, innovation, communications, media, development, civil society, youth engagement and many other fields. If your work connects with Africa’s health agenda, there is likely a space for you at CPHIA.

Yes. CPHIA is an African-led conference with international participation. Participants, partners, researchers and institutions from outside the continent are welcome.

Yes. Members of the African diaspora are welcome to register and participate.

Please use the official CPHIA 2026 website for registration, programme information, calls for participation and conference updates. Visit the CPHIA 2026 website https://cphia.africacdc.org/

Yes. Registration for CPHIA 2026 is open. Regular registration opened on 23 August 2026. Register for CPHIA 2026 https://cphia.africacdc.org/register

Please complete the registration form through the official CPHIA website. Use an email address that you check regularly. Conference confirmations and further information will be sent to the email address used during registration. Start your registration https://cphia.africacdc.org/register

No. You can register directly through the official CPHIA registration portal. Some participant categories, official delegations and specific programmes may have separate invitation or approval processes.

Please register through the official CPHIA platform rather than waiting for an invitation through social media. Register for CPHIA 2026 https://cphia.africacdc.org/register

Registration fees depend on the participant category. Please select the category that applies to you when registering. The registration platform will provide the relevant information.

Yes. Students are welcome at CPHIA. Please select the appropriate category when completing your registration.

Yes. Young professionals can register for the main conference. There is also a separate Youth Pre-Conference taking place immediately before CPHIA. See the Youth Pre-Conference section below for details.

Please check your spam or junk folder first. If you still cannot find your confirmation, contact the CPHIA support team and include:

• your full name;
• the email address used for registration; and
• your registration reference, if available.

Email: cphiasecretariat@africacdc.org Get CPHIA support https://cphia.africacdc.org/help

Your registration is still being processed. Please wait for confirmation through the email address used when registering. If you have been waiting for an extended period or have an urgent travel-related issue, contact cphiasecretariat@africacdc.org with your registration details.

Please contact cphiasecretariat@africacdc.org and include your registration details so the team can review your case.

Please contact the CPHIA support team at cphiasecretariat@africacdc.org and explain what needs to be corrected. Include the email address you used for registration and your registration reference where available.

Organisations and institutions planning larger delegations should contact the CPHIA Secretariat for guidance. Individual delegates may still need to complete their own registration information. Email: cphiasecretariat@africacdc.org

Yes. Ministries and other public institutions are encouraged to participate. Official delegations should follow any communication received through Africa CDC, African Union or Member State channels. Delegates should also complete the required conference registration. For questions concerning large delegations, contact cphiasecretariat@africacdc.org.

The published refund policy provides:

• a full refund up to 60 days before the conference;
• a 50% refund between 30 and 60 days before the conference; and
• no refund within 30 days of the conference.

Please check the applicable terms before making any payment.

Yes. The deadline for abstract submissions is 30 September 2026. Submit an abstract https://cphia.africacdc.org/abstracts

Researchers, scientists, public health professionals, practitioners, implementers, students and others with relevant work are encouraged to submit. Submissions should align with one of the six CPHIA 2026 scientific tracks.

Yes. Complete your conference registration first. Once your registration has been approved, you will receive an email confirmation and can sign in to submit your abstract.

The deadline is 30 September 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Abstracts should:

• have a maximum of 300 words, excluding the title and author details;
• include Background, Methods, Results and Conclusion;
• have a title of no more than 20 words;
• include three to five keywords;
• list all authors and affiliations; and
• declare any conflicts of interest.

Presenting authors may submit up to three abstracts. Full guidance is available on the abstract page. Read the abstract guidelines https://cphia.africacdc.org/abstracts

Yes. Each presenting author may submit a maximum of three abstracts.

Notification of acceptance is scheduled for 15 October 2026.

Final presentations are due by 30 October 2026.

Accepted work may be presented through oral presentations, posters or e-posters, depending on the outcome of the scientific review process.

No. An accepted abstract does not automatically include travel funding. A limited number of travel scholarships may be available. Scholarship information will be announced through official CPHIA channels as arrangements are confirmed.

Yes. Qualified experts can apply to support the abstract review process. The application is available through the abstract section of the CPHIA website. Abstracts and reviewer information https://cphia.africacdc.org/abstracts

For scientific programme, abstract and speaker-related enquiries, contact: cphiasecretariat@africacdc.org

A limited number of scholarship and sponsored participation opportunities are expected through specific CPHIA programmes and partners. Details will be published through official CPHIA channels as they are confirmed.

Africa CDC receives many requests for travel support and available funding is limited. Sponsored participation is generally linked to specific programmes, scholarships, invitations or selection processes. Please follow official CPHIA announcements for opportunities.

Please assume that you are responsible for your own travel and accommodation unless you receive written confirmation that you have been selected for sponsored participation. Any sponsorship confirmation will explain exactly what costs are covered.

Yes, if you are interested in participating. You can also follow CPHIA and Africa CDC channels for scholarship or sponsored participation opportunities that may become available. Please avoid making non-refundable travel commitments until you know what support, if any, has been confirmed for you.

Selected participants will receive an official communication. Please rely on messages sent through official Africa CDC or CPHIA channels.

Yes. The Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference 2026, YPC 2026, will take place in Addis Ababa on 21–22 November 2026, immediately before CPHIA. It is the official youth platform linked to CPHIA 2026 and will bring together young African professionals, students, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, advocates, communicators and community leaders. Africa CDC describes YPC as a space for young Africans to exchange ideas, showcase solutions, build relationships and shape priorities feeding into CPHIA.

The current call is aimed at young Africans aged 18 to 35 who are active or interested in public health and related fields. This includes health professionals, students, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, advocates, communicators and community leaders.

Applications close on 13 September 2026 at 17:00 EAT. Please submit before the deadline.

Selected participants under the current call will receive full sponsorship to attend YPC 2026 and CPHIA 2026, according to the conditions communicated through the YPC selection process.

Applications will be reviewed after the deadline and successful candidates will be contacted directly. Please monitor the email address used in your application, including your spam folder.

Yes. CPHIA has its own registration process. Young people who are not selected for YPC sponsorship can still explore participation in the main CPHIA conference through the regular registration process. Register for CPHIA 2026 https://cphia.africacdc.org/register

Official YPC information and updates are published through Africa CDC. Learn more about YPC 2026 https://africacdc.org/news-item/applications-now-open-africa-cdc-youth-pre-conference-2026/

There are several routes into the CPHIA programme, including:

• accepted scientific abstracts;
• invited high-level and technical speakers;
• approved side events;
• workshops; and
• other curated conference formats.

Speaker selection is coordinated through the CPHIA programme and Scientific Committee.

Please send speaker and programme proposals through the CPHIA Secretariat so they can be considered through the appropriate process. Email: cphiasecretariat@africacdc.org

Please send the name, affiliation, area of expertise, proposed topic and reason for the recommendation to: cphiasecretariat@africacdc.org

The programme is being developed and updated progressively. Sessions, speakers and other programme information will be published as they are confirmed. Please check the CPHIA website regularly. View the CPHIA programme https://cphia.africacdc.org/programme

CPHIA will bring together Heads of State and Government, Ministers, scientists, researchers, public health leaders, innovators, young leaders and partners. Confirmed speakers will be announced progressively through official CPHIA channels. Please wait for official announcements before treating an individual speaker as confirmed.

CPHIA includes high-level political and policy dialogue alongside its scientific programme, and the conference is expected to convene senior leaders from African Union Member States and beyond. Individual participation will be announced once confirmed.

Yes. Applications for CPHIA 2026 side events are open. The deadline is 30 September 2026. Apply to host a CPHIA side event https://cphia.africacdc.org/side-events

Applications can come from organisations, institutions, networks and partners whose proposed session aligns with CPHIA priorities. Africa CDC divisions and programmes may also lead or co-organise side events.

The published side-event format is 90 minutes.

The standard fee for an approved side event is USD 20,000, payable after acceptance. To support inclusive participation, a limited number of full or partial fee waivers may be available for eligible community-based, patient-led, youth-led, indigenous and other grassroots organisations with limited resources. Waivers are subject to review, available capacity and programme considerations.

The published package includes:

• a room with seating and a stage;
• basic audiovisual equipment;
• interpretation in English, French and Portuguese; and
• five complimentary participant registrations.

Catering, livestreaming and special equipment are not included in the standard package.

No. Applications are reviewed and scheduling is confirmed after approval. Notification is currently scheduled for 15 October 2026.

Yes. Companies, public institutions, NGOs, development partners, manufacturers, universities, innovators and other organisations can apply for exhibition space. Explore exhibition opportunities https://cphia.africacdc.org/exhibitions

The current deadline is 30 September 2026.

The current published rate is USD 500 per square metre, with a standard minimum space of 9 square metres. A standard 9 sqm space therefore starts at USD 4,500.

Yes. The exhibition offer includes options for early-stage startups, youth-led innovations, university spin-offs and African innovators. Pricing for these formats is available on request.

Yes. Country pavilions can be arranged on a customised basis, subject to space and approval.

Yes. CPHIA welcomes corporate and institutional partners. Several sponsorship packages and targeted activation opportunities are available. Explore CPHIA sponsorship opportunities https://cphia.africacdc.org/sponsorship

The currently published packages are:

• Strategic Partner: USD 1,000,000
• Diamond Sponsor: USD 500,000
• Platinum Sponsor: USD 250,000
• Gold Sponsor: USD 150,000
• Silver Sponsor: USD 75,000

Packages include different levels of visibility, exhibition space, passes and engagement opportunities.

Yes. Targeted opportunities currently include areas such as the opening and closing ceremonies, media centre, digital content, delegate materials, innovation, business matchmaking, support for young investigators, exhibition spaces and country pavilions. Availability is subject to confirmation by the CPHIA Secretariat.

You can submit your interest through the official sponsorship page or contact the conference team through cphiasecretariat@africacdc.org. CPHIA sponsorship information https://cphia.africacdc.org/sponsorship

Yes. CPHIA welcomes journalists and media organisations from Africa and around the world.

Journalists should follow the media/accreditation process published through the CPHIA platform and provide the requested professional information. Media updates will be available through the CPHIA Media Centre. Visit the CPHIA Media Centre https://cphia.africacdc.org/media

Please send your request to: comms@africacdc.org Include:

• your name and media outlet;
• the subject of the interview;
• the proposed format;
• your deadline;
• whether the interview will be in person, live or recorded; and
• your contact details.

The CPHIA media page directs interview and media enquiries to the Africa CDC communications team.

Media organisations interested in partnerships, content collaboration or expanded conference coverage can contact: comms@africacdc.org Please include a short description of the proposed collaboration and your expected reach or coverage plan.

CPHIA is developing engagement opportunities for trusted voices, creators and influential people who can help bring African public health conversations to wider audiences. Further information will be shared through official Africa CDC and CPHIA channels.

Approved CPHIA 2026 participants receive a conference invitation letter in their participant dashboard. That letter enables visa on arrival. You still need a valid passport — the Government of Ethiopia will not allow entry without one. Temporary travel letters, national ID alone, passport application receipts, or expired passports cannot replace a valid passport. Always check official Ethiopian immigration guidance before travelling. Ethiopia e-Visa information https://www.evisa.gov.et/

Yes. After your registration is approved, your invitation letter appears in your participant dashboard. Use that letter to obtain a visa on arrival.

Please complete your conference registration first. Invitation letters are issued to approved participants and appear in the participant dashboard.

The invitation letter in your dashboard supports visa on arrival for approved participants. Final entry decisions remain with Ethiopian immigration authorities. Bring a valid passport — Ethiopia will not allow entry without one.

Once your registration is approved, download your invitation letter from your participant dashboard and keep it with your valid passport for arrival. Allow enough time for any additional checks Ethiopian immigration may request.

International participants should travel to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, ADD.

Participants are generally responsible for making their own hotel arrangements. The conference organisers currently advise that they cannot assume responsibility for bookings, cancellations, rebookings or no-shows.

Hotel and accommodation guidance will be shared as arrangements are confirmed. Please check the CPHIA website before booking if you would like to stay at a hotel linked to conference transport arrangements.

Only participants who receive written confirmation of sponsored participation should assume that their accommodation is covered. Your sponsorship letter or travel communication will explain what is included.

Conference transport is planned between selected hotels or designated pick-up and drop-off points and the venue. Detailed routes, eligible hotels and schedules will be shared closer to the conference.

Airport transfer arrangements for sponsored and other participant categories will be communicated directly where applicable. Self-funded participants should wait for the final logistical note before assuming an airport transfer is included.

Addis Ababa has taxis, ride-hailing services and public transport. Participants will receive practical local information closer to the conference.

Digital and livestream arrangements will be announced closer to the conference. Please follow the CPHIA website and Africa CDC social media channels for updates.

Information on virtual participation will be published once the digital programme is confirmed. Please check the FAQ again closer to the conference.

CPHIA is an African Union conference with participants from across the continent. Interpretation arrangements for the main programme and selected sessions will be communicated with the final programme. Approved side events currently include interpretation in English, French and Portuguese within the standard package.

CPHIA aims to support inclusive participation. Participants who require specific accessibility arrangements should indicate their needs during registration or contact cphiasecretariat@africacdc.org as early as possible so the team can advise on available support.

Travel health requirements can change. Please check official Ethiopian entry requirements before departure and monitor any practical health guidance issued by CPHIA. Specific conference health guidance will be shared if required.

November is generally mild in Addis Ababa, with cool mornings and evenings. The CPHIA travel page currently advises participants to plan for temperatures of approximately 10–25°C and to bring light layers.

The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr, ETB. Participants should carry an appropriate mix of payment options for local expenses.

Addis Ababa uses East Africa Time, EAT, UTC+3.

Official invitations involving governments, senior officials or institutional delegations should be sent through the appropriate Africa CDC or CPHIA channels rather than through social media. Please contact cphiasecretariat@africacdc.org with the full name, title, institution, country and reason for the proposed invitation.

Please send the request through your Africa CDC focal point where one exists. Other institutional requests can be directed to cphiasecretariat@africacdc.org, with the organisations involved, proposed participants, purpose of the meeting and preferred dates.

The Director General will have a very full programme during CPHIA. Official meeting requests should be submitted in advance through the appropriate institutional channels, with a clear purpose and proposed participants.

Please be careful. Use official Africa CDC and CPHIA channels for registration, payments, scholarships, visas, exhibition opportunities and programme participation. Do not send money, passport information or other sensitive information to individuals offering guaranteed access. If you are unsure whether a request is genuine, contact cphiasecretariat@africacdc.org before taking any action.

Check that the information is consistent with the official CPHIA or Africa CDC website and comes through an authorised conference channel. If something looks unusual, verify it with the Secretariat. Email: cphiasecretariat@africacdc.org

For general CPHIA registration, participation and logistical questions: cphiasecretariat@africacdc.org CPHIA help page https://cphia.africacdc.org/help For abstracts, the scientific programme and speaker proposals: cphiasecretariat@africacdc.org For journalists, interviews, media accreditation and communications: comms@africacdc.org When contacting us about an existing application or registration, please include your full name, the email address used to apply and your registration or application reference where available.