Current practice of epidemiology in Africa: highlights of the 3rd conference of the African epidemiological association and 1st conference of the Cameroon society of epidemiology, Yaoundé, Cameroon, 2014.

Armand Seraphin Nkwescheu,Sobngwi Joelle,Wilfred Mbacham,Vittorio Colizzi,Joseph Fokam,Hermann Ngouakam,Patrice Tchendjou,Rose Leke,Benjamin Uzochukwu,Kingsley Akinroye,Bita Fouda Andre,Cesar Victora,Akindeh Nji

doi:10.11604/pamj.2015.21.256.7556

Armand Seraphin Nkwescheu, Sobngwi Joelle + Show 11 more

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https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2015.21.256.7556

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Abstract

As the study of disease occurrence and health indicators in human populations, Epidemiology is a dynamic field that evolves with time and geographical context. In order to update African health workers on current epidemiological practices and to draw awareness of early career epidemiologists on concepts and opportunities in the field, the 3rd African Epidemiology Association and the 1st Cameroon Society of Epidemiology Conference was organized in June 2-6, 2014 at the Yaoundé Mont Febe Hotel, in Cameroon. Under the theme«Practice of Epidemiology in Africa: Stakes, Challenges and Perspectives», the conference attracted close to five hundred guest and participants from all continents. The two main programs were the pre-conference course for capacity building of African Early Career epidemiologists, and the conference itself, providing a forum for scientific exchanges on recent epidemiological concepts, encouraging the use of epidemiological methods in studying large disease burden and neglected tropical diseases; and highlighting existing opportunities.

Highlights

The concept and practice of Epidemiology, known as the study of disease occurrence and health indicators in human populations, is evolving globally and requires updates for practitioners in the field [1,2]
Under the auspices of the International Epidemiological Association (IEA), some epidemiologists met in Calabar (Nigeria) in March 2012 to create the African Epidemiological Association (AEA), which represents the federation of national associations of epidemiology within the fortysix Member states of WHO/AFRO [4]
Roles of stakeholders, tracking progress, evidence-based actions and accountability appeared very important in disseminating country-level data, equity, policy, health systems reforms, financing, and tracking indicators across the continuum of care at country and global levels in the post-2015 era. These health challenges were in line with statements of the Minister of Public Health, Andre Mama Fouda, who underscored the relevance of epidemiology in disease surveillance and control in African health programs, as well as the presentation of the Conference Scientific committee Chairperson

Summary

Introduction

The concept and practice of Epidemiology, known as the study of disease occurrence and health indicators in human populations, is evolving globally and requires updates for practitioners in the field [1,2]. The program covered Infectious diseases, Noncommunicable diseases, Neglected tropical diseases and Health systems in Africa, and was structured under plenary sessions, symposia, workshops, oral/poster presentations, exhibitions, and the AEA general assembly.

Results

Conclusion