The three-day regional event brings together over 300 participants, including health ministers, researchers, policy experts, academicians, and international guests from the eight East African Community (EAC) Partner States. Hosted on a rotational basis by EAC member countries, the biennial conference serves as a platform for sharing scientific knowledge, strengthening regional collaboration, and shaping policies to improve healthcare systems across the region.
The event is held in accordance with Article 118 of the Treaty establishing the East African Community, which calls for cooperation in health matters among Partner States.
During the opening of the conference, Professor Charles Bakheit, Chairperson of the East Africa Health and Scientific Conference, emphasised the importance of translating research into actionable policies.
“Our expectation is that the work presented by our finest researchers will guide policy development across East African countries,” he said.
Dr. Novat Twungubumwe, Director-General of the East African Health and Safety Commission, highlighted the vulnerabilities of the region’s healthcare systems, particularly in the face of emerging diseases and limited diagnostic capacities.
“To overcome these challenges, governments and organisations must define local priorities and align external support toward building a resilient, responsive health infrastructure,” Dr. Twungubumwe said.
He stressed the need for improved laboratory networks and the adoption of the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health to address interconnected health threats more effectively.
Dr. Twungubumwe also warned of the rising burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases in the region, projecting that these could account for 70% of all global deaths by 2050 if unaddressed.
Deputy Secretary General of the EAC, Andrea Aguer, underscored the importance of regional cooperation in pandemic preparedness, equitable healthcare access, and robust surveillance systems.
“This conference is key to strengthening health systems and advancing regional population health through collective action,” Aguer said. He referenced the East Africa Regional Health Sector Investment Biologics Framework 2018–2028 as a guiding policy for addressing cross-border public health threats and adapting to climate-related health challenges.
Dr. Humphrey Karamaji, World Health Organisation country representative, echoed the importance of evidence-based policy, innovation in diagnostics, and regional coordination in addressing shared health challenges, emphasising the comprehensive nature of the conference, which covers everything from policy development to knowledge generation and research.
Over 200 research presentations are expected to be delivered and discussed in parallel sessions throughout the conference, offering a robust platform for dialogue and action. Insights gained will help inform policy frameworks and strategic plans across the Partner States.
The East African Health and Scientific Conference continues to play a vital role in advancing regional health integration in line with the EAC Common Market Protocol, which promotes the free movement of people, services, and goods.
As the region grapples with increasingly complex health challenges, the Juba conference is poised to shape the trajectory of East Africa’s health agenda well into the future.