The 4th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2025) closed on 25 October in South Africa with the launch of The Durban Promise.

This outcome document synthesizes conference recommendations to define Africa’s roadmap toward self-reliance, sustainability, and leadership in global health.

The document will inform upcoming policy discussions, including the G20 meeting in South Africa, aimed at accelerating Africa’s progress on health equity, solidarity, and universal health coverage. 

The Durban Promise includes seven continental commitments: Mobilize Africa’s Wealth and Innovation for Health Sovereignty, Strengthen Governance and Accountability, Reinvest in PHC and Community Systems and Foster Regional Solidarity and Market Efficiency.

Others are Build Integrated, Climate-Resilient and Pandemic-Ready One Health Systems, Reframe Health as a Strategic Investment and Transform This Moment into Africa’s Leadership Era.

“This moment enables South Africa to carry the voice of the continent into the G20 deliberations—championing fair global health financing, resilient systems, and recognition of Africa as a strategic contributor, not a passive recipient,” said Professor Olive Shisana, CPHIA 2025 Co-chair, in her remarks during the closing ceremony.

CPHIA 2025 brought together nearly 20,000 participants from over 72 countries — both online and in Durban —from across governments, academia, and civil society.

Held under the theme “Moving Toward Self-Reliance to Achieve Universal Health Coverage and Health Security,” the conference was hosted by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and co-organised with the Government of South Africa and AfricaBio’s BIO Africa Convention. 

CPHIA 2025 featured three high-level plenary sessions, 20 abstract-driven sessions, eight special sessions and 48 side events from partners, the Africa CDC and AfricaBio.

There were also 235 virtual posters and 90 in-person abstract presentations, along with 24 exhibition booths demonstrating cutting-edge technologies, solutions, and services. 

“In all the conversations that came through, we got to hear that Africa is ready to meet the moment. Africa’s season, and Africa’s moment to lead, is now,” said Thabani Maphosa, Chief Country Delivery Officer at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.