ACEPHAP: A Beacon of Excellence in Population Health in Africa
Africa Center of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP) continues to provide evidence-based solutions to the multifaceted challenges of population health, making it a shining example among ACEs in Africa. This was highlighted by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, during the opening ceremony of the International Conference held on January 21, 2025, at Bristol Palace Hotel, Kano.
Represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Professor Sani M. Gumel, the Vice Chancellor emphasized that ACEPHAP has been a beacon of excellence in addressing population health challenges in the Africa sub-region. He added, "As an institution, we are proud to host this vital platform for advancing global health dialogue."
Professor Abbas remarked that the conference theme, "Resilience and Optimization: Building Sustainable Population Health in Africa", reflects the urgency of building resilient health systems, fostering innovation, and forming partnerships to tackle health disparities.
The Director of ACEPHAP, Professor Hadiza Shehu Galadanci, shared that this inaugural conference aimed to unite leading experts, scientists, stakeholders, and policymakers to address fundamental health challenges facing Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. She announced that the event would feature scientific and plenary sessions with renowned experts, including Dr. Janis P. Tupesis (USA), Dr. Olusegun Samuel Oyeniyi, Dr. Amina Abubakar Bello, and others.
Professor Galadanci highlighted ACEPHAP's achievements since its inception in 2019, which include launching five MSc and two PhD programs attracting students from over ten countries, conducting short courses on grant writing and research methodology, and groundbreaking research in postpartum hemorrhage, maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and anemia in pregnancy.
"Through open dialogue and multidisciplinary approaches, we aim to develop sustainable solutions that can transform health outcomes across the continent." – Prof. Abbas
The Vice Chancellor expressed his appreciation for the distinguished participants and reaffirmed Bayero University, Kano's commitment to hosting initiatives that contribute to global health advancements.
Professor Galadanci also revealed that Professor Aliko Ahmed of the University of Cambridge would deliver the keynote speech, and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abbas, would chair the occasion, while Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam, would serve as the Special Guest of Honour.
As the conference unfolds, participants are expected to engage in meaningful discussions, collaborate on solutions, and explore strategies that will improve public health outcomes and drive socio-economic growth in Africa.
