The Global Association of Clinical Officers and Public Health Associates (GACOPA) East Africa Scientific Conference, scheduled to take place from April 27 to April 30, 2025, stands as a landmark event in the region’s healthcare landscape.
Hosted in collaboration with the Public Health Officers Association of Ethiopia (PHOA-E) and supported by a diverse array of international and local stakeholders, this conference promises to foster collaboration, recognize excellence, and address critical health challenges across East Africa. The agenda, meticulously revised and shared with international delegates on April 28, 2025, reflects a commitment to advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and strengthening health systems through dialogue, research, and cultural exchange.
Check the Schedule: GACOPA_Agenda_revised_Clean_version_28th_April-updated shared for international delegates
A Warm Welcome and High-Level Engagement
The conference commences on April 27 with a half-day learning visit to prominent health facilities in Addis Ababa, including Yikatit Hospital Janmeda Health Center and Amoraw Health Center. Led by esteemed facilitators such as Mr. Alemu, Hospital CEO, and Dr. Serkalem Girma, PHOA-E President, this pre-conference activity sets the tone for practical engagement and knowledge sharing. The official program kicks off on April 28 with a robust opening ceremony featuring keynote speeches from distinguished figures, including Dr. Serkalem Girma, Mr. Austin Oduor (GACOPA President), and Prof. Simon Kang’ethe (Chairman of the Clinical Officers Council). The presence of high-profile dignitaries such as H.E. Dr. Ayele Teshome, State Minister of Health of Ethiopia, and H.E. Maj (RTD) Prof. Dhadho Godhana, Governor of Tana River, Kenya, underscores the event’s diplomatic and regional significance.
Celebrating Excellence and Collaboration
A highlight of the conference is the series of award ceremonies on April 28, recognizing outstanding contributions to healthcare across East Africa. Categories such as the Research Excellence Award, Lifetime Achievement Senior Health Officer Award, and the GACOPA Presidents Award honor individuals and institutions for their dedication. Sponsors, including the Ministry of Health (Ethiopia), Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA), MSI Ethiopia, and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), will also be acknowledged, reflecting the strong partnership between governmental and non-governmental entities. This collaborative spirit is further exemplified by the diverse panel discussions, which bring together experts from Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, South Africa, and beyond to address evolving roles of health cadres, legislative intersections with health finance, and workforce strengthening.
Focused Dialogues and Innovative Solutions
The agenda features insightful panel discussions on critical topics. On April 28, a session titled “Country Experience on the Evolving Role of CO/HO/PAs Towards Achieving UHC” will feature panelists from multiple nations, moderated by Peterson Wachira, fostering a rich exchange of regional perspectives. Subsequent days will explore globalization of health cadres, sustainable health system strategies, and primary healthcare workforce challenges, with moderators like Prof. Simon Kang’ethe and Mr. Assegid Samuel leading the discourse. Presentations on innovative topics—such as the LOOOP Curriculum, respiratory pathogen burdens, and malnutrition disparities—will showcase cutting-edge research and practical applications, contributing to evidence-based policy-making.
