Date

2025/8/21 (Thu)16:00-18:00（JST）

Field

Health

Venue / Event Format

Yokohama Bay / Hybrid (In-person and Online)

Co-Host

Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS)/Africa CDC

Background

Following COVID-19 pandemic, Africa has witnessed an unprecedented surge in public health events, rising by 41% from 152 outbreaks in 2022 to 213 in 2024 (according to Africa CDC), including mpox, cholera, and Ebola disease outbreaks. There is a strong need to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPPR) throughout the region. Quality surveillance systems and laboratory testing and diagnostic capabilities through enhancement of capacity of medical research institutes (MRIs) and national public health institutes (NPHIs) are pivotal for rapid containment of an outbreak. However, the reduction in ODA for health poses a significant challenge to the sustainability of those efforts. In addition, the 100 Days Mission report in 2024 reveals limited progress in terms of newly approved diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines (DTVs), highlighting the urgent need for innovation and partnership to address these gaps. JICA has been working to strengthen core research institutes and human resources in Africa through various cooperation including the SATREPS (Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development) and the PREPARE (Partnership for Building Resilience against Public Health Emergencies through Advanced Research and Education) programs. Furthermore, there is scope to promote research and development of medicines and diagnostic kits in Africa in collaboration with the Japanese private sector. This event intends to share the current status and challenges of efforts taken in Africa and promote innovation and partnerships to strengthen testing and diagnostic systems, surveillance, and R&D for PPPR at the national, regional, and global levels.

Key Questions

1. What are the current progress, successes and challenges in pandemic preparedness, especially surveillance network, and outbreak responses in Africa and Japan?
2. How can we enhance the surveillance system and R&D capacity by harnessing innovation and human resource development?
3. What are the comparative strengths and opportunities for Africa and Japan to strengthen and sustain surveillance systems and R&D for PPPR?
4. How can we effectively promote collaborations between partners in Africa and Japan to improve PPPR?

Objective

This event aims to contribute to enhancing countries' core capacities and regional and global networks for improved prevention, preparedness and response (PPR) to health crises in Africa. By exchanging ideas and leveraging innovations, the event seeks to strengthen country surveillance systems and their regional and global networks and their sustainability. A particular focus will be on improving the timeliness and quality of laboratory diagnostics and boosting R&D capacity in countries. It also aims to strengthen collaboration between Japan and Africa within and beyond the region.

Materials

Speakers