Current practice of epidemiology in Africa: highlights of the 3rd conference of the African epidemiological association and 1st conference of the Cameroon society of epidemiology, Yaoundé, Cameroon, 2014

TL;DR

This paper summarizes a 2014 conference in Cameroon that focused on current epidemiological practices in Africa, emphasizing challenges and opportunities in the field.

Contribution

The paper highlights the importance of capacity building and scientific exchange for early career epidemiologists in Africa.

Findings

The conference attracted nearly 500 participants from around the world.

It emphasized the use of epidemiological methods for studying large disease burdens and neglected tropical diseases.

A pre-conference course was offered to build capacity among African early career epidemiologists.

Abstract

As the study of disease occurrence and health indicators in human populations, Epidemiology is a dynamic field that evolves with time and geographical context. In order to update African health workers on current epidemiological practices and to draw awareness of early career epidemiologists on concepts and opportunities in the field, the 3rd African Epidemiology Association and the 1st Cameroon Society of Epidemiology Conference was organized in June 2-6, 2014 at the Yaoundé Mont Febe Hotel, in Cameroon. Under the theme«Practice of Epidemiology in Africa: Stakes, Challenges and Perspectives», the conference attracted close to five hundred guest and participants from all continents. The two main programs were the pre-conference course for capacity building of African Early Career epidemiologists, and the conference itself, providing a forum for scientific exchanges on recent epidemiological concepts, encouraging the use of epidemiological methods in studying large disease burden and neglected tropical diseases; and highlighting existing opportunities.