AFENET@20: Celebrating Two Decades of Impact
For 20 years, the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) has been at the forefront of strengthening public health across Africa. Since its inception in 2005, AFENET has provided crucial support for applied epidemiology training, disease surveillance, and outbreak response, ensuring healthier communities across the continent.
AFENET has also fostered collaboration between African countries, international organizations, and public health experts. Through these partnerships, AFENET has trained thousands of epidemiologists, advancing public health knowledge and practices.
We invite all stakeholders to join in local, national, regional, and global celebrations as we continue to drive public health innovation and progress.
Taking the Celebration Beyond Borders
As AFENET celebrates 20 years, the impact extends beyond Africa. Our global activities will unite partners, alumni, and stakeholders around the world:
- Anniversary Gala & Scientific Symposium in Kampala with governments, donors, and international partners.
- Regional Celebrations across AFENET’s 4 hubs, spotlighting local achievements.
- International Webinars & Conferences with WHO, CDC, USAID, and partners to showcase Africa’s role in global health.
- AFENET@20 Global Dialogue Series: Online discussions with alumni and global health leaders.
- Partnership Showcases: Media features and exhibitions on AFENET’s global collaborations.
- Global Alumni Reunion: A virtual and in-person celebration of 13,000+ FETP graduates.
Over two decades, AFENET has grown into a leader in Africa’s health security ecosystem:
40 African countries reached with AFENET programs.
13,364+ Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) graduates, building Africa’s health workforce.
500+ staff working with communities and governments across the continent.
20+ FELTPs supported, strengthening national and regional response capacity.
Spotlight Stories from Nigeria
- AFENET’s Impact in Yobe State: Advancing Immunization and PHC Systems
- Boosting zero-dose immunization in Bauchi State
- Identifying a consistently missed settlement in Kano State
- AFENET’s Impact on Measles and Rubella Control nationwide
- Empowering Nigeria’s frontline with field epidemiology expertise
- Sustaining Nigeria’s polio-free status through robust surveillance
- Leaving No Child Behind: Routine Immunization Impact in Nigeria
- Strengthening Routine Immunization Data Systems
- Strengthening Routine Immunization Data Systems
- Advancing Vaccine Safety and Surveillance Innovations
The next 20 years mark a bold chapter for AFENET: driving transformative investments, building a stronger public health workforce, and fostering deeper collaborations across Africa and beyond. With a focus on innovation, digital health, and resilient systems, we are committed to ensuring no community is left behind in the journey toward a healthier Africa.
Our Focus Ahead
$159M+ investment.
into Africa’s public health future. (2024 – 2028)
By 2023, 20,000
Expanding workforce from 13k+ trained epidemiologists to over 20,000 by 2030.
40 Global Connects
Deepening collaboration with 40+ African governments, academia, and global partners.
Go Digital Health
Scaling digital health to ensure “No Community Left Behind.
Our Strategic Focus (2024 – 2028)
Public Health Surveillance & Emergency Preparedness
🔹 $53.9M to strengthen early warning and outbreak response
🔹 Real-time digital disease tracking
Public Health Laboratories
🔹 $4.8M to expand lab capacity across Africa
🔹 One Health integration for zoonotic disease control
Tackling Non-Communicable Diseases
🔹 $5.2M to fight rising NCD burden
🔹 Community-level prevention and management programs
Universal Health Coverage
🔹 $16.7M to strengthen Primary Health Care (PHC)
🔹 Digital health tools to reach underserved populations
One Health & Climate Change Mitigation
🔹 $18.7M for multi-sectoral collaboration
🔹 Safeguarding Africa from zoonotic & climate-driven health threats
Research, Innovation & Networking
🔹 $30.9M to fund research, innovation, and knowledge-sharing
🔹 Connecting 13,000+ trained epidemiologists at conferences & networks
Join the Celebration
Stakeholders worldwide are invited to take part in the local, national, regional, and global activities marking AFENET’s 20th Anniversary. From alumni and partners to governments and global health organizations, this is your moment to celebrate two decades of impact and contribute to shaping the future of public health in Africa.
Partner with Us:
Collaborate on research, innovation, and public health capacity building.
Share Your Story
Alumni and partners, tell your AFENET journey using #AFENETat20.
Engage Online
Follow our social platforms for campaign highlights and stories.
