On 10 January, Morocco hosted the second African Paediatrics Congress. The event aimed to coordinate the efforts of stakeholders in the continent’s healthcare system to address challenges related to child and neonatal health.
Under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, the second edition of the African Paediatrics Congress, organised by the Casablanca Association of Private Paediatricians (ACPP) and the African Paediatrics Association, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health (FM6SS), brought together experts, professionals and specialists from several African countries to discuss issues related to child and infant health, with a focus on consultation, exchange of experiences and strengthening South-South cooperation. The congress highlighted major paediatric challenges: infant mortality, malnutrition, infectious diseases, as well as emerging issues related to mental health and chronic conditions.
His Majesty the King, may God assist him, has shown us the way forward for South-South collaboration. And we, as paediatricians, are following this path and developing relationships between us. This also enables us to carry out research, and we must work hand in hand with our African brothers.
SAÏD AFIF, President of the African Paediatric Association
Experts also discussed the impact of inequalities in access to healthcare, the lack of trained paediatricians in certain rural areas, and the growing role of new technologies in diagnosing and monitoring children. According to UNICEF, more than 2.7 million African children still die each year from preventable causes, a figure that is alarming and justifies the current scientific mobilisation.
Our problems are cross-cutting, particularly those in the field of infectious diseases and non-infectious diseases, which represent a real challenge. It was necessary for us to share our data, identify the challenges together and seek concrete solutions.
SIMON JONAS ATEGBO, President of the Gabonese Paediatric Society
In addition, the conference highlighted the importance of strengthening the initial and continuing training of African doctors, considered a key factor in improving child healthcare, taking into account local realities.
