UNILAG Hosts AfIHC 2025, Promotes Sustainable Healthcare and Environmental Resilience in Africa

The University of Lagos (UNILAG), in collaboration with Push Aid Africa Inc. (PAAF), has successfully hosted the 8th Annual Africa Interdisciplinary Health Conference (AfIHC) on the theme “Advancing Sustainable Healthcare and Environmental Resilience in Africa: Integrating Health, Ecology and Community Well-being.”

The conference held from Wednesday, August 13 to Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Faculty of Social Sciences Lecture Theatre, UNILAG.

The three-day international event brought together healthcare providers, academics, researchers, and policymakers across Africa to deliberate on integrated approaches to health and environmental sustainability.

Pre-Conference Training and Workshop
AfIHC 2025 began with a two-day pre-conference training and workshop on Monday, August 11 and Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Dr. Orlando Harris of the University of California delivered a session on qualitative research methods and analysis, while Dr. Rosanna Barrett of Morehouse School of Medicine, Georgia, concluded with a workshop on Re-imagining Public Health Interventions through an Implementation Science and Community Engagement Lens.

Opening Ceremony and Keynote Presentations
The opening ceremony featured remarks from the Planning Committee Chair and Professor of Gender and Development Studies, UNILAG, Prof. Olufunlayo Bammeke; AfIHC Secretary-General and President/Chair of PAAF, Prof. Jerry Ouner; and the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Prof. Afolabi Lesi.

Keynote addresses were delivered by Prof. Mojisola Christiana Adeyeye (Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control – NAFDAC); Prof. Ademola Ayodele Oremosu (Provost, College of Medicine, UNILAG); and Prof. Oladele Ogunseitan (Distinguished Professor of Population, Health and Disease Prevention, University of California, and Presidential Chair, University of California, Irvine).

Speaking virtually, Prof. Adeyeye emphasized the need for integrated strategies to address ecological degradation, food insecurity, climate change, and access to medicine in Africa. She advocated for policy alignment across health, agriculture, environment, and trade sectors, while also calling for stronger local manufacturing capacity and increased public awareness on environmental stewardship and medicine safety.

Panel and Plenary Sessions
Three panel discussions and two plenary sessions featured experts from institutions including PharmAccess Ghana, WHO, University of Witwatersrand, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, and the University of California. Topics explored included Building Resilient Health in Africa; Behavioural Change for Health, Environmental Sustainability and Community Well-being; and Vulnerabilities, Environmental Sustainability and Health Challenges in Africa.

Plenary sessions addressed the publication of AfIHC 2024 and 2025 proceedings, and developing a nurse-led mobile outreach for hidden and underserved populations.

The conference also featured a spoken word presentation and playlet by students of the Department of English, UNILAG, adding a cultural dimension to the academic engagement.

Commitment to Impactful Change
AfIHC 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to advancing interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based solutions for Africa’s health and environmental challenges. The conference continues to serve as a platform for professionals across sectors to share research, exchange ideas, and drive meaningful change in the continent’s healthcare and ecological systems.