The East Africa Healthcare Federation brings together seven East African countries namely Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and Ethiopia. These countries host an annual conference in rotation drawing hundreds of delegates and dignitaries from across Africa and other continents presenting an opportunity for a close lens on the private health sector agenda, networking, exhibition of innovations and showcasing of experiences sessions, panel discussion.  This three-day Conference is unique by design with participation from the highest level from the government leadership in health, highlighting the health priorities and initiatives that serve as a foundation for regional collaboration and growth, complemented by health development partner decision makers, private sector innovators, implementers and investors, all sharing perspectives, highlighting risks and defining the pathway to achieve sector goals. This year, Uganda Healthcare Federation will host the conference from 28 to 30 September 2022, at the Mestil Hotel Kampala.

The COVID-19 pandemic had consequences that highlighted the health system weaknesses arising from exclusion of private sector participation in national and regional health security and its sustainability. The limitations of inadequate private sector inclusivity and deficiencies in mechanisms necessary for effective engagement were clearly exposed. The last three years have also served to awaken the private sector to re-think how to strategically strengthen partnerships, collaborations and gain efficiency in executing national health interventions. Hence this year’s conference theme; “Building resilient systems for evolving health challenges: The inevitable role of Africa’s private sector”.

The 2022 conference timing is ideal for the region and the continent to carefully examine the trends and trajectories of the non-health related influences on the health sector. Congruent with the conference theme, the event will focus on:

• Building a workforce that serves the continent’s evolving health demands.
• Adapting Africa’s healthcare to the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
• Moving private sector from the peripherals of the health sector through collaboration.
• Leveraging leadership, management and governance for impactful sustainable outcomes in mixed health systems.
• Scaling health informatics and digital health innovations, showcasing experiences and learnings.
• A multi-sectoral approach to domestic resource mobilization effective inclusion of the private sector.