Conference Organization

The conference is organized in a two phase approach. Phase one is two-and-a-half day scientific and technical conference that included discussions on scientific evidence and programmatic issues. The conference was structured around two main themes: “Environmental threats to human health in Africa: evidence base and health impacts” and “Existing mechanisms & opportunities to address the health and environmental challenges”.  Several topics related to these themes were addressed based on technical papers that were prepared by experts and sent to country delegations prior to the conference. Each of the main themes was a subject for a keynote presentation by an internationally recognized leading personality. The outcomes of discussions were summarized and presented to the ministers during the second phase.

Phase two is a one-and-a half day ministerial conference that reviewed the report of the scientific conference and agreed on a draft declaration, the “Libreville Declaration”, and an action plan. These will be submitted to African Union Summit of Heads of States for consideration and adoption at the next session of the African Union Heads of States.