The CPHIA 2025 side event titled “Strengthening the Health Emergency Workforce through Regional Economic Communities (RECs_EAC) for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response” aims to enhance collaboration among RECs, the Africa CDC, the AU Commission, and global health partners to build a resilient, well-coordinated health emergency workforce in Africa. Recognizing the critical but often underappreciated role of RECs in cross-border coordination and workforce mobilization, the event will foster dialogue on strengthening, training, and sustaining Africa’s health emergency workforce, leveraging regional and global expertise, and exploring sustainable financing models. Expected outcomes include actionable recommendations, a REC-guided framework for workforce development, identification of capacity gaps, and increased recognition of RECs’ roles in pandemic preparedness and response. The event will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, and stakeholder commitments, taking place in Durban, South Africa, from 23–25 October 2025.
