From June 26 to 27, 2024,  Countdown to 2030 researchers participated in the Global Public Health International Conference convened by University of Manitoba’s Institute for Global Public Health in Winnipeg, Canada. The conference aimed at reflecting on how the University of Manitoba and other academic institutions can effectively contribute to equity and global health.

This international conference brought together global health experts from universities, government, national bodies, the voluntary and private sectors, and selected counterparts from other countries and international agencies.

Dr. Cheikh Mbacké Faye, Director of the West African Regional Office of APHRC and Director of Countdown to 2030. chaired a session focused on equity in Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health in Africa.

In his speech, Dr. Faye emphasized the importance of true partnerships between northern and southern institutions and the importance of leadership from African institutions.

He gave examples of the work done by APHRC and the Countdown to 2030 collaborations in countries. 

Other Countdown researchers who presented in this session are;

• Dr. Dessalegn Melesse of the University of Manitoba presented on health outcomes in Ethiopia. 
• Dr. Choolwe Jacobs from the University of Zambia and the Countdown collaboration in Zambia presented on Reduced Inequalities in Under-Five Mortality Rates over the Last Two Decades.
• Dr. Agbessi Amouzou from Johns Hopkins University was also among the panelists. 

Dr. Zulfiquar Bhutta of the University of Toronto and Aga Khan University also gave a lecture at the event; Dr. Bhutta is part of several country collaborations, including in Pakistan.

The overall purpose of this conference is to reflect on achievements and key challenges in advancing equity and fostering stronger partnerships between academic institutions and other sectors to accelerate progress in advancing global health equity.