Current practice of epidemiology in Africa: highlights of the 3rd conference of the African epidemiological association and 1st conference of the Cameroon society of epidemiology, Yaoundé, Cameroon, 2014

Abstract

As the study of disease occurrence and health indicators in human populations, Epidemiology is a dynamic field that evolves with time and geographical context. In order to update African health workers on current   epidemiological practices and to draw awareness of early career epidemiologists on concepts and  opportunities in the field, the 3rd African Epidemiology Association and the 1st Cameroon Society of   Epidemiology Conference was organized in June 2-6, 2014 at the Yaoundé  Mont Febe Hotel, in Cameroon. Under the theme«Practice of Epidemiology in Africa: Stakes, Challenges and Perspectives», the conference attracted close to five hundred guest and participants from all continents. The two main programs were the   pre-conference course for capacity building of African Early Career  epidemiologists, and the conference itself, providing a forum for scientific exchanges on recent epidemiological concepts, encouraging the use of  epidemiological  methods in studying large disease burden and neglected tropical diseases; and highlighting existing opportunities.

Key words: Highlights, 3rd epidemiology Conference, Africa, Yaoundé, Cameroon