CFA - Evidence Based Public Health and the Future of HIV Management in Sub-Saharn Africa
Rafael Winkler
Developments in Evidence‑Based Public Health and the Future of HIV Management in Sub‑Saharan Africa
Dates: 25–27 February 2026
Venue: Misty Hills Country Hotel & Conference Centre, Muldersdrift, Gauteng (South Africa)
Hosts: University of Johannesburg – CPEMPH; University of Durham – CPEMPH & CHESS; University of the Free State
Participants: Policymakers, public health advocates/civil society, NGOs, and the research community across sub‑Saharan Africa
Conference fee: ZAR 4,000 (includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals)
This two‑day regional conference convenes decision‑makers, researchers, NGOs and healthcare providers to discuss ongoing developments in evidence use in public health. Recent years have seen the increasing utilization of mathematical models, the need for new kinds of data concerning social media and infodemics, and the development of new theoretical frameworks for integrating evidence and contextual factors. Funding upheavals are also reshaping the global public health landscape. This conference will provide a space for practitioners and academics to discuss the implications of these developments for HIV management in the Sub-Saharan African region, to share contextual knowledge and develop approaches for better integrated theory and practice. Sessions include keynotes, thematic panels, a UNICEF‑led session on current and forthcoming initiatives, and structured roundtables culminating in adoption of a Misty Hills Statement.
Themes
- Integrating new evidence into context‑sensitive public health policy
How evidence‑based public health frameworks can take account of local context, and integrate new kinds of evidence (e.g. mathematical modelling; social listening reports; search trend data; etc.) - Sustaining and adapting HIV programmes after reduced U.S. funding
Strategies to maintain prevention, treatment, and care; strengthen domestic resource mobilisation; ensure regulatory and procurement resilience; and safeguard equity and quality of care.
We invite contributions from policymakers, programme implementers, civil society and advocacy organisations, clinicians, data scientists, social and behavioural scientists, health economists, philosophers of public health, and ethicists from across and beyond the region. Early‑career professionals, practitioner‑scholars, and policymakers are especially encouraged.
Abstract Guidelines
● Length: Up to 200 words (excluding title and affiliations).
● Focus: Indicate alignment with Theme 1 or 2.
● Content: Background/rationale, objective, approach/methods, key findings/insights (or expected insights for works‑in‑progress), and policy/practice implications.
● Ethics & equity: Indicate ethical approvals where applicable and attention to contextual appropriateness and equity.
● Keywords: Provide 3–5 keywords.
● Author details: Name(s), affiliation(s), and corresponding email.
Presenters will also be invited to contribute to the roundtables (methodological integration; funding & coordination) that will draft principles and a sustainability roadmap for the region.
Submission and Key Dates
● Submission of abstracts: email to bsm...@uj.ac.za
● Deadline for abstracts: 30 November 2025, 23:59 SAST (UTC+2)
● Notification of decisions: 15 December 2025
● Presenter registration deadline: 31 December 2025
For queries, contact Benjamin Smart: bsm...@uj.ac.za
The ZAR 4,000 fee covers conference attendance, two nights’ accommodation (25–27 Feb) and all meals during the official programme. Travel is self‑funded.