Closing session
On February 8, after 2 days of inspiring discussions in Kigali, Rwanda, the IANPHI Annual Meeting ended with the closing session and the presentation of the Kigali Statement.
Prof. Claude Muvunyi, Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Center, introduced the closing session by expressing his gratitude to all attendees for their participation. He acknowledged the dedication of everyone present and emphasized the significance of the Kigali Statement, which encapsulates the discussions, reflections, and commitments made during the conference.
Prof. Duncan Selbie, IANPHI President, joined Prof. Muvunyi in thanking the participants and emphasized the power of collaboration, using an African proverb "If you want to travel fast, go alone. If you want to travel far, go together."
Then, Dr. Neil Squires, Director of Global Operations at the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA), presented the Kigali Statement adopted by the IANPHI Executive Board on behalf of the IANPHI Members. This important document highlights the challenges faced by IANPHI Members due to climate change and conflict, that weaken public health capacity. It emphasizes the essential role of NPHIs in responding to crises at national level, advocating collaboration and mutual support between Members. In the face of the multiple emergencies facing humanity, the emphasis is on the urgent need for collaboration and mutual support between national public health institutes. Finally, it confirms a collective commitment to strengthening global health resilience, improving health equity, and addressing emerging health challenges through collaboration, leadership, and innovation.
Finally, the Annual Meeting closed with the presentation of the Host institute for the next 2025 IANPHI Annual Meeting, the National Institute of Health of Mozambique.