I would like to start by thanking the government of the Republic of Zambia for the incredible hospitality extended to my delegation and I.

Lusaka is a vibrant city and the ideal host for this Youth Pre-Conference. I would also like to thank my dear sister and friend, H.E Mutinta Hichilema, for the warm welcome, and her kind words during her Welcoming Address.

I greet you on behalf of the Organization of African First Ladies (“OAFLAD”), of which I am the President, and the First Lady of Zambia being one of the 43 African First Ladies who is a member.

We are both here to acknowledge and support the leadership of AFRICA CDC in convening young people and ensuring they are not left out of the important conversations on how Africa intends to shape a new public health order.

OAFLAD is also engaged in what we call a unifying campaign. It’s a continent-wide campaign for gender equality that will be launched by First Ladies, in their respective countries, across the continent. The campaign will focus on the central tenant that WE ARE EQUAL. The focus will be on actions that can be taken to advance equality in the areas of gender-based violence, economic empowerment, education and of course, health.

It would be an honour and a privilege to have youth advocates for this campaign, so please let US know if you are interested in being an advocacy partner. Just yesterday, I had the distinct privilege of being in Nairobi, where the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya hosted a very successful and well attended “We are Equal campaign” launch event, which enjoyed the presence of the President of the Republic of Kenya, senior government leaders, as well as 20 000 women from all over Kenya.

That speaks to the convening power of First Ladies, and why OAFLAD chose to harness the collective advocacy strength of First Ladies to ignite and advance important societal conversations.

There is no place I would rather be than in this room with all of you today. CPHIA is Africa taking its destiny into its own hands, and the Youth Pre-Conference is how we ensure that the ideas and energy of young people are integrated into this consequential initiative.

In addition to networking amongst each other, you also get to network with the rockstars of African public health, powerhouses like Dr Tedros from WHO; Michel Sidibe, the former UNAIDS head; Jean Kaseya, DG of Africa CDC; Amb. John Nkengosang, the head of Pepfar and former Head of Africa CDC; Professor Sennait Fisseha, Vice president of Global Programs at the Susan Buffet Foundation and chief advisor to the WHO DG; Dr Muhamed Ali Pati, the Minister of Health and Social welfare in Nigeria; Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa; Githinji Gitahi, CEO of Amref Health Africa; Dr Kesete Amasu, CEO of Big Win Philanthropy and former Minister of Health in Ethiopia; Dr Magda Robala, president of the Institute for Global Health and Development and many other incredible African public health powerhouses.

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