WHO and Katyavala Bwila University hold scientific conference in Benguela

Benguela - The Faculty of Medicine of Katyavala Bwila University (FMUKB), in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), held today the Benguela Scientific Conference on Public Health and Innovation, under the theme "Resilience and Innovation in Outbreak Response: The Benguela Experience."

The meeting brought together health professionals, academics, researchers, hospital managers, policymakers, traditional authorities, and partners in a technical and scientific dialogue space on the main challenges and innovative solutions in epidemic outbreak response.

One highlight of the event was the presentation by Dr. Josimar Tavares, a WHO specialist, who spoke about the Organization's contribution to promoting health during outbreaks in Angola.

In his address, Dr. Josimar emphasized how community mobilization, health literacy, and risk communication play a decisive role in preventing the spread of diseases and strengthening epidemiological surveillance. He also stressed that WHO has been investing in training health professionals and community leaders, as well as in large-scale awareness campaigns that have reached millions of people in Angola.

"Building trust in communities and combating misinformation is essential for effective responses. When the population is informed, it becomes an active partner in outbreak prevention and control," Dr Josimar stated.

This is the first time that WHO has supported Katyavala Bwila University in organizing a scientific conference, representing an important milestone in strengthening ties between academia and international health organizations.

According to WHO, this type of collaboration is essential to reinforce local capacity for outbreak prevention, surveillance, and response, bringing scientific knowledge closer to public health practice.

WHO and FMUKB expressed their commitment to continue this partnership by holding new conferences and scientific events focused on health activities, research, and information sharing, consolidating Benguela as a city of innovation and cooperation in public health.