Casablanca welcomed pediatricians, health specialists, and medical experts from across Africa for the Second African Congress of Pediatrics, a three-day event focused on addressing the continent’s children’s health challenges through knowledge exchange and South-South collaboration.
The three-day congress (January 9–11) drew participants from approximately 40 African countries, alongside substantial online attendance. Attendees highlighted the importance of strengthening initial and continuing training for physicians across the continent, as essential levers for improving the healthcare of infants and children, in line with on-the-ground realities.
Mohamed Adnaoui, President of Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, emphasized the congress’s mission to promote South-South collaboration through workshops, knowledge exchanges, and mentorship for emerging professionals. He highlighted the event’s goal of uniting practicing physicians and pediatric specialists around continental themes while advancing medical training tailored to local realities in child healthcare.
Saïd Afif, President of the African Association of Pediatrics, described the second edition as an outstanding success marked by broad participation from Moroccan and African pediatricians. The scientific program paid particular attention to young professionals, providing opportunities for oral presentations and recognition of research addressing major health topics including nutrition, immunization, and childhood diabetes.
The congress featured a comprehensive scientific agenda with thematic workshops covering pulmonology and ENT, cardiology, neonatology, endocrinology, general pediatrics, emergency medicine, vaccinology, and dermatology. These sessions aimed to enhance participants’ practical skills, encourage experience sharing, and address concrete challenges in child healthcare through research-based approaches.
The event underscored Morocco’s commitment to advancing pediatric care across Africa while fostering collaborative networks among healthcare professionals. By creating platforms for knowledge transfer and professional development, the congress contributes to building stronger healthcare systems capable of addressing children’s health needs throughout the continent. The emphasis on emerging professionals ensures continuity in pediatric expertise while addressing region-specific health challenges through locally adapted solutions.
The event was organized by the Casablanca Association of Private Pediatricians and the African Association of Pediatrics, in partnership with Morocco’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health.