SOEHPON 2026 Conference to Spotlight AI, Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty
By Cynthia Okere, Lagos
The Society of Occupational and Environmental Health Physicians of Nigeria (SOEHPON) is set to bring health professionals, policymakers, researchers and industry stakeholders together in Lagos for its 2026 Annual International Conference and Exhibition, with Artificial Intelligence and Africa’s drive for stronger health systems taking centre stage.
The conference, scheduled for November 23 to 27, 2026, is themed “Digital Transformation and AI: The Future of Occupational and Environmental Health Practice in Africa.”
Prof. Aliko Ahmed, Special Regional Representative of the Director-General for the West Africa Regional Collaborating Centre of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), has been announced as keynote speaker for the opening session.
Ahmed, a Nigerian public health physician and global health diplomat with more than three decades of experience in health policy, executive leadership and health systems strengthening, will deliver a keynote on the African Union Leadership Mandate on the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda (AHSS).
His presentation is expected to examine Africa’s efforts to strengthen ownership and leadership of its health priorities while maintaining regional and international collaboration.
Among the areas expected to feature prominently are Africa’s role in global health governance, preparedness and response to public health emergencies, sustainable domestic health financing and increased local production of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and other health technologies.
The keynote will also address the development of digital health and Artificial Intelligence systems designed and governed within Africa.
AI and the Future of Work
Artificial Intelligence is expected to form a major part of discussions at the conference, particularly its implications for healthcare delivery, disease surveillance, occupational health monitoring and workforce planning.
While emerging technologies offer opportunities to improve workplace health and productivity, SOEHPON said discussions will also examine challenges surrounding workers’ health, safety and wellbeing as technology changes the nature of work.
Issues including ethical AI governance, workforce protection, digital sovereignty and equitable access to emerging technologies are expected to receive attention.
The wider conference will explore how digital technologies and AI are changing occupational and environmental health practice across Africa, including workplace safety, environmental monitoring, disease surveillance and workforce development.
According to the organisers, the gathering is expected to attract occupational and environmental health professionals, public health experts, academics, regulators, researchers, industry representatives and other stakeholders from Africa and beyond.
Conference Programme
Pre-conference teaching and practical demonstration sessions are scheduled for November 23, followed by a worksite visit and welcome cocktail on November 24.
The main conference will hold at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on November 25 and 26, featuring the opening ceremony, keynote session, plenary discussions, scientific paper presentations, exhibition and conference dinner.
Post-conference social activities, including a boat cruise and art gallery visit, are scheduled for November 27.
SOEHPON says the 2026 gathering is intended to provide a platform for scientific exchange, professional networking and policy discussions capable of advancing occupational and environmental health practice on the continent.
Prof. Ahmed’s participation also brings a continental policy perspective to the conference. Africa CDC announced his appointment in April 2026 as Special Regional Representative of its Director-General for the West Africa Regional Collaborating Centre, describing him as a global health diplomat and public health physician with more than 30 years of experience.
Registration and further information are available through the official SOEHPON 2026 conference website.