DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania - The Pan African University (PAU) is currently participating in the ongoing Pan African Travel Medicine Conference (PATMF), taking place from 14 to 17 October 2026 at the Protea Hotel in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania.

The Pan African Travel Medicine Federation (PATMF) operates in close affiliation with global health leadership as an official regional partner of the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM). This strategic international alliance is highlighted by co-hosted initiatives - such as the Pan African Travel Medicine Conference serving as the 9th Regional Conference of the ISTM (RCISTM9) - which connect African travel medicine specialists to the broader global research, clinical standards, and professional networks of the ISTM.

Representing the University at the event are the Vice Rector, Professor Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale, and the Director of the Pan African University Institute for Life and Earth Sciences (including Health and Agriculture - PAULESI), Professor Mubo Sonibare.

The Conference, featuring a keynote address by Dr. Adamu Isah, Director of Medical and Health Services at the African Union (AU), has gathered health professionals, academic institutions, and key sector stakeholders. Participants are convening to explore strategies for addressing travel-related health challenges driven by climate change, disease outbreaks, increased mobility, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.

Key Focus Areas and Institutional Vision

Throughout the event, ongoing discussions are centring on crucial topics, including:

• Risk Communication & Disease Control: Enhancing epidemic preparedness, disease prevention, and public health messaging.
• Traveler Care: Supporting mental health, medical tourism, and individuals with diverse travel needs.
• Infrastructure & Innovation: Developing accessible travel medicine clinics and advancing regional research to safeguard both travellers and host communities.

PAU's active participation aligns directly with the African Union’s broader vision of a healthy, resilient, integrated, and prosperous Africa - Agenda 2063 – The Africa We Want, as emphasized in the Keynote Address by Dr. Adamu Isah.

Strategic Collaboration and Academic Partnership

A key driver of PAU’s presence at the Conference is the exploration of strategic partnerships in travel medicine education. Specifically, PAU is attending the Conference to discuss and explore the possibility of jointly offering the Online Travel Medicine Course, which is currently being offered through a partnership between PATMF and Kairuki University, Tanzania.

Building on an expression of interest from PATMF regarding potential collaboration, PAU welcomes the prospect of this partnership. The university looks forward to further engagement in education, research, innovation, knowledge exchange, and capacity building to advance travel medicine and serve communities across the African continent.