5th International Developmental Pediatrics Association Congress 2023

The mission of IDPA is to create an international scientific platform to connect and support clinicians, researchers, and policymakers working in the field of Developmental Pediatrics and Allied Disciplines from around the world to address the inequity in how children are supported to develop to their full potential. Congresses are held every two years in a low or middle-income country. After Istanbul (2015), Mumbai (2017), Manila (2019), and Beirut (virtual 2021), IDPA hosted the first IDPA Congress live after the pandemic in Africa.

Children have suffered during the recent global crises. Africa is projected to host 40% of the world’s children by 2050. This region carries a significant burden of risks to child development, but also an opportunity to bring insights that have the potential for global impact on child health and development. In keeping with the resilience shown by many, despite profound risks in Africa, the theme of the meeting was “Our Children Our Future: From Vulnerability to Resilience.”

The Congress invited disciplines that span all aspects of service delivery and research related to child development and developmental difficulties: developmental pediatricians, pediatrics, family medicine, public health, child mental health, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, child development and education, early intervention, special education, social services, advocacy and policy.

The hosts were proud to offer a programme reflecting advances in the global science, practice and policy in this exciting field and unique insights gained from all around the world. Their vision for the meeting was for a vibrant community of minds to share experiences and knowledge.

Finally, with the words of Nelson Mandela, IDPA invited people to the 5th IDPA Congress:

"Children are our greatest treasure. They are our future."