How To Become a Member

National public health associations that wish to apply for membership are asked to review WFPHA’s Constitution and By-Laws and the Membership information contained in this section of the website to be sure that they are qualified for membership. After reviewing the information, the association should complete the Membership Application form. Upon completion, this form should be returned to the secretariat.

WFPHA Membership Categories:

1.Full Membership - National, multidisciplinary public health associations that meet the qualifications stated in the Federation’s Constitution (Articles I, II, and III). In short, the three criteria are:

a. Multidisciplinary composition, as distinct from concern with a single occupation or specialty.
b. Status as a nongovernmental organization, although individual Members may be government employees.
c. Recognition as the national public health association of the country, thereby representing all of its public health workers.

Each country represented by one or more Full Members shall have one vote. Full Members must pay their annual dues in full or provide an explanation for inability to pay dues in a given year. The annual dues fee is based on the following formula: US $100 base dues plus US $0.20 for industrialized countries and US $0.10 for other countries multiplied by the number of Members in the association, with a ceiling of US $3,000 for industrialized countries and US $300 for other countries.

2.Regional Member - Federations of national public health associations or of Schools of Public Health representing a geographic region. Regional Members shall promote the objectives of WFPHA within their region. Regional Members pay no dues and are represented at meetings as observers.

3.Sustaining Member - For Sustaining Members from not-for-profit organizations and other similar bodies working for the broader goals of public health, donations of US $100 or more, or support in kind shall be agreed upon at entry into membership. For commercial companies and for organizations without a link to the goals of public health, an annual fee of US $5,000 or more shall be agreed upon at entry into membership. Sustaining Members can attend the Federation’s annual meeting as observers.

4.Individual Members - Individuals that endorse the principles of the Federation and desire to contribute to it either through active collaboration or through annual donations. Admission of individual Members requires endorsement by their national Member Public Health Association, or any two Member associations. Individual Members will receive Federation publications. They will be invited to attend business or committee meetings if indicated by their function in Federation activities. Membership terminates on recommendation by the Membership Committee following termination of active collaboration. Annual donations of US $500 or  more shall be agreed upon at entry into membership.