Global Public Health Week (GPHW)
Global Public Health Week (GPHW) is an annual event organized by the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA). It unites institutions, communities, and public health leaders worldwide to recognize the critical contributions of public health and its workforce in building healthier societies.
If you’d like to participate, please check our events list here.
What Is Global Public Health Week?
Global Public Health Week is a platform for discussing best practices, addressing gaps in public health systems, and fostering collaboration across nations. By spotlighting the work of public health professionals, this initiative ensures the field remains visible and appreciated, especially in the wake of global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why Global Public Health Week Matters
For decades, public health has served as the “invisible guardian” of global health. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted its importance, but the risk of losing momentum post-pandemic remains high. Global Public Health Week aims to:
- Make public health visible and valued to ensure it remains a priority.
- Promote emergency preparedness to prevent future pandemics.
- Facilitate global knowledge sharing to improve public health across diverse contexts.
Global Public Health Week 2026: “Peace for Health, Health for Peace”
The fifth edition of GPHW, held from April 6 to 10, 2026, focused on equity in public health. This year’s discussions centered on:
- Peaceful Societies, Healthy Populations: Governance, human rights, and social determinants of health.
- Protecting Health Systems in Times of Crisis: Resilient systems and the safety of health workers.
- Prevention First: From Epidemics to Everyday Health: Immunization, surveillance, and community prevention.
- One Planet, One Health, One Peace: Environmental health, climate change, and resource equity.
- Rebuilding Health and Hope: Mental health, social recovery, and youth engagement.
This theme underscores the importance of inclusivity and fairness in public health systems worldwide.
How Global Public Health Week Supports Public Health Advocacy
Global Public Health Week brings together public health actors to address the barriers professionals face worldwide. Participants share knowledge, resources, and solutions to enhance public health practices across regions through events, workshops, and discussions.
Key outcomes of Global Public Health Week include:
- Highlighting innovative approaches to disease prevention and health promotion.
- Encouraging collaboration between governments, NGOs, and communities.
- Advocating for sustainable investment in public health systems.
Why Global Public Health Week Is Essential
- Raises awareness of the vital role of public health.
- Encourages action to address health inequities.
- Strengthens global collaboration to tackle shared challenges.
Stay informed and help shape the future of public health. Together, we can create a healthier, more equitable world.
Join the Movement
Global Public Health Week 2026 is more than a week-long event; it’s a global movement. By participating, you contribute to a stronger, more equitable public health framework that protects and promotes well-being for all.
Any individual, association, or institution involved in public health is welcome to participate. A list of events is available here.