Protecting Our Future: Why the U.S. Childhood Vaccine Schedule Overhaul Risks Global Health

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) has issued a critical statement regarding the announced changes to the United States childhood immunization schedule. Our message is clear: Children’s health is not a policy experiment.

Childhood immunization schedules are among the most rigorously tested and monitored public health interventions in history. Built on decades of scientific evidence and comprehensive safety surveillance, these schedules have saved millions of lives. Altering them without a transparent, evidence-based justification puts child health and public trust at serious risk.

The Hidden Costs of Disrupting Proven Immunization Schedules

Vaccines do more than protect individuals; they safeguard entire communities. Disrupting established schedules can lead to delayed vaccinations, renewed outbreaks of preventable diseases, and avoidable hospitalizations. History shows that even modest declines in coverage can lead to rapid, severe consequences for the global population.

The Looming Equity Crisis

The proposed overhaul will not affect all children equally. Those from low-income families, rural areas, and racial or ethnic minority communities will bear the heaviest burden. In the U.S., vaccination rates already show disparities; for example, data have historically demonstrated that children living below the federal poverty level often have lower vaccination coverage rates for key vaccines than those at or above it.

Professor Raman Bedi, President-elect of the WFPHA and Emeritus Professor at King’s College London, warns:

“I am profoundly concerned that these changes will disproportionately and negatively impact the marginalized and vulnerable. When public health policy wavers, it is always those with the least who suffer the most.”

Global Implications and the Erosion of Trust

U.S. immunization policy exerts a profound influence worldwide. Decisions made domestically shape international debates and impact vaccine confidence far beyond U.S. borders. Misinformation is currently running rampant, and policy changes that appear politicized risk fundamentally undermining confidence in vaccine safety.

As Professor Michael Moore, Chair of the WFPHA International Immunization Policy Taskforce, emphasizes: “Undermining proven vaccine schedules is not innovation—it is gambling with children’s lives.”

A Call to Prioritize Scientific Integrity

The WFPHA urges U.S. decision-makers to keep children’s health and equity at the center of immunization policy.

We can do this with three actions:

• Uphold Scientific Integrity: Policy must remain grounded in comprehensive safety surveillance.
• Protect Public Trust: Transparent justification is required for any change to established medical protocols.
• Focus on Equity: Ensure that policy changes do not widen existing health disparities.

The consequences of failure will be measured in preventable disease and shattered confidence; impacts that will fall most heavily on those already facing the most significant barriers to health. Once trust is weakened, restoration is painfully difficult and its children who pay the price.

Let’s prevent that.

Read the original call to action here.

Advancing Adult HPV Vaccination: From Evidence to Action

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most prevalent infections in the world, affecting up to 80% of individuals at some point in their lives. While the immune system clears most infections naturally, persistent high-risk HPV oncogenic genotypes can lead to serious health outcomes, including cervical, anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. 

Even with highly effective vaccines authorized for adults and available in sufficient supply, vaccination rates among adults remain far too low. Expanding adult HPV vaccination offers a vital opportunity to reduce disease burden, strengthen long-term health outcomes, and accelerate progress toward broader cancer prevention goals.

Why Universal Vaccination Matters for Long-Term Cancer Prevention

Although early HPV prevention initiatives largely prioritized younger age groups, there is now broad recognition that universal HPV vaccination across adulthood is a crucial component of comprehensive disease prevention. Adults continue to face new exposure risks throughout their lives, and vaccination can protect them against HPV types they have not yet encountered. 

Importantly, natural immunity from previous infections does not offer complete protection against other high-risk genotypes, meaning adults with prior HPV exposure still gain meaningful benefit from vaccination. Emerging evidence also highlights positive outcomes when vaccination is delivered before or after cervical conization, reinforcing its value across different stages of adult care.

Barriers Limiting Adult Vaccine Uptake and Why They Must Be Overcome

Although clinical and economic advantages are well-established, adult vaccine uptake remains low due to:

• Lack of awareness and misconceptions about vaccine efficacy
• Limited access and insufficient provider recommendations
• Policy and funding gaps within national immunization programs

Many adults were not vaccinated during adolescence due to eligibility criteria, vaccine availability, or limitations in the healthcare system. Expanding eligibility can close this gap. 

Policymakers are key to establishing sustainable vaccination programs by embedding HPV vaccination for medically or socially vulnerable adults into routine healthcare and ensuring adequate funding and equitable access. Adult programs should not compromise coverage in younger populations. Cultural and linguistic sensitivity must also be part of these strategies to support trust and acceptance.

Accelerating Progress Toward WHO Elimination Goals

WHO has set ambitious goals for cervical cancer elimination, prioritizing adolescent girls as the primary target group, but extending vaccination to boys and adults whenever feasible. National programs should move forward using emerging evidence and practical implementation models. 

Strengthened vaccination systems can help reduce HPV-related cancers, improve health equity, and support progress toward global elimination.

Strengthening Policy and Practice for Adult HPV Vaccination

This call to action emphasizes the value of adult HPV vaccination from public health and economic perspectives. It highlights the global burden of HPV-related diseases and successful policy models from multiple countries. 

Key recommendations include integrating adult vaccination into routine care, expanding national immunization guidelines, strengthening awareness efforts, and adopting universal and inclusive approaches that span ages, genders, and geographies.

Risk Stratification Isn’t Enough, Adults Still Need Protection

Risk-based approaches are limited due to the widespread nature of HPV and varied exposure patterns. Several key considerations support universal adult vaccination:

Adults Remain at Ongoing Risk

Individuals continue to face new exposure risk throughout adulthood.

Men Are Disproportionately Underserved

Without access to established screening programs and often acquiring infections later, adult males represent a highly vulnerable group.

Ending Transmission Requires Addressing the Viral Reservoir

To eliminate HPV-related cancers, transmission must be stopped at its source, requiring immunization of both women and men.

Vaccination Works Even After Exposure

Adults previously exposed to certain HPV types still benefit from protection against other genotypes.

Public Health Outcomes Are Significant

Adult vaccination provides direct protection while reducing transmission and decreasing overall disease burden.

Current Age-Restricted Funding Leaves People Behind

Many national funding systems exclude adults who are still at risk.

Vaccination Must Be Easy to Access

Success depends on convenience, such as pharmacies, workplaces, and community hubs serving as vaccination sites.

A Consensus on Adult Vaccination Is Needed

Clear and unified policy guidance is essential to strengthen recommendations and drive adoption.

Low- and Middle-Income Countries Must Help Shape Global Policy

These regions carry the highest disease burden and must be active contributors to ensure global equity.

Faster Elimination Is Achievable

Countries like Sweden demonstrate that vaccinating adults can accelerate the elimination of HPV-related cancers.

Clear, Inclusive Communication Matters

Language such as “universal vaccination” promotes gender equity and reduces stigma.

A Global Call to Action for Policymakers and Health Leaders

Governments, global health organizations, and national public health associations are urged to expand HPV vaccination programs, particularly for adults and males, mobilize resources, and embed evidence-based strategies into national immunization plans. 

By committing to these priorities today, countries can accelerate cancer prevention and move closer to eliminating HPV-related disease.

Moving Forward Toward Global Health Equity

Expanding HPV vaccination to adults is a critical, evidence-based strategy to reduce HPV-related disease and advance global cancer prevention. Universal adult vaccination delivers individual and population-level benefits, especially in regions with limited access to screening and care. Progress requires collaboration among policymakers and health leaders to address gaps in access, awareness, and coverage. 

Integration into routine healthcare, stigma-free and inclusive communication, and a focus on vulnerable populations, such as individuals living with conditions like HIV, are essential. Taking timely action will drive progress toward eliminating HPV-related cancers and building a more equitable global health future.

Read our original call to action here.

Watch our video on this HPV call to action here.

Seeking an Intern for the WFPHA

The World Federation of Public Health Associations is currently looking for 1 Intern for the Oral Health Working Group.

WFPHA offers a unique internship environment for students in international health and development. Interns are given substantial responsibility for activities such as researching and writing articles for the newsletter, establishing contact with health and development NGOs worldwide, planning international conferences, and fundraising. Each internship is structured to suit the intern’s needs and interests, as well as the requirements of WFPHA.

During the internship, interns will further develop their writing and research skills and become more familiar with the key issues and actors in international health and development. They will have extensive networking opportunities as WFPHA is an international NGO in official relations with the WHO, and has extensive contacts with other organizations worldwide.

Key areas:

• Research
• Global Oral Health Integration
• Integration of Oral Health into Primary Care
• Oral Health and NCDs
• Digital Health

Qualification and Experience

• Student or graduate degree in the area of International Relations, Health-related Faculties, or are enrolled in a degree program.
• Knowledge of MS Office, Adobe
• English: a must
• Good writing skills
• Eager to work within a multicultural and international environment
• A good team player with a “can-do” attitude
• Good at multitasking and working with strict deadlines

Compensation

The internship is unpaid. Remote working.

Period

Starts in January 2026 for a minimum of 3 months (full-time) or 6 months (part-time). The internship may be part-time or full-time.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for the internship, please send your CV and motivation letter to Maria Mata at maria.mata@wfpha.org by December 1st. Please include in the Subject line: Internship application – Oral Health

Strengthening the One Health Approach for Climate Change Mitigation and Public Health Protection

As climate change accelerates, its impacts on human health, animal health, ecosystems, and social systems are becoming increasingly interconnected. At the COP30 Satellite Meeting in Belém, Brazil, on November 12, 2025, global experts convened to address these intertwined challenges and underscore the critical role of the One Health approach in mitigating climate change.

Recognizing that climate threats intensify emerging diseases, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, antimicrobial resistance, and social inequities, meeting participants reached a consensus on a set of guiding principles to strengthen One Health governance and integrate it effectively into global climate action.

1. Enhancing One Health Governance for Climate Action

Participants affirmed the need to embed One Health principles into climate strategies at global, national, and local levels. Strengthened governance frameworks must support coordination across human, animal, environmental, and social sectors. This integrated approach ensures that climate action prioritizes proactive mitigation strategies, rather than relying solely on adaptation.

2. Strengthening Global Anti-Epidemic Capacity Through Interface Understanding

The consensus highlighted the importance of deepening our understanding of the human–animal–ecosystem–social interface. By addressing zoonoses, emerging infectious diseases, biodiversity loss, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), food insecurity, and social inequities, particularly those worsened by climate change, countries can significantly bolster global epidemic preparedness and response.

3. Advancing Early Warning Systems and One Health Tools

Experts are committed to improving early warning systems grounded in integrated surveillance. Strengthening tools such as the Global One Health Index (GOHI) and promoting the sharing of best practices will enable timely alerts for climate-related health risks and support preventive, data-driven interventions.

4. Promoting Active Mitigation Strategies

The meeting emphasized shifting from passive adaptation to active climate change mitigation. Reducing hazards at their source, rather than merely reacting to them, is essential for preventing climate-related health risks and protecting communities before crises occur.

5. Facilitating Knowledge Exchange and Best Practice Sharing

Participants advocated for mechanisms and platforms that allow continuous knowledge exchange. Sharing proven One Health practices and case studies from various regions and institutions will strengthen global learning and accelerate the effective implementation of these practices.

6. Building Multisectoral Partnerships

The consensus reaffirmed the importance of multisectoral collaboration. Governments, international organizations, academia, civil society, and the private sector must collaborate to leverage their diverse expertise and resources in advancing the One Health approach within climate mitigation strategies.

7. Developing Consensus-Based Implementation Frameworks

Experts supported the creation of unified, consensus-based frameworks to guide the operationalization of One Health in climate mitigation efforts. These frameworks must align with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, to ensure global coherence and accountability.

8. Investing in Research and Innovation

Increased investment in research is essential to deepen understanding of the climate–health nexus. Innovation will be key to developing new solutions that address integrated One Health challenges and support sustainable climate action.

9. Ensuring Equity and Inclusivity

The consensus underscored the need for equity and inclusion. One Health approaches must prioritize vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by climate change and ensure that mitigation strategies do not widen existing disparities.

10. Establishing Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanisms

Robust monitoring and evaluation systems are needed to assess the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of One Health interventions. Continuous evaluation will support adaptive improvements and strengthen evidence-based climate action.

The outcomes of the COP30 Satellite Meeting demonstrate a unified commitment to elevating the One Health approach for climate change mitigation as a global priority. By enhancing governance, strengthening epidemic preparedness, building inclusive partnerships, and investing in innovation, the international community can better protect public health while addressing the root causes of climate risks.

This consensus marks a pivotal step toward integrated, equitable, and sustainable climate solutions, recognizing that the health of people, animals, ecosystems, and societies is inextricably linked to the health of our planet.

Integrating Oral Health into Universal Health Coverage: Why It’s Time to End the Divide Between Oral Health and Global NCD Agendas

There is no health without oral health.

For too long, oral health has been treated as an afterthought in global health systems. Yet the evidence is undeniable: oral diseases are among the most prevalent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide, affecting more than 3.5 billion people. From periodontitis to oral cancers, their links with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions are well established.

Now, the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) has issued a powerful policy statement: Integrating Oral Health into the Global NCD and UHC Agendas — A Call to Action for Public Health Associations. The message is clear: oral health must be embedded within all national and global health frameworks if we are to achieve health equity and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Oral Health: The Missing Link in Universal Health Coverage

According to the WHO, NCDs account for 41 million deaths annually, representing 71% of all global mortality. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear the heaviest burden; 85% of premature deaths from NCDs occur there. Oral diseases follow this same inequitable pattern, yet remain excluded from most national NCD strategies and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) packages.

This omission undermines prevention, delays early detection, and perpetuates health inequities. As the WFPHA notes, oral health is “a mirror of overall health.” Neglecting it weakens entire health systems.

Why Integration Matters

Integrating oral health into UHC and NCD agendas is more than a moral imperative. It’s smart public health and smart economics. Countries like Thailand and Brazil have shown that embedding oral health into primary care systems reduces disease burden, improves outcomes for chronic conditions, and saves money.

Integrated prevention efforts like reducing tobacco use, sugar consumption, and harmful alcohol intake benefit oral and systemic health. By targeting shared risk factors, countries can create healthier populations and more resilient health systems.

A Call to Action for Public Health Associations

Public health associations (PHAs) sit at the intersection of science, policy, and advocacy. The WFPHA urges them to:

1. Adopt oral health integration as a strategic priority in your national advocacy agenda.
2. Advocate with your Ministry of Health to include oral health in NCD strategies, UHC packages, and PHC delivery.
3. Mobilize interprofessional coalitions that link oral health, NCDs, and health equity.
4. Monitor and report on your country’s progress toward integration.

By championing integration, PHAs can drive national accountability and ensure that oral health becomes an essential part of primary health care (PHC).

Engaging All Stakeholders: From Policy to Industry

The statement also highlights the crucial role of collaboration among governments, civil society, academia, and the oral hygiene industry by aligning their operations with equitable access, transparent pricing, and responsible marketing.

From Evidence to Action

We have the frameworks from the WHO Global Oral Health Action Plan (2023–2030) to the WHO Oral Health Resolution (2021). The evidence is clear. What’s missing is the political will and operational leadership to act.

Oral health is not a luxury. It is a fundamental human right and an essential component of global health equity.

The time for integrated action is now.

Read the original call to action here.