Meet Our New Governing Council Members

On May 26, 2024, during the General Assembly of the World Federation of Public Health Associations, member organizations elected the following distinguished individuals to join our Governing Council (GC).

Prof. Julienne Louise Ngo Likeng (PhD) – African Region
Prof. Ngo Likeng is a medical anthropologist and an esteemed lecturer. She coordinates the Masters and PhD programs in Public Health at the School of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Central Africa. Additionally, she serves as the Executive Director of the Cameroon Public Health Association and is a member of the scientific committee at her university.

Lucy Anne Parker – European Region
Lucy Anne Parker is an Associate Professor of Preventative Medicine and Public Health at the University Miguel Hernández of Elche, Spain. She actively contributes to the Global Health research group and coordinates the Masters program in Development Cooperation in Health. A committed member of the Spanish Society for Public Health and Health Administration (SESPAS), she also played a significant role as one of the main editors of the WFPHA Casebook on Advocacy for Public Health.

Dragoslav Popovic – European Region
With three decades of experience in International Public Health, Dragoslav Popovic specializes in Health Systems and Vaccines and Immunization. His recent projects include serving as Faculty at the World Bank Flagship Course on Universal Health Coverage (2019), evaluating Targeted Country Assistance for the GAVI Alliance (2018), moderating the Global Vaccine Procurement Practitioners Forum in Copenhagen (2018), and introducing ARV in Southeastern Europe (2021).

Alounoud Al Marzouzi – Eastern Mediterranean Region
Alounoud Al Marzouzi is an Assistant Professor at the College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah. She has extensive experience with the Dubai Health Authority and the Ministry of Health & Prevention, having worked at Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital, Khorfakkan Hospital, and Al Kuwait Hospital in Dubai.

Dr. Lwando Maki – Young Professionals
Dr. Lwando Maki specializes in Global Health, Climate Change, and Noncommunicable Diseases, with a focus on Cardiovascular Disease. He brings fourteen years of leadership and advocacy experience, holding various significant positions such as Editorial Board Member of Elsevier Climate and Health Journal, co-Chair of the Climate Health Working Group of the World Federation of Public Health Associations, and Climate Lead of the African Coalition of Medical Associations. Currently, he serves as the President of the Public Health Association of South Africa.

Thank You to Outgoing Governing Council Members

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) expresses its sincere thanks to its Outgoing Governing Council (GC) members, Dr. George Amofah, Dr. Isabelle Nicoulet, and Dr. Geir Sverre Braut, for their valued contributions and commitments over the years.

Dr. Amofah, a public health consultant with extensive expertise in health systems strengthening, health policy and service delivery, monitoring and evaluation of health services, epidemiology, and disease control, served the GC as the representative of the African region.

Dr. Nicoulet, Head of Department in charge of preventing and screening infectious diseases in the Seine Saint Denis district, served the GC as the representative of the European region.

Dr. Buttigieg, Vice-President of the EUPHA Section on Digital Health, served the GC as the Students and Young professionals representative.

Dr. Braut, a medical practitioner specializing in community medicine, served the GC as the representative of the European region.

The WFPHA appreciates their efforts and wishes them a fruitful journey ahead.

The WFPHA General Assembly 2024

The General Assembly of the World Federation of Public Health Associations was held hybrid on May 26, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland.

A total of 46 participants participated in person and many others remotely. The General Assembly, made up of all members, offers a special setting for significant discussions about the direction of Global Public Health.

WFPHA to Advocate for Equity and Human Rights at World Health Assembly: Emphasizing Pandemic Treaty

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA)is set to play a pivotal role at the upcoming World Health Assembly (WHA), where it will continue its unwavering advocacy for health, peace, equity, and human rights. With a history of committed engagement in global health discussions, WFPHA’s participation at WHA underscores its dedication to influencing health policies on a worldwide scale.

A special emphasis this year will be on the pandemic treaty, a critical area where WFPHA has been actively involved as a representative of civil society since discussions began. The proposed treaty aims to improve pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, and WFPHA’s contributions are vital in shaping a framework that is equitable and effective for all.

WFPHA’s advocacy efforts at the WHA will focus on ensuring that the treaty addresses global health challenges through a lens of fairness and human rights, advocating for policies that not only prepare the world for future health emergencies but also ensure that equity and transparency are integral to the global health architecture.

By championing these values at such a high-profile assembly, WFPHA reinforces its role as a leader in public health, amplifying the collective voice of its member associations. Committed to influencing the global management of health emergencies, WFPHA ensures that strategies are inclusive and equitable, leaving no one behind.

Welcoming Emma Rawson Te-Patu: New President of WFPHA

On May 26, 2024, the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) proudly welcomes Emma Rawson Te-Patu as its new President. Emma belongs to the Māori tribal groups of Ngāti Ranginui, Ngai te Rangi, Raukawa, and Ngāti Hauā and is the first Indigenous woman to hold this esteemed position.

A Distinguished Leader in Public Health

Emma is the director at ManuKahu Associates Limited, an Indigenous consultancy in Āotearoa New Zealand. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health with a focus on Institutional Racism from Auckland University of Technology. Emma is currently working on developing a global framework for transformational public health, grounded in Indigenous knowledge, values, and human rights.

Vision for the Future

As President, Emma will prioritize decolonising public health globally.

Emma’s leadership promises to drive significant advancements in global health, fostering a healthier, more equitable world.

Please join us in welcoming Emma Rawson Te-Patu as the new President of WFPHA. Together, we look forward to her impactful tenure.