The Casebook on Advocacy in Public Health Is Now Available in Spanish!

In June 2021, WFPHA published the Casebook on Advocacy in Public Health to highlight the importance of advocacy as a core function of public health. The Casebook brings together 18 cases of effective public health advocacy from around the world to share knowledge and best practices and to support public health associations and professionals in their activities.

The Casebook is now available in Spanish! We thank our member the Universidad Miguel Hernández for their help with the translation! The Casebook will soon be available in French.

Submissions for the Second Volume are still being accepted.

Launching the “Sustainable Investment in Immunization” Report

The World Federation of Public Health Associations is delighted to announce the publication of the “Sustainable Investment in Immunization” report. This pivotal document was created by our International Immunization Policy Taskforce, working in collaboration with esteemed experts from both the health and economic sectors. This comprehensive document provides case studies, tools, and strategies designed to assist health professionals globally in promoting sustainable investment in preventive health care, with a special emphasis on immunization programs.

Overview of the Report: Sustainable Health Investments

The report addresses the complex landscape of health investment, including the involvement of various stakeholders and the unique challenges this poses. It highlights the importance of primary health care (PHC) in establishing resilient health systems and points out the significant benefits of immunization programs. These programs are not only cost-effective but also critical for reducing the transmission of infectious diseases and improving overall societal well-being.

Analyzing the Returns on Investment

A prominent aspect of the report is its focus on the economic benefits of investing in immunization. It demonstrates that such investments are cost-effective across different income settings and can substantially alleviate the healthcare burden by reducing the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases. The analogy with defence spending is used to illustrate the concept of long term investment in preparedness providing a framework for advocating with governements.

Case Studies and Recommendations for Advocacy

The report includes several case studies that exemplify various approaches to long-term health investment. These examples serve as a practical guide for health professionals seeking to advocate for a systematic, long-term approach to investing in public health and PHC.

The recommendations are designed to help health professionals effectively advocate for immunization. They emphasize the importance of framing immunization as a long-term or capital investment on a national scale, contrasting it with short-term expenditures.

Moving Forward with Strategic Health Investments

The report aims not only to advocate for disease prevention and reduced mortality but also to enhance the overall well-being of communities. It suggests that incorporating economic perspectives into governmental discussions can lead to better strategic fund allocation, promoting sustained investment in health.

As we consider the insights from the “Sustainable Investment in Immunization” report, it becomes clear that thoughtful, long-term planning and commitment are essential for advancing public health goals and building stronger health systems. This document, together with two infographics and a ppt with key findings, serves as both a resource and a call to action for health professionals and stakeholders in health to prioritize sustainability in their decision-making processes.

Global Oral Health Workforce Survey: Understanding the Landscape

The Oral Health Working Group (OHWG) of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) in collaboration with the International Federation of Dental Hygienists and the Seoul National University Global Maternal and Child Oral Health Center has launched a groundbreaking initiative. They have kicked off a global oral health workforce survey aimed at understanding the various types of oral health workforces and their functions worldwide.

What is the aim of this project?

The project’s primary objective is to explore and visually represent oral health workforce models, innovative approaches, and challenges on a global scale. By doing so, it is hoped that the survey will provide a comprehensive understanding of the global oral health workforce landscape.

How can you help?

We invite oral health professionals from across the globe to participate in this survey. Your valuable input will enable us to gather crucial information about the oral health workforce in your country. The survey will be open until May 26, and we encourage you to share the survey link with your colleagues and networks.

Your privacy matters:

All individual information collected in this survey (name, affiliation, email) will be strictly confidential and not disclosed to third parties. Only country-level data will be identified when sharing the results, along with other workforce questionnaire data.

How can you participate?

To participate in the survey, please click on the following link: Global Oral Health Workforce Survey

For further inquiries:

Should you have any questions about this survey, please contact Dr. Hyewon Lee at hyewonlee@snu.ac.kr

Please spread the word:

Your participation and help in sharing this survey link with others who can provide important information about the oral health workforce in their country are highly appreciated.

Thank you for your participation and support in advancing global oral health workforce research!

Addressing Alcohol Consumption Through Informed Choices: WFPHA’s Response to Codex’s Call for Comments on Alcoholic Beverage Labeling

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) has recently submitted its comments in response to the Codex Circular Letter CL 2024/13-FL concerning the labeling of alcoholic beverages. As a global network representing around 5 million public health professionals, WFPHA is committed to advocating for public health policies and practices that contribute to a healthier world. Dr. Alexandra Jones represents the WFPHA at this consultation and more broadly within the Codex Alimentarius.

The need for effective labeling on alcoholic beverages is underscored by the significant health burden associated with alcohol consumption. In 2019 alone, alcohol was responsible for 2.6 million deaths and contributed to 4.7% of the global disease burden. The WFPHA supports the World Health Organization’s Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022-2030, which advocates for clear consumer protection measures, including mandatory labels that provide crucial information such as alcohol content, caloric value, and health warnings.

Health Warning Labels: A Crucial Tool for Public Health

Health warning labels on alcoholic beverages are proven to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol consumption at the point of purchase. These labels, when designed effectively, can slow down drinking rates, reduce the number of drinking occasions, and even deter purchases altogether. Countries like Australia, Canada, and France, among others, have implemented such labels, with recent initiatives such as Australia’s pregnancy warning labels highlighting the shift towards mandatory government-led labeling after years of inadequate voluntary industry-led efforts.

Nutrition and Health Information: Enhancing Consumer Awareness

The WFPHA also supports the implementation of standardized, mandated labels that provide nutritional information. This move aligns with existing Codex labeling standards that require nutrient declarations on food products, which should also apply to alcoholic beverages. The organization suggests a cautious approach to displaying full nutrient declarations to avoid creating a “health halo” effect where alcoholic beverages might appear healthier than they are. The same applies to health claims, acknowledging that alcohol is classified as a Class 1 carcinogen with no recognized safe level of consumption.

No Exemptions from Standard Guidelines

The WFPHA believes that all alcoholic beverages should adhere to the standard guidelines for food labeling, without exceptions, even for small packaging. This consistency ensures that consumers are always informed about the contents and potential health impacts of the alcoholic beverages they choose to consume.

The Role of Digital Tools and Online Sales

While acknowledging the growing trend of online alcohol sales, the WFPHA stresses that digital tools should not replace on-product labels. Essential health information must remain accessible on the product labels to ensure that all consumers, regardless of internet access, are well informed.

Through its submission, the WFPHA is actively participating in shaping a more informed approach to alcohol consumption, reflecting its commitment to safeguarding public health across the globe. The ongoing discussions with Codex will hopefully lead to more robust and effective labeling standards that can contribute significantly to reducing the global health burden of alcohol.

Empowering Indigenous Voices: Reflections from the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

President-Elect Emma Rawson Te-Patu of the World Federation of Public Health Associations joins a diverse cohort of Indigenous leaders this week at the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII Twenty-Third Session).

Among them are notable figures like Justin Mohamed, Australia’s Ambassador for First Nations People, and the Honorable Linda Burney, Minister for Indigenous Australians, each carrying the aspirations of their communities.

The atmosphere buzzes with energy at the Welcome Reception, graciously hosted by the National Congress of American Indians. As the forum unfolds, the stage is graced by the impassioned voices of young Indigenous leaders, their calls for justice and equality reverberating throughout the venue.

Moments of reflection are offered by figures like Francisco Cali Tzay, the Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Rights, who amplifies Indigenous voices and confronts pressing global issues head-on.

Discussions throughout the forum delve deep into the Indigenous Determinants of Health, emphasizing the inseparable link between health, culture, and human rights. With each session, Indigenous leaders reaffirm their commitment to collective action and solidarity, guided by the principles enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Together, these leaders embark on a journey toward a future where Indigenous rights are not just acknowledged but vigorously upheld, leaving an enduring imprint on the global stage.