World Hearing Forum: Advocating for a Sound Public Health Approach 

The World Hearing Forum convened on November 27-28 in Geneva, uniting global stakeholders committed to advancing ear and hearing care. As representatives of the World Federation of Public Health Associations Public Engagement Taskforce (WFPHA PET), we were honored to participate in this vital initiative.

The Global Impact of Hearing Impairment:

Hearing impairment affects approximately one in five individuals worldwide, constituting a significant public health challenge often underestimated. While the types of hearing impairment and treatments vary across age groups and causes, the issue persists throughout the lifespan. Unfortunately, routine screening remains inconsistent, primarily focusing on infants and young children in limited regions. Innovative programs, such as streamlined hearing aids and accessible screening methods administered by trained health workers, are emerging to address these gaps.

Forum Highlights:

Day One: Voices of Those with Hearing Loss:

• The initial day spotlighted the experiences of individuals with hearing loss, their families, and friends.
• Key issues included the stigma associated with wearing hearing aids, misconceptions about sign language, and challenges in accessing screening and related services.

Day Two: Perspectives of Service Providers:

• The second day delved into the experiences of service providers, with a focus on the public health aspects of hearing care.
• Elisabeth Tshiama Mukendi, representing WFPHA, highlighted the connection between public health competencies and healthy hearing.

Audience Participation and Workshops:

Both days featured workshops engaging participants in identifying causes of hearing loss and proposing remedial actions. Attendees collaboratively discussed organizations and individuals capable of championing improved services.

Addressing the Perception Gap:

Hearing impairment often faces dismissal, attributed to factors such as aging or occupational noise exposure. However, beyond the physical hazards, it contributes to associated health problems, hindering complete understanding of instructions and withdrawal from situations requiring optimal hearing.

Call to Action:

A comprehensive awareness campaign is imperative, targeting communities, health providers, practitioners, and policymakers to advocate for screening at all ages. This inclusive approach encompasses birth, childhood, noisy work environments, regular attendees of loud venues, and older individuals.

Public Health Competencies for Hearing Loss:

The forum emphasized the need for:

• Comprehensive surveillance programs.
• Maintenance of remedial programs, including during emergencies.
• Access to appropriate equipment and medical devices.
• Vaccination against infections linked to hearing loss.

In conclusion, hearing loss demands a collective commitment to public health, urging us to recognize its pervasive impact and work collaboratively toward a world where healthy hearing is a shared priority.

Strengthening Global Public Health Resilience: WHO Roadmap & Action Plan for the Public Health and Emergency Workforce

The recent challenges posed by many emergencies, from natural and man-made disasters to the COVID-19 pandemic, underscore the critical importance of a robust and resilient public health workforce. In response to the pressing need for a coordinated and skilled workforce, the World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap and action plan for training and securing the Public Health and Emergency Workforce. This initiative revisits the Essential Public Health Functions (EPHFs),  addresses the structure of the global public health workforce, and emphasizes the need for an appropriately trained and resilient public health workforce in addressing public health needs, those considered core public health activities a critical to the health of everyone but less obvious and visible.

Conceptualization of the Roadmap:

The Roadmap’s genesis can be traced back to the G20 Italy Declaration in October 2021, followed by an expert consultation in January 2022. The Roadmap and Action Plan were officially published in May 2022, with the establishment of the Roadmap Taskforce, coinciding with other global initiatives and meetings such as the G7 Berlin Pact for Readiness, and the launch of the Pandemic Fund in November 2022. Noteworthy events in 2023 include the G7 Japan Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment and the 3rd Roadmap Taskforce Steering Committee Meeting in July.

Vision & Purpose:

The Roadmap vision is to strengthen the public health workforce in every country, and includes three Action Areas (AAs):

AA1: Operationalizing the Essential Public Health Functions (EPHFs) – an integrated and comprehensive approach to public health

• Identifying and defining the EPHFs & services and their enablers
• Updating and expanding the EPHFs, and adding subfunctions
• This strategic review was achieved through a worldwide expert consultation process.

AA2: Competency and outcomes framework towards the delivery of the Essential Public Health Functions

• Identifying the tasks the public health workforce performs, both regularly as all or part of usual work, and during emergencies
• Mapping the academic and practical training the workforce needs to accomplish these tasks
• Developing a framework for competency-based education.

There are two major sections about competence, personal and practical:

1. Competencies for individual public health and emergency workers towards the EPHFs; and
2. Practice activities towards Essential Public Health Functions (EPHFs)

This was achieved through a major systematic literature review and content analysis mapping process, refined through an expert review of international experts. Future work involves strengthening institutional processes for updating curricula to ensure appropriate workforce capacities.

AA3: Technical guidance for mapping and measurement of occupations that contribute to the delivery of the essential public health functions including emergency preparedness and response

• Mapping & Measurement of Occupations by developing a standardized approach for occupation mapping.
• Discussions about the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) revisions.

Again, this was achieved through an international consultation process. The mapping tools and processes have been piloted in seven countries.

Way Forward:

The roadmap sets clearly defined targets for the five-year period from 2022 to 2027, emphasizing a systematic and progressive approach to achieving its goals.

WHO is seeking countries to use at least one of these tools, hoping to enroll 100 before July 2024. The process for becoming involved is not complex and can be found on the Roadmap website (address below).

Reflection & Summary:

In conclusion, the Roadmap responds to the pressing need for a skilled public health workforce, highlighted by the recent pandemic and other recent emergencies.

By paving the way for competent personnel adapted to individual contexts, it aims to create resilient health systems and foster public trust. For those interested in further resources the relevant documents are available in draft form, the final versions to be available early in 2024.

Uniting for Peace: WFPHA at the Heart of Global Health Advocacy

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) is joining hands with major health organizations—the International Committee of the Red Cross, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), International Council of Nurses (ICN), the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA), and The World Medical Association (WMA)—for a crucial dialogue on the sidelines of the second Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).

When: Thursday, 30th November, 13:15-14:30 New York time.

Moderator: Dr. Sally Ndung’u, past president of International Physicians
for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW).

Session Focus: Prevention is the only cure: Public health case for nuclear disarmament.

Location:  Conference Room B UN Headquarters 405 E 45th St New York, NY 

In line with the impactful August 2023 joint editorial from 153 Medical and Health Journals, underlining the unique role of health professionals in warning against nuclear war, representatives will come together to advance the eradication of nuclear weapons through evidence-based policy-making. Participants will gain insights into the humanitarian impacts of nuclear weapons and receive a toolkit for local community action.

Integral to global health diplomacy, peacebuilding will be a focal point. Prof Bettina Borisch, our Executive Director, will actively contribute to these discussions at the 2nd Meeting of States Parties (2MSP) of the TPNW in New York City. For Prof Bettina Borisch, peacebuilding is an integral part of global health diplomacy.

Decolonising Public Health: Creating Language for Action, Discussing a Draft Definition

On November 22, 2023, the WFPHA Indigenous Working Group hosted an insightful conversation, inviting Indigenous peoples, members, and organizations to explore “Decolonising Public Health.” This webinar, a platform for dynamic interaction, aimed to demystify decolonization within public health and collectively envision a future built on inclusivity and equity.

Beyond being a webinar, it became a shared exploration of reshaping public health. Attendees actively contributed to ongoing conversations, making it a collective effort.

As we reflect on this informative dialogue, we appreciate the diverse insights shared and the collaborative spirit that made the event a success. The WFPHA Indigenous Working Group extends thanks to all who participated, fostering an atmosphere where every voice mattered.

This webinar is available to view by clicking on the link below.

Rio de Janeiro Unites Against Diabetes: A Day of Action and Awareness

Working On November 14th, the world came together to observe World Diabetes Prevention Day, a crucial initiative aimed at raising awareness about diabetes and promoting preventive measures. In a remarkable display of collaboration, a special social action took place at the metro exit at Praça Antero de Quental, Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This event, organized by Dr Sonia Groisman (University Stadual of Rio de Janeiro) with the support of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) Oral Health Working Group, brought together various institutions and professionals to address the multifaceted aspects of diabetes prevention.

Collaborative Efforts

The Federal University of Rio de Janeiro played a pivotal role, with the active participation of dental students, medical school endocrinologists specializing in diabetes, and experts from the School of Nurseries and Nutrition. Together with the Health Municipality of Rio de Janeiro, they provided essential services such as basic attention and vaccination, ensuring a comprehensive approach to public health.

Diabetes Screening and Risk Assessment

The Brazilian Society of Diabetes conducted glycosis tests and distributed a risk assessment form. This valuable information was then utilized by the basic attention group to direct patients toward appropriate orientations or treatments. The Brazilian Ophthalmology Society contributed by conducting fundus eye examinations, recognizing the importance of ocular health in diabetes management.

Empowering Through Information

The Regional Dentistry Council of Rio de Janeiro played a crucial role by printing banners and producing a thousand informative folders. These materials, created by dental students, featured a QR code that directed individuals to detailed information from the Brazilian Society of Diabetes. The initiative aimed to empower individuals with knowledge, emphasizing the integral connection between oral health and overall well-being.

Genetic Counseling and Awareness

The State University of Rio de Janeiro took the initiative to provide genetic counseling, further expanding the scope of diabetes prevention efforts. A standout feature of the event was a colossal mouth, measuring 6.5 meters long and 4.5 meters high. This visual representation featured aspects of both health and decayed teeth, serving as a powerful tool to educate the public on the importance of oral health for overall health.

A Unified Message

The T-shirts worn during the event bore a poignant message: “Oral Health is General Health” on the front and the slogan of the Diabetes Prevention Campaign on the back, stating, “Diabetes: Know your risk and live health.” This unified message echoed the essence of the event, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various aspects of health and the importance of proactive measures in diabetes prevention.

Strategic Partnerships and International Support

The event received support from the Global Child Dental Fund, the Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders and Colgate Brasil, underscoring the global significance of collaborative efforts in diabetes prevention.

Conclusion

The World Prevention Day of Diabetes in Rio de Janeiro stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration and a shared commitment to public health. By addressing various facets of diabetes prevention, from screenings to education and awareness, the event has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the community. As we reflect on this initiative, we are reminded that a united front against diabetes is not only possible but essential for building a healthier future for all.