Call for Fellows: WFPHA Fellowship Program 2024

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) is pleased to announce the WFPHA Fellowship Program 2024, hosted by the Norwegian Public Health Association (NOPHA). This fellowship program aims to strengthen less developed public health associations and foster global partnerships by facilitating the exchange of expertise and knowledge among public health professionals from various countries. This unique opportunity is designed for talented, highly motivated mid-level professionals dedicated to a career in public health and seeking opportunities that can significantly contribute to their personal and professional growth. For 2024, two candidates will be selected to participate.

Objectives:

1. Connecting emerging public health associations with an established and proven public health association to promote public health growth and understanding.
2. Facilitating and improving communication and strengthening networks among the professionals of public health associations around the world.
3. Developing partnerships and practices that will positively affect and improve public health.
4. Documenting success or challenges that could serve as a learning tool for all public health associations.
5. Aligning equity in public health globally.
6. Presenting and publishing findings and outcomes at the end of the project.

Duration:

The fellowship program will run from October 10 to November 10, 2024, and will take place in Norway, mainly in Oslo. During the fellowship period, the accommodation will be organized by the Norwegian Public Health Association. It could be private homes, student accommodations, or tourist accommodations.

Eligibility:

The call for applications is open to all members of public health associations affiliated with the WFPHA who are in good standing. Applicants should hold a long-term mid-level position within their public health associations and play a central role in the public health associations secretariat. Proficiency in English is mandatory. Gender and geographic balance will be considered in the selection process.

Funding:

Travel, accommodation, visas, and main meals for selected fellows will be covered by WFPHA. The fellows’ public health associations are required to cover travel/health insurance costs and anything not specified. There are no per-diem allowances. Fellows are responsible for getting a visa if requested, as well as any authorization needed, which must be obtained no later than two months before the start of the fellowship. NOPHA can assist with an invitation letter.

Evaluation:

All parties involved will participate in the evaluation of the program. Fellows are expected to provide a report at the General Assembly after completing fellowship and provide an update on the impact of the program, i.e., the development and progress of fellows’ public health associations, 18 months after its conclusion.

Application Process:

Applicants should send their C.V., a motivation letter highlighting what they would like to learn during the scholarship period, and a letter of support from the national public health associations, signed by its president or general secretary. Applications should be sent to Maria.Mata@wfpha.org by December 15, 2023. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview in January 2024.

Next Steps:

The selected fellows will be contacted in spring 2024. They will start their fellowship preparation through a series of online meetings with WFPHA and NOPHA from April 2024 on. They will take part in the development of the fellowship program and attend the NOPHA conference during their stay. During the fellowship program, the fellows shall actively participate in proposed activities, including, but not limited to, webinars, meetings with key organizations, stakeholders, the NOPHA board, etc. Join us in shaping the future of global public health. Let’s work together to promote equity, foster collaboration, and make a difference in public health communities worldwide.

For further inquiries, please contact Maria Mata.

Leaving No One Behind: Integrating Oral Health into Primary Healthcare for Refugee Populations

In a world that has been marred by conflict and turmoil, the devastating impact of wars and conflicts on daily life and health cannot be ignored. This year, the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) has taken a significant step towards addressing a critical yet often overlooked aspect of primary healthcare for refugee populations: oral health.

The WFPHA, in collaboration with several international organizations, including the World Dental Federation, Framework Convention on Global Health Alliance (FCGH Alliance), and Sustainable Health Equity Movement (SHEM), has spearheaded an initiative to emphasize the importance of oral health in the lives of refugees. Led by the dedicated efforts of the Oral Health Workgroup within the WFPHA, a policy brief has been developed. This policy brief calls for the integration of oral health into the primary health packages provided to refugee populations around the world.

The WFPHA, in collaboration with its Oral Health Workgroup and Public Health in Emergencies and Disasters Workgroup, is dedicated to identifying strategic partners and opportunities to integrate oral health into primary healthcare packages for refugees. The goal is to ensure that refugees receive comprehensive healthcare that addresses their oral health needs, contributing to their overall well-being and dignity.

Translating the Essential Public Health Functions into Public Health Curricula

On October 26, 2023, at 13:00 (CEST), the WFPHA held a webinar that provided an overview of the work the WFPHA’s Public Health Professionals’ Education and Training Working Group has been undertaking in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other key partners on the Public Health and Emergency Workforce Roadmap.

During this webinar, esteemed global speakers outlined how the WHO Essential Public Health Functions (EPHF) have been unified and unpacked as part of the Roadmap project, how the revised EPHF have been used to inform a competency and outcomes framework towards the delivery of the EPHFs, and mechanisms intended to support incorporating the EPHF into curricula to train the future public health and emergency workforce.

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

Urgent Appeal for Humanitarian Action in Gaza – Join the Call for Peace

The most lethal attack ever registered against a hospital happened on Oct 17, 2023 in the Gaza Strip (or Gaza), with hundreds of people dead and injured. The World Health Organization issued a strong protest.

This week, The Lancet featured an open letter written by Luis Eugenio Portela Fernandes de Souza, President of the World Federation of Public Health Associations. The letter is addressed to influential leaders, including the Presidents of the United Nations Security Council, United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Secretary-General, high-ranking political and health authorities of Israel and Palestine, and His Excellency Pope Francis.

Plea for Peace: A Call to Protect Innocent Lives

The ongoing war between Hamas and the State of Israel has taken a devastating toll on the lives of innocent civilians in the region. The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) has taken a bold and responsible step by sending a letter to key global leaders and authorities, including the President of the Security Council, the President of the United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Secretary-General, the Authorities of Israel and Palestine, Pope Francis, and the Director-General of the World Health Organization, to plead for the health and lives of innocent Palestinian and Israeli civilians, elderly persons, women, men, children, and babies caught up in the fight between Hamas and the State of Israel.

The WFPHA urges the key global leaders and authorities to use all their power, influence, and voice to stop this insane manifestation of pure evil. “We all know that the eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth paradigm will only lead to further loss and suffering. This has to stop. Use your power for this to happen.”

The WFPHA invites member associations, institutions, communities, and individuals to join this call by signing the letter. Together, we stand for peace!