Professionals’ Education and Training Working Group Chair Interview: Leanne Coombe and Priscilla Robinson

We are delighted to introduce Priscilla Robinson and Leanne Coombe, the co-chairs of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) Working Group on Professionals’ Education and Training. This group is dedicated to enhancing the standards of public health education globally. 

Let’s dive into their insights on the group’s formation, achievements, and future goals.

Please introduce yourselves

Priscilla Robinson: My name is Priscilla Robinson. I’ve been associated with the WFPHA for about ten years and a member of the Public Health Association of Australia for nearly 35 years. I am an Adjunct Associate Professor at La Trobe University in Australia, co-chairing this working group. My career began in nursing, with training in various nursing specialties, and then moved into epidemiology and infectious disease in public health and public health education.

Leanne Coombe: I’m Leanne Coombe, employed as the Policy and Advocacy Manager at the Public Health Association of Australia, and I also co-chair the Professional Education and Training Working Group. I’ve been involved with the WFPHA and this working group since 2018. I’m also an Honorary Associate Professor at The University of Queensland. My background is in oral health, but I have focused extensively on public health, particularly Indigenous health. My career has always been oriented toward preventive health, naturally leading me to public health.

How did this working group come about?

Priscilla Robinson: About 14 years ago, during one of its strategic reviews, the Federation identified the need for a professional education and training working group. I was the second Chair of the group and later invited Leanne to co-chair, given her expertise and enthusiasm. Since then, we have focused on addressing the educational needs identified by the Federation and have made significant contributions to its overall mission.

Can you describe the current involvement and membership of the working group?

Leanne Coombe: When I joined as co-chair in 2018, the group was relatively small and inactive. Since then, we’ve garnered interest from academics worldwide and have consciously expanded our membership by recruiting early-career public health professionals, experienced practitioners, and academics. We’ve also established a successful internship program, engaging young professionals who often stay on after their internships.

Priscilla Robinson: It’s important to note that our group is also diverse globally and ethnically. We maintain an informal structure where members feel comfortable contributing regardless of their education level, significantly enhancing our work. This approach allows us to leverage the expertise and energy of our members very appropriately and effectively.

How has the working group contributed to the development of public health education?

Priscilla Robinson: Our primary focus is public health education for professional practice. We have published several peer-reviewed papers, such as analyzing public health competencies commonly used in the field. Additionally, we have been involved with the WHO’s Public Health and Emergencies Workforce Roadmap Project, contributing to its competency framework. This work will guide the development of public health education worldwide for years to come.

What initiatives is the group currently working on?

Leanne Coombe: We’re currently working on two major projects. First, we are contributing to the implementation phase of the WHO Roadmap, focusing on standardizing public health education globally. We’re engaging accrediting and regulatory agencies to adopt the competency framework. Second, we’re benchmarking public health education worldwide, analyzing course content, delivery methods, faculty training, and support. This research will inform our efforts to standardize education across different regions.

What are your plans for the future

Priscilla Robinson: Post-pandemic, we need to ensure that the advancements in public health education and workforce training remain and evolve. Only about one-fifth of the global public health workforce is formally trained in public health, which can lead to significant shortfalls in expertise. Our goal is to improve accreditation and regulation, ensuring that all professionals involved in public health understand its principles and their role in it. 

Leanne Coombe: We’re also looking to support other WFPHA working groups in implementing the WHO Roadmap within their disciplines, such as Indigenous, One Health, and Environmental health. We will continue contributing and adapting to emerging needs as the roadmap project progresses. We welcome anyone interested in joining us and helping with our mission.

Priscilla Robinson and Leanne Coombe have shown immense dedication and vision in leading the WFPHA Working Group on Professionals’ Education and Training. Their efforts are shaping the future of public health education and ensuring that the global workforce is better prepared for the challenges ahead. Their inclusive and collaborative approach invites all interested professionals to join and contribute to this vital work.

Working group members: 

Christina Severinsen, School of Health Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Dorothy Biberman, Manager Global Health Programs ASPPH, USA

Elisabeth Mukendi, medical doctor from the Democratic Republic of Congo

Elsheikh Badr, President of the Sudanese Public Health Association, Sudan

Geri Kemper Seeley, Program Manager, Applied Public Health, Office of Applied Public Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, USA. 

Haitham Bashier, Director at The Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET), Amman, Jordan

Harsha Somaroo, Public Health Association of South Africa, South Africa

Kasia Czabanowska, Professor in Public Health Leadership and Workforce Development and International Health School CAPHRI, Care & Publ Health Res In Fac. Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, the Netherlands

Laura King EdD, MPH, MCHES serves as the Executive Director of the Council on Education for Public Health, USA

Laura Magaña, PhD, MS, President and Chief Executive Officer, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, USA

Leanne Coombe, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland

Linda Murray, Senior Lecturer at Massey University, New Zealand

Priscilla Robinson, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne

Saskia Jaenecke, Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Fulda, Germany

Tobacco Control Working Group Chair Interview: John Gannon

John Gannon isn’t just a public health doctor from Ireland but a passionate advocate for global health. As the Working Group Chair for Tobacco Control for the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), he has dedicated his career to combating the harms of tobacco use and promoting public health. Tobacco control involves strategies to reduce tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke, including legislation, education, and support for cessation efforts. 

In this engaging interview, John shares his journey, the vital work of his team, and their plans for the future.

Can you introduce yourself?

Hi! My name is John Gannon. I’m a public health doctor from Ireland and the Chair of the Tobacco Control Working Group of the WFPHA. My background is primarily in child health, and I’ve worked in pediatrics in various children’s hospitals in Ireland and Australia over the last few years. Now, I’m working full-time in public health as of this year. I also spent some time as a public health volunteer in Zambia in 2022, so global health is something that really interests me. My current role is as a specialist registrar in public health in the Health Service Executive, which is the Irish Health Service, and I’m currently based in Dublin.

What motivated you to pursue a career in the public health sector?

When I studied medicine at university, I was always fascinated by the health system, health economics, and interventions on a population scale. I found that more exciting and suited to my skills than individual patient interactions and treatments. Doing public health well can have a far more significant impact than working with one patient at a time. I enrolled in a course in the UK for a diploma in tropical medicine and hygiene, which reinforced my interest. I also had an interest in smoking cessation from quite an early stage. While at university, I wrote a book called “Time to Quit Smoking: A 100-Day Guide to Saving Your Life,” available on Amazon. It’s a guide to help smokers through the first 100 days after quitting. These experiences and more led me to pursue a full-time career in public health.

How long have you been associated with the World Federation of Public Health Associations?

I first came into contact with the WFPHA in 2020 and applied for an internship. The Federation runs fantastic internship programs, usually three months, to give a taste of what it’s like. I started in January 2021 remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions. It was a fascinating time in public health with the pandemic and the approval of the first COVID-19 vaccines. During my internship, I joined the Federation’s international immunization policy task force and researched how different countries were approaching the vaccine rollout. I published blogs and a paper on that research. Towards the end of my internship, there was a vacancy for the Tobacco Control Working Group Chair position. I applied and was selected for the role about three years ago.

Could you elaborate on your working group’s current activities and share your vision and plans for the future?

The Tobacco Control Working Group usually has around 15 members at any given time, with international representation. Our work focuses on research, education, advocacy, increasing public knowledge, and promoting public health through the lens of tobacco control. Initially, we focused on researching and writing about tobacco industry tactics, creating a casebook with seven key tactics. We presented our findings at the World Congress on Public Health in Rome in 2023 and published a paper. Currently, our main project is a survey on young adults’ opinions towards tobacco endgames and e-cigarettes. We have about 300 responses and are analyzing the data. We’ve also started collaborating with the Non-Communicable Diseases Group on an anti-tobacco campaign in Nepal. We participate in Global Public Health Week annually with webinars and other events.

How do the working group activities align with and support the implementation of the Association’s strategic plans?

The WFPHA’s strategic plan for 2023-2027 has seven goals, and goal number 4, which is to develop and advance public health knowledge, education, practice, and research, aligns most with our activities. We generate primary and secondary evidence, present at international conferences, publish research, and increase awareness about tobacco control among public health professionals and the public. Another relevant goal is number 5: to grow new and strengthen existing partnerships. We have strong connections with various groups and experts, such as the Tobacco-Free Ireland team, which has guided us in our current survey project.

How has being part of the association and its network enhanced the activities of your working group and expanded its reach?

The WFPHA’s network is incredibly powerful, providing access to international experts with various skill sets. This has been invaluable in spreading knowledge and getting contacts for our projects. For instance, we tapped into WFPHA’s networks to disseminate our current survey. We also collaborate with other working groups on projects, such as the non-communicable disease team’s anti-tobacco campaign in Nepal and the oral health working group’s review of tobacco cessation strategies in pregnancy. These collaborations allow us to expand our reach and impact significantly.

John Gannon’s dedication to public health and tobacco control shines through his leadership and collaborative efforts. His work with the WFPHA is making significant strides towards a healthier, smoke-free world. Stay tuned for more updates on the impactful initiatives John and his colleagues in the WG led in the ongoing fight against tobacco.

Latest publications and tools from the Tobacco Control Working Group: 

https://www.wfpha.org/big-tobaccos-dirty-tricks-a-casebook/

Big tobacco’s dirty tricks: Seven key tactics of the tobacco industry.

Gannon J, Bach K, Cattaruzza MS, Bar-Zeev Y, Forberger S, Kilibarda B, Azari R, Okwor U, Lomazzi M, Borisch B.Tob Prev Cessat. 2023 Dec 20;9:39. doi: 10.18332/tpc/176336. eCollection 2023.PMID: 38124801 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

A scoping review on e-cigarette environmental impacts.

Ngambo G, Hanna EG, Gannon J, Marcus H, Lomazzi M, Azari R.Tob Prev Cessat. 2023 Oct 2;9:30. doi: 10.18332/tpc/172079. eCollection 2023.PMID: 37789930 Free PMC article. Review.

Tobacco Control Working Group Members:

Michelle Jongenlis, University of Melbourne, Australia

Biljana Kilibarda, Institute of Public Health of Serbia

Mariasofia Cattaruzza, Universit of Rome “La Sapienza,” Italy

Neetu Sinha, Karkinos Healthcare, India

Sarah Forberger, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology, Germany

Yael Bar-Zeev, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel

Ellen Cosgrave, Health Service Executive, Ireland

Giovanna Failla, Hospital Azienda, Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini in Rome, Italy

Marianna Gonzalez, King’s College London, UK

One Health Working Group Co-Chair Interview: Xiao-Nong Zhou

The concept of One Health has become crucial in the modern public health landscape, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This integrated approach fosters collaboration across sectors to tackle public health challenges such as emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food security and climate change. In this interview, we speak with Xiao-Nong Zhou, Chief Scientist of Parasitic Disease Control at the China CDC, about his extensive public health career and leadership role in the One Health Working Group under the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA).

Introduce yourself.

Xiao-Nong Zhou: I’m Xiao-Nong Zhou, and I’ve been working at the China CDC for a long time. I’ve spent 40 years focusing on schistosomiasis epidemiology. I am serving as the China CDC’s Chief Scientist on Parasitic Disease Control for a decade after serving as Director of the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at China CDC (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research). I’m also the chairperson of the Association for Global Health under the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association (CPMA). The CPMA has a strong relationship with the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), as the Asia-Pacific office of the Federation is located in CPMA. Earlier this year, we established the One Health Working Group, which I co-chair with Carlos Machado from Brazil. The secretariat is housed at the School of Global Health, cosponsored by Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and the Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases in Shanghai, China. I’m excited to contribute further to the Federation’s work through this group.

What motivated you to pursue a career in the public health sector

Xiao-Nong Zhou: That’s a very important question. I grew up in a town in Kunshan County of China, a highly endemic area for schistosomiasis, a disease transmitted by snails, which significantly impacted me. The disease was widespread, especially in the Yangtze River Delta, and posed a severe public health challenge in history. After studying at university, I focused on controlling the disease, specifically targeting the infected snail populations spreading it.

For my master’s degree, I researched the ecology of snails, and for my PhD in Denmark, I delved into the biology and molecular biology of snails. After completing my studies, I focused on the epidemiology of schistosomiasis in the national control program for schistosomiasis and other tropical diseases. In 2001, I joined the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases under the China CDC and began working on tropical diseases at a global level. This led to collaborations with organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), where I served on expert tropical diseases and malaria committees. All these experiences allowed me to view public health globally, moving from provincial to national and now to global health issues.

How long have you been associated with the World Federation of Public Health Associations?

Xiao-Nong Zhou: I first became involved with the WFPHA in 2015 when I visited Geneva to discuss collaboration between the CPMA and the Federation. This was my first exposure to the Federation. Since then, I have participated in several public health events, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, where I helped organize a webinar titled “One Health System Thinking,” which brought together international experts in the field of One Health. Through these experiences, I realized the need for a more formalized One Health Working Group within the Federation.

Could you elaborate on your working group’s current activities and share your vision and plans for the future

Xiao-Nong Zhou: The One Health Working Group has three primary objectives. First, we aim to promote global cooperation to establish One Health platforms. Second, we are enhancing dissemination efforts to influence policy and practice in the field. Lastly, we want to improve knowledge and capacity building on One Health globally. 

Our group includes members from different regions, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America. We have had several discussions and are focusing on these three objectives as our guiding principles for at least the next three years.

How do the working group’s activities align with supporting and implementing the World Federation of Public Health Associations’ Strategic Plan?

Xiao-Nong Zhou: The Federation’s mission is to protect people and the planet by preventing diseases and promoting health, well-being, and peace. This aligns directly with the One Health concept, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health. Our work improves societal well-being by addressing these interconnected factors holistically.

One Health as a concept gained prominence after the SARS outbreak in 2003, but practical implementation was lacking until the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, organizations like WHO, FAO, UNEP, and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) are jointly promoting One Health by setting up platforms for action. I am fortunate to be a member of the second term of the One Health High-Level Expert Panel, which allows me to contribute directly to global efforts and bring those insights back to our working group.

How has being part of the World Federation of Public Health Associations and its network enhanced the activities of your working group and expanded its reach?

Xiao-Nong Zhou: The Federation is well-connected with WHO and other international organizations, particularly in Geneva, where many UN agencies are based. Through the Federation, our working group can engage with a broader range of human, animal, and environmental health stakeholders. This helps us provide information and guidelines and communicate and coordinate efforts with other organizations working on health-related issues.

This platform has allowed us to integrate One Health principles into broader health policies, meaningfully impacting health systems worldwide.

How does being part of the World Federation of Public Health Associations facilitate your group’s collaboration between human, animal, and environmental health sectors?

Xiao-Nong Zhou: As I mentioned earlier, the Federation provides a unique platform to connect with other organizations like the World Bank, FAO, and UNEP. This allows us to unite human, animal, and environmental health experts to work on common goals. Additionally, my position on the One Health High-Level Expert Panel Term II allows me to link our group with global experts, helping us develop case studies and promote One Health approaches across sectors.

We are already exploring ways to implement One Health principles in developing countries, where these approaches can be cost-effective in preventing future pandemics and reducing disease burdens.

How does the working group contribute to global knowledge and capacity building on One Health principles?

Xiao-Nong Zhou: Our working group has identified three main approaches to disseminating One Health knowledge. First, we use our members’ network to share knowledge globally, regionally, and nationally. We aim to set up a knowledge hub to support these efforts. Second, we are identifying new actions, lessons, and experiences from different countries that have successfully integrated One Health principles, especially by incorporating local cultures. Lastly, we plan to develop technical guidelines for One Health practice. We hope organizations like WHO or FAO will adopt these guidelines to guide national action plans.

What unique opportunities has membership in the World Federation of Public Health Associations provided for your group’s One Health initiatives?

Xiao-Nong Zhou: The Federation has allowed us to create a knowledge hub, connecting different regions and countries to share expertise. This allows our working group to provide technical guidance and advice to national governments looking to implement the One Health approach. The Federation’s global network gives us a platform to scale our initiatives and ensure that countries have access to the expertise they need to prevent pandemics and reduce disease burdens using the One Health approach.

Would you like to comment on or mention anything else we didn’t cover with the questions?

Xiao-Nong Zhou: Yes, I want to emphasize the importance of integrating One Health into efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, global warming, and food safety. More than 65% of emerging infectious diseases originate from animals, and addressing these requires a coordinated, multisectoral approach. Our working group hopes to involve more experts from different sectors to tackle these challenges. This will require strong governance and support from the Federation, but with their help, we can significantly impact global health.

Conclusion

Xiao-Nong Zhou’s career is a testament to integrating public, animal, and environmental health into a unified approach. Through his leadership in the One Health Working Group under the WFPHA, Dr. Zhou is working to promote global cooperation, influence policy, and build capacity to address health challenges at the human-animal-environment interface. His vision for the future is clear: strong governance, collaboration across sectors, and integrating One Health principles into global health strategies are essential to ensuring a healthier world.

By embracing the One Health approach, we can prevent future pandemics, mitigate the effects of climate change on health, and protect both human and animal populations for generations to come.

Working member groups:

Prof. Xiao-Nong Zhou, Chief Scientist on parasitic disease control of China CDC; Deputy Dean of School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China 

Prof. Carlos Machado, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil 

Prof. Mayumi Wakimoto, Researcher, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil 

Dr. Issam Bennis, Assistant Professor of Public Health, Mohammed VI University of Sciences, and Health Casablanca, Morocco 

Dr. Somphou Sayason, Deputy Director, Laos Tropical and Public Health Institute, Ministry of Health, Lao PDR 

Prof. Roger Frutos, Senior Researcher, French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), Montpellier, France

Prof. Lee Willingham, Chair, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates 

Integration of Health and Social Care Patient Records: Challenges and Opportunities

Integrating health and social care, patient records are becoming increasingly essential for improving patient outcomes and enhancing the efficiency of healthcare delivery. As the World Health Organization (WHO) defines oral health as “the state of the mouth, teeth, and orofacial structures that enable individuals to perform essential functions,” it becomes clear that oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health and well-being. This understanding underscores integrating patient records across different healthcare domains to provide comprehensive care. Dr. Aarthi Shanmugavel and Professor Dr. Kenneth Eaton, from the World Federation of Public Health Associations, WFPHA Oral Health Working Group, discuss this further. 

The Current State of Patient Data Integration

In healthcare, patient-related data are collected, stored, managed, and analyzed to ensure the best care possible. However, integrating these data across different healthcare providers—such as dentists and general medical practitioners—remains a significant challenge. According to the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), interoperability is the system’s ability to access, exchange, integrate, and cooperatively use data across various boundaries. This level of interoperability is crucial for providing timely and seamless care, yet many healthcare systems worldwide still struggle to achieve it.

Challenges in Integrating Health and Social Care Records

A recent global survey by the WFPHA and the FDI World Dental Federation (FDI) identified several barriers to integrating electronic medical and dental records by over 100 participants from 50 countries. The survey participants included 75% dentists and 25% other health professionals, including physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals, with over 70 participants with more than 20 years of experience.

Key challenges include:

– Political and Economic Factors: Resistance to change, concerns over the cost of integration, and the influence of political factors can slow down the process of integrating health records.

– Technical Integration: The complexity of data, terminologies, and systems presents a significant hurdle. Achieving seamless integration requires standardized data formats and robust technical infrastructure.

– Data Protection Concerns: Ensuring patient privacy and the security of sensitive health information is a critical issue that needs to be addressed when integrating records.

– Decentralized Healthcare Systems: In countries with decentralized healthcare systems, the lack of a unified approach complicates the integration process.

– Patient Consent and Access: Patient consent and the ability to access their own records are also challenging, with some countries offering more access than others.

Opportunities for Enhanced Patient Care

Despite these challenges, there is a strong consensus on integrating medical and dental health records. The potential benefits of integration include:

– Improved Patient Outcomes: Integrated records provide healthcare providers with a comprehensive view of a patient’s health, leading to better diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

– Increased Efficiency: By eliminating the need for repeated tests and procedures, integrated records can reduce costs and make the healthcare system more efficient.

– Better Patient Experience: Patients can expect more coordinated care with integrated records, reducing provider delays and miscommunication.

– Global Success Stories: Estonia, for example, has implemented a centralized healthcare system with integrated patient records at the national level, contributing to better overall health outcomes and increased life expectancy.

The Path Forward

Integrating health and social care patient records is essential for achieving patient-centered healthcare. The ultimate goal should be to develop a system that integrates electronic health and dental records and connects with personal devices, educational institutions, clinical research sectors, and global public health surveillance systems.

As healthcare systems worldwide continue to adopt more advanced health information systems, it is crucial to address the integration challenges. By fostering political will, advancing technology, and prioritizing patient-centered care, we can overcome these obstacles and create a more efficient, effective, and equitable healthcare system.

To read the full survey results, click here. 

Further references

Rajkumar NMR, Muzoora MR, Thun S. Dentistry and Interoperability. J Dent Res. 2022  Oct;101(11):1258-1262. doi: 10.1177/00220345221100175. Epub 2022 Jun 10.  PMID: 35689387; PMCID: PMC9516603. 

Powell, V., Din, F., Acharya, A. (2012). Integration of medical and dental care and patient data, 1st Edition. London: Springer. 

Professor Raman Bedi Appointed as Vice President-President-Elect of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA)

In a significant milestone for global public health, Professor Raman Bedi has been appointed as the new Vice President-president-elect for the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA). His election on May 26, 2024, marks a historic moment as he becomes the first dentist and UK representative in over 50 years to hold this prestigious position. Professor Bedi, an Emeritus Professor at King’s College London and former Chief Dental Officer of England, is poised to bring his extensive experience in public health to the global stage.

A Glimpse into the WFPHA’s Mission and Vision

Founded in May 1967, the WFPHA represents a powerful collective of national public health associations from 104 countries, encompassing 139 member associations and nearly 5 million public health professionals worldwide. With a strong relationship with the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1971, the WFPHA has been critical in shaping global health policies and initiatives.

As Professor Bedi explains, the WFPHA is not just an organization but a vital agenda-setting entity that leads numerous global public health projects. These include initiatives like Global Public Health Week, Young WFPHA, and the biennial World Congress on Public Health. The WFPHA also collaborates with the WHO, United Nations, UNICEF, and other key international bodies to drive impactful change in public health.

First dentist as WFPHA President

Professor Bedi was elected with nearly 65% of countries voting in his favor. Reflecting on the outcome, Professor Bedi shared, “No dentist has ever been elected to this position, and it has been over 50 years since the UK had a president. The support I received, especially from the UK Faculty of Public Health, was instrumental in my nomination and election.”

Motivations and Priorities for Global Public Health

Professor Bedi’s motivation to run for this global leadership role stems from a deep-seated commitment to addressing pressing public health issues. He emphasizes the importance of preparing for future pandemics, tackling the global shortage of healthcare professionals, and addressing oral health as a public health concern.

“Oral health is a global issue that requires a broader public health approach,” Professor Bedi notes. He also highlights his dedication to promoting vaccination, particularly the HPV vaccine and supporting initiatives like Australia’s campaign to eradicate cervical cancer.

Challenges and Opportunities in Public Health

In his new role, Professor Bedi acknowledges the significant challenges facing public health today, including conflicts, workforce and funding shortages, misinformation, and the rapid development of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). He emphasizes strong leadership and supportive networks to navigate these challenges effectively.

To this end, Professor Bedi plans to create a global network focused on diversity and inclusion, ensuring that public health professionals have the skills and capacity to adopt and integrate innovative solutions into health services.

Strengthening National Public Health Associations

One of Professor Bedi’s key goals is to foster collaboration among national public health associations, building a collective structure that promotes constructive interaction across national boundaries. He believes that a supportive and inclusive environment and professional development opportunities will be essential in achieving this aim.

Upcoming Initiatives and Projects

As Vice President, Professor Bedi will support the current WFPHA President, Emma Rawson, who is passionate about Indigenous health. He also plans to focus on securing the bid for London to host the 2030 World Congress on Public Health, a significant event that would bring over 5,000 public health professionals to the city.

A Commitment to Leadership and Inclusion

Reflecting on his career, Professor Bedi attributes his readiness for this leadership role to his resilience, relationship-building skills, and passion for creating supportive networks. His experience as Chief Dental Officer for England and his work with the Senior Dental Leadership program have shaped his global vision for advancing public health.

As he embarks on this new journey, Professor Bedi reassures WFPHA members and the wider public health community of his commitment to advancing global public health. “I am excited about the journey ahead and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Vice President and, eventually, as WFPHA President in 2026,” he concludes.

Professor Raman Bedi’s appointment as the new Vice President-president-elect of the WFPHA marks a pivotal moment for the organization and the global public health community. His leadership promises to bring innovative solutions and a renewed focus on addressing our time’s most pressing public health challenges.

This article was adapted from an original interview done by Nature.com.