Our 2024-2025 Annual Report is now available for viewing. This report showcases WFPHA’s key initiatives and activities aimed at protecting people, preventing diseases, and promoting global health and well-being.
Immunization isn’t just for children. It’s a lifelong necessity. While pediatric vaccination programs have seen tremendous success globally, adult immunization remains dangerously overlooked. This gap in our healthcare systems leaves populations vulnerable to preventable diseases at every stage of life.
To understand why this matters, we must first examine the current state of global immunization.
Recent data reveals a troubling decline in adult vaccination rates worldwide. According to WHO and UNICEF reports:
These statistics highlight an urgent need to examine the broader benefits of life course immunization.
Life course immunization offers three key advantages that strengthen public health systems.
Vaccines like measles and pertussis are “sterilizing.” They block transmission entirely when coverage is high.
Preventing diseases like shingles and pneumonia lowers hospitalizations and long-term care needs.
Healthcare workers, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised people rely on herd immunity.
Despite these clear benefits, significant barriers still prevent widespread adoption.
Several challenges hinder effective life course immunization programs. Many countries lack standardized adult vaccination schedules, leading to inconsistent recommendations. Vaccine hesitancy continues to grow, fueled by misinformation. Additionally, healthcare systems often fail to make vaccines accessible to marginalized communities.
Addressing these challenges requires coordinated action from multiple stakeholders.
Implementing adequate life course immunization requires commitment from all sectors of society. Policymakers must prioritize funding and develop clear guidelines. Healthcare providers need to integrate vaccination discussions into routine care. Individuals should stay informed about recommended vaccines for their age group.
Life-course immunization isn’t just a medical intervention; it’s a fundamental right and a societal responsibility. We build healthier communities and more resilient healthcare systems for future generations by protecting individuals at every life stage.
The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) is currently looking for 1 intern.
WFPHA offers a unique environment for an internship for students in international health and development. Interns are given substantial responsibility for performing activities such as researching and writing articles, establishing contact with health and development NGOs worldwide, planning international conferences, and fundraising. Each internship is structured to suit the needs and interests of the intern, such as working on an individual research assignment, as well as the requirements of WFPHA.
During the internship, interns will further develop their skills and become more familiar with the key issues and actors in international health and development. They will have extensive networking opportunities as WFPHA is an international NGO in official relations with the WHO and has extensive contacts with other organizations worldwide.
The internship will be done remotely.
Qualification and Experience
Compensation
The internship is unpaid. The organization does not cover relocation expenses or sponsor international student visas.
Period
Starts 1st September 2025, for a minimum of 3 months. The internship may be part-time or full-time.
Application Deadline
28th May 2025
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for the internship, please send a CV and motivation letter to Maria Mata: maria.mata@wfpha.org
From conflicts to climate change, the need for resilient health systems and equitable access to care has never been more urgent. Dr. Duha Shellah, the newly appointed Chair of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) Public Health in Emergencies and Disasters Working Group, is at the forefront of this global challenge. A Palestinian physician, scientist, and youth activist, Dr. Shellah brings a wealth of experience, passion, and vision to her role.
In a recent interview with WFPHA, she shared her journey, motivations, and plans for the working group’s future. Here’s a glimpse into her inspiring story and the impactful work she aims to lead.
Introduce yourself.
Duha Shellah: I’m Dr. Duha Shellah, a Palestinian physician, scientist, medical journalist, and youth activist. I’m deeply committed to advancing research, global health, and youth leadership. I’m the founder and chairwoman of The Researchist Organization, which promotes a research culture and supports early-career researchers and scientists in Palestine and the region. I also serve as the Vice Chair of the WHO Youth Council in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, leading the Youth in Emergencies Working Group. Additionally, I’m the Research Lead and EMR Delegate at the Young Council of the World Federation of Public Health Associations and chair of Women in Global Health’s Palestine chapter.
I also coordinate the Medical and Health Sciences Division at the Palestine Academy for Science and Technology. I currently work at Juzoor for Health and Social Development, a prominent public health institution in Palestine focusing on social determinants of health. Internationally, I was recognized as one of the 41 Emerging Voices for Global Health in 2024 and was honored to be named among the 21 Outstanding Young Physicians Under 40 at the Inter Academy Partnership Young Physician Leaders Program in 2022.
As the Chair of the Public Health in Emergencies and Disasters Working Group under WFPHA, I aim to build on the significant contributions of my predecessors, Dr. Chadia Wannous and Prof. Colette Cunningham. I focus on enhancing emergency preparedness, promoting health equity, and strengthening responses to crises, particularly in conflict-affected regions. This vision aligns with WFPHA’s mission to protect people and the planet, prevent diseases, and promote health, peace, and well-being.
What motivated you to pursue a career in the public health sector?
Duha Shellah: My motivation to pursue a career in public health arose from witnessing the devastating impact of occupation and conflict on public health. In Palestine, my home country, severe health disparities—compounded by environmental crises and limited access to healthcare—underscore the urgent need for a resilient health system. This experience galvanized my commitment to public health to address these interconnected challenges. I aim to tackle what WFPHA calls a “syndemic” by focusing on emergency preparedness and long-term health equity. I hope to contribute to a future where health systems can withstand crises while ensuring fair access to care for all.
How long have you been associated with the WFPHA?
Duha Shellah: I’ve been actively involved with WFPHA since May 2023, initially through the Young WFPHA, where I serve as the EMR Delegate and Research Lead. I also represent Young WFPHA at the 1st Regional Youth Council of WHO as the Vice Chair of the WHO EMRO Youth Council. Being associated with Young WFPHA since 2023 has allowed me to collaborate on research initiatives and advocacy efforts as a young professional. We’ve worked on projects focusing on emergency preparedness, health equity, and conflict-affected regions. This experience provided a solid foundation for my current role as Chair of the Public Health in Emergencies and Disasters Working Group.
What’s your vision for the working group?
Duha Shellah: My vision for the working group focuses on developing comprehensive training modules on emergency preparedness and response. We will organize webinars and workshops to disseminate best practices, exchange experiences, and build capacity among public health professionals globally. We also plan to publish policy briefs and research to support evidence-based decision-making.
I aim to expand these efforts by fostering stronger partnerships with key stakeholders such as WHO, IFRC, and UNICEF. We will prioritize integrating public health into national, regional, and international disaster management plans, mainly focusing on conflict zones. The vision is to enhance the resilience of health systems globally, aligning with WFPHA’s mission to protect people and the planet while promoting peace and well-being.
How do the working group’s activities align with the support and implementation of the WFPHA strategic plan?
Duha Shellah: The planned activities for the working group directly support WFPHA’s strategic goals. For Goal 1, advocating for peace and sustainable health equity, the working group will advocate for policies that ensure equitable healthcare access during emergencies. For Goal 2, promoting system change and decolonizing public health, we’ll emphasize locally driven solutions and inclusive policies to address structural inequalities. For Goal 3, strengthening global health governance, collaborations with international organizations will promote a more democratic and resilient global health governance system. For Goal 4, advancing public health knowledge and practice, the working group will contribute to advancing public health practice and education globally through research and capacity building.
In what ways is being part of the WFPHA going to help advance the activities of the Working Group?
Duha Shellah: WFPHA’s extensive network has been invaluable in amplifying our advocacy efforts and expanding our reach. By collaborating with organizations like WFPHA, other UN agencies, and regional public health associations, we will disseminate best practices, exchange experiences more broadly, and influence policy at national and international levels. This network will also facilitate access to resources and expertise, significantly enhancing our training, research initiatives, and peace collaborations. These efforts align with the WFPHA’s mission to promote peace, health, and well-being.
How will the Working Group contribute to the development of emergency preparedness plans at an international level?
Duha Shellah: We’re committed to developing and disseminating policy briefs that advocate integrating public health into national and international disaster management frameworks. We will research the impact of conflicts and climate crises on public health to inform evidence-based emergency preparedness strategies. Additionally, we will engage with key international stakeholders to standardize emergency response protocols. Our approach emphasizes addressing the root causes of health disparities, including conflict and environmental degradation, in line with the WFPHA’s mission.
Any last comments?
Duha Shellah: Emergencies and disasters magnify inequities, leaving the most vulnerable to bear the heaviest burdens. True resilience is not just about response—it’s about justice, dignity, and ensuring that every community has equitable access to health and protection regardless of their circumstances. As a Palestinian physician and activist in this role as Chair of the Public Health in Emergencies and Disasters Working Group, I am committed to championing a people-centered approach that prioritizes the unheard, safeguards frontline workers, and builds sustainable health systems rooted in equity. Thank you.
Conclusion: A Leader for a Healthier, More Equitable Future
Dr. Duha Shellah’s journey and vision are a testament to the power of resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to equity. Her work with the WFPHA Public Health in Emergencies and Disasters Working Group promises to bring transformative change, particularly for communities in conflict zones and those most vulnerable to crises. By prioritizing preparedness, equity, and collaboration, Dr. Shellah is paving the way for a future where health systems are resilient but also just and inclusive. Her leadership reminds us that hope and action can create a healthier, more equitable world for all in the face of adversity.
Nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco, is a growing public health crisis. With the rise of e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and flavored products targeting children, urgent action is needed. Dr. David Chalom, a senior consultant in orthopedic surgery, argues that nicotine must be reviewed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and placed under strict international control by the UN to protect future generations.
1. Tobacco: A leading cause of preventable death
Tobacco is the leading cause of non-communicable diseases worldwide. Two-thirds of long-term smokers die from smoking-related illnesses. Unfortunately, tobacco use persists because of nicotine addiction.
2. Nicotine: A potent neurotoxin and highly addictive drug
Originally used as an insecticide, nicotine is toxic to humans. It’s also more addictive than cocaine and amphetamines, leading to lifelong dependency. Other issues with nicotine include:
– Impairing brain development in youth (up to age 25), increasing risks of:
– Mental health disorders
– Addiction to other drugs (alcohol, narcotics)
– Poor cognitive function
– Damaging blood vessels, reducing oxygen supply to organs, leading to
– Increased risk of stroke and heart disease
– Poor healing and tissue degeneration
– Harming fertility, pregnancy, and infants, increasing risks of:
– Miscarriage
– Low birth weight
– Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
The tobacco industry exploits regulatory loopholes by introducing flavored nicotine products designed to attract children:
– E-cigarettes (vapes)
– Nicotine pouches (“white snus”)
– Nicotine candies (jelly beans, gummies, lollipops)
– Lip balms, mints, and Tic-Tacs laced with nicotine
Alarming Trends in Sweden (2012-2024 Data)
The Swedish Council for Information on Alcohol and Other Drugs (C.A.N.) did a nationwide school investigation between 2012 and 2024 on 9th graders and 2nd-year high schoolers. It found that 9th graders and high school students are increasingly using:
– E-cigarettes
– Nicotine pouches
– Snus
All of this is problematic. While these youths are considered “non-smoking,” they become addicted to nicotine, later transitioning to cigarettes.
No evidence supports claims that nicotine products help smokers quit. Most e-cigarette users continue smoking traditional cigarettes. Thus, nicotine remains harmful and addictive.
Governments must work to:
– Eliminate tobacco and nicotine use
– Protect children from addiction
– Reduce secondhand smoke exposure
Consider two UN Conventions: the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961/1972) and the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971). These treaties allow scheduling substances that pose serious public health risks.
Nicotine meets all criteria for strict international control:
– Highly addictive
– Widely abused, especially by youth
– Minimal therapeutic value
– Serious public health threat
Nicotine isn’t just an addiction; it’s a public health emergency. With flavored products targeting children and the rising outh addiction rates, immediate action is needed. The WHO must review nicotine, and the UN must impose strict controls to protect future generations.
Yet, from the individual to the state level, everyone has a role to play:
– Governments: Notify the UN Secretary-General to review nicotine.
– NGOs & Health Organizations: Petition the WHO to assess nicotine’s risks.
– Public Awareness: Get educated on nicotine’s dangers, especially for youth.
Together, we can all work towards a nicotine-free generation by 2023.
Do you have questions for David? Then don’t hesitate to write him at david.chalom.a@gmail.com
Reimagining global health strategies requires confronting persistent inequities that shape health outcomes, particularly in dentistry and gender equity. Gender equity is not only a fundamental human right but also a strategic imperative for improving population health, strengthening health systems, and achieving sustainable development. Yet, in fields such as dentistry, gender equity remains overshadowed by longstanding structural and cultural norms.
According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, gender equity in healthcare refers to treating individuals according to their unique needs and contexts, considering how power and privilege affect opportunity. This principle is tied to the core value of fairness and is critical to building inclusive, ethical, and sustainable systems that reflect the diversity of health providers and their communities. Harmful gender stereotypes, alongside racism, ageism, and socioeconomic inequities, compound existing barriers to oral healthcare access and professional advancement for women and gender-diverse individuals.
Neglecting gender equity in dentistry perpetuates significant inequities across research, clinical practice, and leadership. Despite progress in gender diversity in dental schools, systemic transformation remains elusive. Structural barriers and cultural norms continue to shape career trajectories, specialization choices, and professional development.
Global challenges such as population aging, COVID-19, and climate change demand that dental health strategies be reimaged through a gender-equity lens, promoting sustainable and inclusive oral healthcare systems.
Addressing gender equity challenges in dentistry requires coordinated systemic efforts to restructure the profession. A gender-equitable future fosters better care, innovation, and responsive systems.
1. Structural Change & Policy Reform
2. Mentorship & Leadership Development
3. Inclusive Education & Clinical Training
4. Gender-Inclusive Innovation & Sustainability
Gender equity in dentistry is more than a matter of fairness. It is necessary for building a healthier, more inclusive, and resilient profession. Aligning efforts with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development can advance social justice. Achieving equity requires collective action from institutions, policymakers, educators, and providers. By dismantling structural discrimination and fostering inclusivity, we can close the gender gap and ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender or background, thrive in dental education, practice, and leadership.
Dr. Pascaline Kengne Talla wrote this article on behalf of the WFPHA’s Oral Health Working Group
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