Webinar: Enhancing Vaccination Data Collection for Healthcare Workers in LICs and LMICs

Date: 26th June 2024 | 10:00 – 11:00 CEST

This webinar addresses the critical need to gather comprehensive vaccination data on healthcare workers in low-income and lower-middle-income countries. This session will explore effective approaches to ensure that accurate and up-to-date vaccination records for health professionals are developed and maintained, highlighting the challenges and solutions in data collection processes. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of data for safeguarding healthcare workers against preventable diseases, supporting public health decisions, and enhancing overall workforce resilience in these regions.

Confirmed speakers:

Chief Dominique Kondji Kondji. President, Cameroon Public Health Association

Prof. Mohamed-Ridha Barbouche. Immunologist and expert of the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG).

Dr. Dragoslav Popovic, President, Serbian Public Health Association

Ms. Danya Arif Siddiqi, Deputy Director of the Maternal and Child Health Program, IRD Global

Chairperson: Dr. Marta Lomazzi. Executive Manager, WFPHA

If you would like to share your country’s or organization’s experience of enhancing vaccination data collection for healthcare workers in LICs and LMICs, or if you have any questions for the speakers, please contact secretariat@wfpha.org.

Webinar: L’importance de la vaccination HPV neutre de genre- Afrique francophone

Date: 24th Juin 2024 | 13:30-15:30 CEST

La vaccination contre le papillomavirus neutre de genre est essentielle pour protéger les communautés, arrêter la transmission du virus et réduire la stigmatisation associée à la maladie causée par le papillomavirus. La Fédération mondiale des associations de santé publique a mis au point une série complète de six sessions de formation en ligne, spécialement conçues pour répondre au contexte et aux défis spécifiques des différentes régions du monde. Ces cours sont conçus pour être interactifs, encourageant les participants à partager leurs expériences et leurs points de vue.

La deuxième session de cette série sera dédiée à l’Afrique francophone, avec un focus particulier sur des études de cas issues de pays tels que le Cameroun et le Tchad. Les intervenants expliqueront si et comment ils ont réussi à mettre en œuvre la vaccination neutre de genre contre le HPV et partageront leurs expériences en matière de mobilisation des gouvernements, des partenaires nationaux et internationaux et des communautés. Ce partage de connaissances vise à permettre aux professionnels d’autres pays africains de suivre cette voie et de pladoyer en faveur de la mise en œuvre de la vaccination contre le papillomavirus pour les filles et les garçons dans leur pays.

Orateurs confirmés:

Chief Dominique Kondji Kondji.Président de l’Association Camerounaise de Santé Publique

M. Lazare Komandegal. Président de l’Association Tchadienne de Santé Publique

La session sera présidée par Dr. Marta Lomazzi, Directrice exécutive de la Federation mondiale des associations de santé publique, et elle se déroulera en français.

Si vous souhaitez partager l’expérience de votre pays ou de votre organisation en matière de vaccination anti-HPV sans distinction de sexe, ou si vous avez des questions à poser aux intervenants, n’hésitez pas à écrire à secretariat@wfpha.org. 

3rd Meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-Ended Working Group on a Science-Policy Panel

The 3rd Meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-Ended Working Group on a Science-Policy Panel is currently underway. Uniting experts and stakeholders globally, this event aims to develop strategies to manage chemicals and waste better and prevent pollution. This crucial gathering seeks to establish a new panel with influence and visibility comparable to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

In their opening speeches, key figures from the UNEP, the WHO, and the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment underscored the importance of a science-policy panel to tackle environmental health challenges. They highlighted the need for a strategic, multidisciplinary approach that leverages science and innovation to combat the global impacts of chemicals, waste, and pollution, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Prof. Andrea Rother, co-chair of the WFPHA Environmental Health Working Group, represents the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) at this significant event. Prof. Rother brings extensive knowledge and dedication to environmental health, ensuring public health perspectives are integral to the science-policy discussions.

This meeting marks a pivotal step toward creating a robust science-policy interface that will guide effective policies and actions in chemicals and waste management on a global scale. The outcomes of this session are expected to shape future initiatives, providing a comprehensive framework for countries and organizations committed to environmental health and sustainability.

Promoting Gender Neutral HPV Vaccination: Protecting Everyone Equally

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of cervical cancer and other malignancies, including anal, oropharyngeal, penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancers. While HPV vaccination programs have traditionally targeted girls to prevent cervical cancer, emerging evidence underscores the importance of vaccinating boys as well. Gender-neutral HPV vaccination ensures comprehensive protection against HPV-related diseases and contributes to herd immunity, significantly reducing the virus’s transmission within the population.

To discuss strategies for protecting everyone through gender-neutral HPV vaccination, the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) held a high-level side event in conjunction with the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva. This event featured distinguished speakers and leaders in the field of public health, advocating for the global implementation of gender-neutral HPV vaccination programs. The primary aim was to raise awareness and promote inclusive vaccination strategies that protect both girls and boys from HPV-related diseases.

Chairs:

• Dr. Michael Moore, WFPHA Past President
• Dr. Marta Lomazzi, WFPHA Executive Manager

Opening Speech:

• Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas, Assistant Director PAHO

Speakers- Panel 1:

• Paul Kelly is currently the Chief Medical Officer and Head of Interim Australian Centre for Disease Control at the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
• Tshedar is the Chief Program Officer, Health Promotion and Risk Communication Division at the Minister of Health of Bhutan.
• Meerjady Sabrina Flora is the Additional Director General (Planning & Research), the Directorate General of Health Services at the Government of Bangladesh.
• Dr Jean-Marie Okwo Bele is the former Director at WHO Immunization and Vaccines Department.

Speakers- Panel 2:

• Jean Marie Okwo Bele is the former Director, Immunization and Vaccines Department at World Health Organisation & Consultant for AFR CDC

• Ibtihal Fadhil is the Chair at Eastern Mediterranean NCD Alliance, Former Regional Adviser NCDs , WHO/EMRO

• Martha Rebour is the Executive Director, Shot@life

• Tristan Amalda is theNOMAN President and founder

• Peter Baker is the Director of Global Action on Men’s Health

Ensuring Continuity of Care for Migrants: Challenges, Solutions, and Collaborative Efforts

World Federation of Public Health Associations Immediate Past President, Luis Eugenio Portela Fernandes de Souza, moderated a pivotal session on “Ensuring Continuity of Care during Migration” at the Geneva Health Forum last month.

Migrants face heightened health risks and barriers to healthcare access due to their mobility. Our discussion delves into the challenges and solutions, including digital tools and collaborative networks.

Speakers from organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), University of Athens, SOS MEDITERRANEE Switzerland, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies – IFRC share insights to improve migrant health outcomes.