Advancing Gender-Neutral HPV Vaccination: WFPHA and Partners Champion Global Health Equality

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), represented by Bettina Borisch and Marta Lomazzi, actively participated in a roundtable today with Global Action on Men’s Health and NOMAN is an Island. The discussion focused on “Boys, Men, and HPV. Is it Time For Global Gender-Neutral HPV Vaccination?”

This crucial conversation will continue at a side event organized by WFPHA tomorrow at Vieux Bois Restaurant from 8 am to 10 am. The event, themed “Promoting Gender Neutral HPV Vaccination: Protecting Everyone Equally,” aims to advance the adoption of gender-neutral HPV vaccination worldwide as a key tool for HUMANS to prevent HPV-induced cancers.

WFPHA Moderates Panel on Cervical Cancer Elimination

Today, Prof. Bettina Borisch, Executive Director of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), moderated a crucial panel on eliminating cervical cancer. The panel featured:

• Farid Fezoua, Global Director of Health and Education, International Finance Corporation/World Bank Group
• Dr. Mohammed Abdulaziz, Head of the Division of Disease Control and Prevention, Africa CDC
• Flavia Bustreo, Chair of the Governance and Ethics Committee (GEC), PMNCH

The discussion highlighted the need for global collaboration, increased investment, vaccination, early screening, and ethical governance to eradicate cervical cancer. Prof. Borisch emphasized a unified, multi-sectoral approach to tackle this preventable disease, reflecting WFPHA’s commitment to global health and equitable solutions.

WFPHA at WHA77: An Individual Statement on INB

The 77th session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) takes place in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 27–June 1, 2024.

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) attends WHA7/ with a strong statement addressing the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) negotiations.

WFPHA Advocates for Healthy Aging at ILC-UK Event

Today, Dr. Marta Lomazzi, Executive Manager of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), represented the WFPHA at the International Longevity Centre – UK (ILC-UK) side event on the Healthy Ageing and Prevention Index.

In her presentation, Dr. Lomazzi highlighted the public health approach to healthy aging, with a special focus on intergenerational approaches to vaccination. Her insights underscored the critical role of public health strategies in fostering healthier aging populations worldwide.

Dr. Lomazzi’s insights reflect the WFPHA’s commitment to innovative public health strategies. As populations worldwide continue to age, her message underscores the importance of comprehensive, inclusive approaches to ensure healthier futures for all.

Meeting Our New Members

On May 26, 2024, during the General Assembly of the World Federation of Public Health Associations, member organizations welcomed 5 new members: the Ivory Coast Public Health Association (upgrade to full category), the Gambia Public Health Association (upgrade to full category), the Ecuadorian Society of Public Health (full category), the Global Network for Academic Public Health (GNAPH) (partner category), and the Active Citizenship Network (partner category).

We look forward to working together towards our shared goals of protecting and promoting health and wellbeing worldwide.

Meet Our New Governing Council Members

On May 26, 2024, during the General Assembly of the World Federation of Public Health Associations, member organizations elected the following distinguished individuals to join our Governing Council (GC).

Prof. Julienne Louise Ngo Likeng (PhD) – African Region
Prof. Ngo Likeng is a medical anthropologist and an esteemed lecturer. She coordinates the Masters and PhD programs in Public Health at the School of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Central Africa. Additionally, she serves as the Executive Director of the Cameroon Public Health Association and is a member of the scientific committee at her university.

Lucy Anne Parker – European Region
Lucy Anne Parker is an Associate Professor of Preventative Medicine and Public Health at the University Miguel Hernández of Elche, Spain. She actively contributes to the Global Health research group and coordinates the Masters program in Development Cooperation in Health. A committed member of the Spanish Society for Public Health and Health Administration (SESPAS), she also played a significant role as one of the main editors of the WFPHA Casebook on Advocacy for Public Health.

Dragoslav Popovic – European Region
With three decades of experience in International Public Health, Dragoslav Popovic specializes in Health Systems and Vaccines and Immunization. His recent projects include serving as Faculty at the World Bank Flagship Course on Universal Health Coverage (2019), evaluating Targeted Country Assistance for the GAVI Alliance (2018), moderating the Global Vaccine Procurement Practitioners Forum in Copenhagen (2018), and introducing ARV in Southeastern Europe (2021).

Alounoud Al Marzouzi – Eastern Mediterranean Region
Alounoud Al Marzouzi is an Assistant Professor at the College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah. She has extensive experience with the Dubai Health Authority and the Ministry of Health & Prevention, having worked at Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital, Khorfakkan Hospital, and Al Kuwait Hospital in Dubai.

Dr. Lwando Maki – Young Professionals
Dr. Lwando Maki specializes in Global Health, Climate Change, and Noncommunicable Diseases, with a focus on Cardiovascular Disease. He brings fourteen years of leadership and advocacy experience, holding various significant positions such as Editorial Board Member of Elsevier Climate and Health Journal, co-Chair of the Climate Health Working Group of the World Federation of Public Health Associations, and Climate Lead of the African Coalition of Medical Associations. Currently, he serves as the President of the Public Health Association of South Africa.