WFPHA Launches One Health Working Group

The World Federation of Public Health Associations has approved a new working group on One Health during its General Assembly on May 26, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland. The group will be chaired by Prof. Xiao-Nong Zhou from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China, and Prof. Carlos Machado from Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Brazil.

What is One Health?

One Health emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It is crucial for addressing global public health challenges such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental changes. Despite efforts from organizations like FAO, UNEP, WOAH, and WHO, fragmented policy implementation and lack of multisectoral collaboration persist. The One Health Working Group aims to bridge these gaps by fostering global cooperation.

Vision and Objectives

Vision

The group aims to strengthen global health security at the human-animal-environment interface by promoting global collaboration, influencing policy, and enhancing knowledge and capacity in One Health.

Objectives

• Promote Global Collaboration: Establish One Health platforms for interdisciplinary cooperation across health, environmental, and policy sectors.
• Enhance Dissemination: Advocate for One Health principles in global and national policies through policy briefings and communications.
• Improve Knowledge and Capacity Building: Develop and enhance One Health knowledge through scientific collaboration and educational programs.

WFPHA Unveils New Policy Statements to Enhance Global Health

The World Federation of Public Health Associations has released new policy statements aimed at addressing critical health issues. Developed by various working groups, taskforces and members of the WFPHA, these policies cover the health and rights of children and young people, vaccine sentiment, public health and law enforcement collaboration, and Indigenous health.

Children and Young People’s Health and Rights

Submitted by Women, Children and Youth Health Working Group

This policy focuses on ensuring that children and young people have access to healthcare, education, and protection from abuse. It emphasizes:

• Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Ensuring affordable and quality healthcare for all young people.
• Education and Awareness: Promoting health education to empower youth.
• Protection from Violence: Strengthening legal frameworks to safeguard children from violence and exploitation.

Understanding Vaccine Sentiment: Identifying Obstacles and Opportunities to Boost
Vaccination Uptake Among Healthcare and Public Health Professionals

Submitted by International Immunization Policy Taskforce

Addressing vaccine hesitancy among healthcare and public health professionals is crucial for improving vaccination rates. This policy includes:

• Research: Identifying the causes of vaccine hesitancy.
• Communication: Developing strategies to address misconceptions.
• Training: Enhancing healthcare providers’ ability to advocate for vaccinations.

Engaging police and public health sector to collaborate for the public good

Submitted by Global Law Enforcement and Public Health Association (GLEPHA)

Collaboration between police and public health sectors can improve community well-being.

Key aspects of this policy are:

• Joint Training Programs: Addressing issues like mental health and substance abuse.
• Community Engagement: Building trust through joint initiatives.
• Data Sharing: Improving responses to public health threats.

Indigenous Health

Submitted by Indigenous Working Group

Improving health outcomes for Indigenous populations requires culturally sensitive approaches. This policy focuses on:

• Cultural Competence: Providing culturally appropriate healthcare.
• Access to Services: Enhancing healthcare access in remote areas.
• Community Empowerment: Supporting community-led health programs.

Transformative Dialogue on Indigenous Health and Decolonising Public Health Practices at WHA77

The World Federation of Public Health Associations hosted a pivotal side event alongside the 77th World Health Assembly, in collaboration with the Indigenous Working Group of the WFPHA. Led by Mrs. Emma Rawson-Te Patu, President of WFPHA, this event included profound insights, empowering discussions, and actionable strategies.

Facilitator: Guiding our discussions was Mr. Adrian Te Patu, Chair of the Indigenous Working Group – WFPHA.

Speakers: Our esteemed lineup included Dr. Alana Gall, Mr. Geoffrey Roth, Ms. Jess Apanui, and more. Each speaker brings unique insights and strategies for advancing Indigenous health and decolonising public health practices.

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.