Empowering Indigenous Voices: Reflections from the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

President-Elect Emma Rawson Te-Patu of the World Federation of Public Health Associations joins a diverse cohort of Indigenous leaders this week at the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII Twenty-Third Session).

Among them are notable figures like Justin Mohamed, Australia’s Ambassador for First Nations People, and the Honorable Linda Burney, Minister for Indigenous Australians, each carrying the aspirations of their communities.

The atmosphere buzzes with energy at the Welcome Reception, graciously hosted by the National Congress of American Indians. As the forum unfolds, the stage is graced by the impassioned voices of young Indigenous leaders, their calls for justice and equality reverberating throughout the venue.

Moments of reflection are offered by figures like Francisco Cali Tzay, the Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Rights, who amplifies Indigenous voices and confronts pressing global issues head-on.

Discussions throughout the forum delve deep into the Indigenous Determinants of Health, emphasizing the inseparable link between health, culture, and human rights. With each session, Indigenous leaders reaffirm their commitment to collective action and solidarity, guided by the principles enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Together, these leaders embark on a journey toward a future where Indigenous rights are not just acknowledged but vigorously upheld, leaving an enduring imprint on the global stage.

Webinar: Secure Futures: Bridging Sustainable Investment in Immunization and Defense Strategies

Date and Time: 7th May 2024 | 17:00-18:00 New York (EST) | 23:00-00:00 Geneva (CEST) | 8th May 2024 | 07:00-08:00 Sydney (AEST)

Event Description: In this enlightening webinar, we delve into the strategic parallels between sustainable investment in immunization programs and the realms of defense. By exploring the foundational principles that underpin both sectors, we aim to uncover the critical role that long-term, sustainable investments play in ensuring global health security. Our panel of experts from the fields of public health, finance, and policy will guide attendees through an analysis of investment strategies, outcomes, and the shared goal of creating a safer, more resilient world.

This webinar is supported by a charitable donation of Pfizer.

Confirmed speakers:

Prof Maria del Rocio Saenz Madrigal. Professor of Health Promotion, University of Costa Rica and former Executive President of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund and former Minister of Health of Costa Rica

Dr. Jane M Barratt, Ph.D., Global Advisor at the International Federation on Ageing (IFA)

Chairperson:

Dr Michael Moore AM, Former President of the WFPHA

Health: A Political Choice – Amplifying Indigenous Voices in Global Health

The Global Governance Project, in collaboration with WHO, WFPHA, and the World Health Summit, presents the publication ‘Health: A Political Choice – Advancing Indigenous peoples’ rights and well-being‘.

Co-edited by Co-Council Chair Ilona Kickbusch, this special edition features insights from global health leaders like Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and WFPHA President-Elect Emma Rawson-Te Patu on amplifying Indigenous voices in global health. Download your copy now to delve into this crucial topic. Plus, stay tuned for the print edition launch at the WHS Regional Meeting in Australia from April 22-24, 2024.

Integrating Oral Health in School Systems: A Path to Better Well-being

The World Federation of Public Health Associations Oral Health Workgroup published recently the article Oral Health for all Schools: A Call to Integrate Oral Health in School Systems

As we strive for global health equity, addressing oral health disparities among school-aged children is paramount. With over 3.5 billion people affected by oral diseases worldwide, including half a billion children with untreated dental caries, the need for action is clear. Recognizing the significant impact of oral health on children’s overall well-being and academic performance, it’s imperative to integrate comprehensive oral health education and preventive measures into school systems.

By embedding oral health education into school curriculums and promoting healthy habits from a young age, we can instill lifelong behaviors that promote overall wellness. Initiatives such as daily supervised toothbrushing programs in schools and establishing sugar-free environments can help reduce the prevalence of dental caries and empower children to take charge of their oral health.

Moreover, schools serve as strategic platforms for reaching large populations, making them ideal settings for promoting health education and preventive services. Through partnerships with organizations like the Seoul National University Global Maternal and Child Oral Health Center, we can collaborate to develop evidence-based oral health programs tailored to the needs of students worldwide.

By prioritizing oral health in schools, we not only improve children’s immediate health outcomes but also lay the foundation for healthier generations to come. Let’s work together to ensure that every child has access to the knowledge and resources they need to maintain a healthy smile and thrive academically.

GPHW2024:Lecture on Translating the Essential Public Health Functions (EPHF) into Public Health Curricula

Theme: Putting Mental Wellbeing on the Health Agenda

Date and Time: 10th April 2024 |09:00-09:25 (CET)

Event Description: This lecture is presented by Siobhan Fitzpatrick, World Health Organization technical officer.  Siobhan Fitzpatrick discusses how we can strengthen the education of the workforce to enable them to deliver on these EPHFs. The WHO and partners have developed a competency framework defining the practice activities for the public health and emergency workforce to deliver the 12 EPHFs. She specifies that the workforce encompasses those with roles entirely around public health, those that contribute towards surveillance and management, and a final group of personnel from allied occupations. The approach used, competency-based education, emphasises outcomes-oriented learning, progressive sequencing, tailored teaching and assessment, and programmatic assessment.

Listen the full webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFJI5PJ-GvM

Event Type: Online Interview

Event Format: Online

Language(s): English

Organiser(s): World Federation of Public Health Associations

How to Attend Virtually: Youtube

Registration: N/A

GPHW2024: Lecture on Allocating Sustainable Funding for Resilient Health Systems

Theme:Promoting a Sustainable Life for Thriving Communities

Date and Time: 11th April 2024 |10:00-10:25 (CET)

Event Description: This lecture is presented by Prof Vivian Lin, Executive Associate Dean and Professor of Public Health Practice at LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong.
She discusses the critical importance of sustainable funding for our health systems, evaluating why prevention is better and how it should be funded.

Listen the full webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkDCf9s6ZRI

This webinar is part of the International Immunization Policy Task Force activities lead by the WFPHA.

Please follow the link for information on the Task Force: https://www.wfpha.org/immunization-taskforce/

Event Type: Online Interview

Event Format: Online

Language(s): English

Organiser(s): World Federation of Public Health Associations

How to Attend Virtually: Youtube

Registration: N/A