Event: Indigenous Determinants of Health and Decolonising Public Health Globally

We are thrilled to invite you to a significant side event hosted by the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) in collaboration with the Indigenous Working Group of the WFPHA. Taking place alongside the 77th World Health Assembly, this event promises to be enlightening and impactful.

Event Details:

Date: May 29th, 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm GMT+02:00

Theme: Indigenous Determinants of Health and Decolonising Public Health Globally

At this event, we will delve into the crucial topic of Indigenous determinants of health and the urgent need to decolonise public health practices worldwide. We are honored to have Mrs. Emma Rawson-Te Patu, the incoming President of WFPHA, leading this event alongside esteemed speakers and experts from around the globe.

What to Expect:

• Insights from International Indigenous Leaders: Gain valuable perspectives on the current state of Indigenous health from diverse regions.
• Group Discussion and Workshop: Engage in meaningful conversations and collaborative efforts to address ongoing health inequities and transform public health practices.
• WFPHA’s Commitment: Learn about the proactive steps WFPHA is taking to contribute to systemic approaches and the decolonisation of public health.

Facilitator:

Mr. Adrian Te Patu, Chair of the Indigenous Working Group WFPHA, will guide the discussions. Adrian brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, ensuring an engaging and productive event.

Speakers:

Our line up of speakers includes renowned individuals such as Dr. Alana Gall, Mr. Geoffrey Roth, Captain Hana Seddon, Ms. Jessica Apanui, and more. Each speaker will offer unique insights and actionable strategies for advancing Indigenous health and decolonising public health practices.

Registration: https://events.humanitix.com/indigenous-determinants-of-health-and-decolonising-public-health-globally

Due to limited invitations, we encourage you to respond promptly to ensure your participation.

This event represents a significant opportunity to drive positive change and foster collaboration in the realm of public health. We look forward to your presence and active engagement on May 29th.

Maternal and Child Oral Health Barriers and Solutions: Case Studies from South Africa, Brazil, and Indonesia

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) has launched a Global Maternal and Child Oral Health Initiative to integrate oral health into primary healthcare systems. This article explores maternal oral health initiatives in South Africa, Brazil, and Indonesia, identifying challenges and proposing solutions aligned with the WFPHA framework.

Introduction

Oral health is often overlooked in primary healthcare. The WFPHA aims to change this with its maternal oral health framework and Global Maternal and Child Oral Health Initiative. Highlighting efforts in South Africa, Brazil, and Indonesia, this article examines challenges and strategies for integrating oral health into maternal and child healthcare.

South Africa: Advocating for Maternal and Child Oral Health Policy

South Africa’s apartheid legacy has led to significant health disparities, including in oral health. An Integrated Maternal and Child Oral Health Policy aims to ensure prenatal and neonatal services include oral health education and screening. Key steps include enhancing leadership, building human resource capacity, and integrating oral health policy into existing frameworks. Recent advocacy efforts have made progress, including sessions at the 2023 Public Health Association of South Africa conference.

Brazil: Addressing Maternal Oral Health Disparities

Brazil mandates dental visits for pregnant women, but workforce shortages limit access, especially for teens. A study involving dental students educating pregnant teens showed improved oral health knowledge, suggesting that training future dental professionals in maternal oral health can help address workforce gaps and improve care for vulnerable groups.

Indonesia: Integrative Training Approach in West Kalimantan

The Antenatal Care Innovative (iANC) Project in West Kalimantan trains midwives and oral health professionals together to provide holistic care for pregnant women. This approach addresses oral health needs and enhances understanding of the connection between oral health and maternal well-being. Despite challenges, the iANC project has successfully implemented integrative care for pregnant women and their families.

Discussion

The cases from South Africa, Brazil, and Indonesia highlight the need for tailored policies, health promotion, and integrative care. Emphasizing workforce training, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and policy development can create comprehensive maternal oral health environments, improving access to care for mothers and caregivers.

Launch of the Youth Manifesto on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

14th May: Launch of the Youth Manifesto on AMR

On May 14th, the Young WFPHA as representative of the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat and its Working Group on Youth Engagement on AMR hosted a hybrid event at the WHO office at the UN in New York to launch the Youth Manifesto on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). This manifesto, developed through a global consultation with youth leaders, focuses on advocacy, education, patient care, and a One Health approach to AMR.

Key Calls to Action:

• Youth Engagement: Involve youth in AMR policy and program implementation.
• Collaboration: Establish initiatives and mentorship programs for youth-led AMR actions.
• Stakeholder Inclusion: Encourage countries and civil society organizations to include youth in AMR strategic planning.
• Educational Materials: Empower youth networks to create educational content on AMR.

Panel Discussion Highlights:

• Expanding AMR awareness to youth of all ages.
• Leveraging the power of youth communication for advocacy.

Notable Speakers:

• Javier Yugueros-Marcos, World Organization for Animal Health
• HE François Jackman, Permanent Representative of Barbados to the UN
• Werner H Obermeyer, Director, WHO Office at UN 
• Maria Angelica Murillo Correa, UN Environment Programme

Closing Remarks: Augusto Barón emphasized intergenerational unity and the importance of the Youth Manifesto in enhancing collaboration and action against AMR.

15th May: Multi-Stakeholder Meeting on AMR

The next day, the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat and the Office of the President of the General Assembly held a multi-stakeholder meeting, co-facilitated by Malta and Barbados.

Inaugural Address: Vanessa Carter, an AMR survivor, shared her story, highlighting the need for stronger AMR resources and actions.

Panel Highlights:

• Panel 1: Incorporating AMR into the Pandemic Accord, using contextualized data, recognizing economic impacts, and learning from TB eradication programs.
• Panel 2: Reducing volume-oriented antimicrobial sales, improving surveillance, manufacturing practices, and disposal systems, and establishing an AMR Fund.
• Panel 3: Containing AMR, promoting vaccinations, investing in WASH programs, setting AMR targets, and integrating AMR with UHC goals.

Closing Remarks: Representatives from Malta, Barbados, and Augusto Barón called for greater youth involvement in AMR policy and advocacy to secure a shared future.

These events underscored the vital role of youth and multi-stakeholder collaboration in combating AMR, paving the way for the UNGA High-Level Meeting on AMR in 2024.

The Casebook on Advocacy in Public Health Is Now Available in Spanish!

In June 2021, WFPHA published the Casebook on Advocacy in Public Health to highlight the importance of advocacy as a core function of public health. The Casebook brings together 18 cases of effective public health advocacy from around the world to share knowledge and best practices and to support public health associations and professionals in their activities.

The Casebook is now available in Spanish! We thank our member the Universidad Miguel Hernández for their help with the translation! The Casebook will soon be available in French.

Submissions for the Second Volume are still being accepted.

Launching the “Sustainable Investment in Immunization” Report

The World Federation of Public Health Associations is delighted to announce the publication of the “Sustainable Investment in Immunization” report. This pivotal document was created by our International Immunization Policy Taskforce, working in collaboration with esteemed experts from both the health and economic sectors. This comprehensive document provides case studies, tools, and strategies designed to assist health professionals globally in promoting sustainable investment in preventive health care, with a special emphasis on immunization programs.

Overview of the Report: Sustainable Health Investments

The report addresses the complex landscape of health investment, including the involvement of various stakeholders and the unique challenges this poses. It highlights the importance of primary health care (PHC) in establishing resilient health systems and points out the significant benefits of immunization programs. These programs are not only cost-effective but also critical for reducing the transmission of infectious diseases and improving overall societal well-being.

Analyzing the Returns on Investment

A prominent aspect of the report is its focus on the economic benefits of investing in immunization. It demonstrates that such investments are cost-effective across different income settings and can substantially alleviate the healthcare burden by reducing the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases. The analogy with defence spending is used to illustrate the concept of long term investment in preparedness providing a framework for advocating with governements.

Case Studies and Recommendations for Advocacy

The report includes several case studies that exemplify various approaches to long-term health investment. These examples serve as a practical guide for health professionals seeking to advocate for a systematic, long-term approach to investing in public health and PHC.

The recommendations are designed to help health professionals effectively advocate for immunization. They emphasize the importance of framing immunization as a long-term or capital investment on a national scale, contrasting it with short-term expenditures.

Moving Forward with Strategic Health Investments

The report aims not only to advocate for disease prevention and reduced mortality but also to enhance the overall well-being of communities. It suggests that incorporating economic perspectives into governmental discussions can lead to better strategic fund allocation, promoting sustained investment in health.

As we consider the insights from the “Sustainable Investment in Immunization” report, it becomes clear that thoughtful, long-term planning and commitment are essential for advancing public health goals and building stronger health systems. This document, together with two infographics and a ppt with key findings, serves as both a resource and a call to action for health professionals and stakeholders in health to prioritize sustainability in their decision-making processes.