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.

Global Public Health Week 2024

The 3rd edition of Global Public Health Week (GPHW) commences on April 8, 2024, with the theme “Fostering Peace as a Prerequisite for Equitable Health”. It will be a hybrid event, combining face to face and digital gatherings worldwide.

During GPHW, the WFPHA brings together institutions, communities, and public health actors from around the world to recognize the contributions of public health and its workforce. This annual event engenders discussion on the best practices and missing gaps fundamental to disease prevention and the promotion of health and wellbeing.

In addition to the week’s theme, each day will focus on a specific theme:

• Monday, April 8: Rethinking Public Health Paradigms
• Tuesday, April 9: Enhancing and Democratizing Governance in Global Health
• Wednesday, April 10: Putting Mental Wellbeing on the Health Agenda
• Thursday, April 11: Promoting a Sustainable Life for Thriving Communities
• Friday, April 12: Fostering the Development of the Right Competencies within Tomorrow’s Health Workforce

Get Involved

• Hosting Event

Whether you are a public health association, a health organization, an institution, a health professional, a student, or an ordinary citizen interested in one of this year’s five GPHW themes, you are invited to:

1. Choose one or more of the themes above.
2. Mobilize your team to organize your own event(s) such as workshops, conferences, webinars, interviews, social media activities, contests, exhibitions, and many more in different formats such as in-person, online, or hybrid. Events can be big or small, local or global. Events can be organized in any language.
3. Submit your event by March 1, 2024 using this link: https://forms.gle/XFzGJzreCbgdZYWY6
4. The WFPHA will dedicate all its platforms, such as its website and social media, to give visibility to your events.

• Participating

If you are unable to organize your own event, joining GPHW events and activities contributes to the success of events. Several events will be planned for each day of the week. Pick your favorite(s) and join us there.

Keep up to date with all the activities and news relating to GPHW by following #GPHW & #GPHW2024 on social media.

For more information, please send an email to: secretariat@wfpha.org

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.

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

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.