WFPHA’s Key Role in Shaping Vaccination Policy for Long-term Care: Insights from the IFA Meeting

On March 25, the World Federation of Public Health Associations actively participated in the “Mobilizing Vaccination Policy in Long-term Care Settings” meeting. This pivotal event, organized by the International Federation on Ageing (IFA), featured WFPHA’s Executive Manager, Dr. Marta Lomazzi, as its representative. The meeting was a gathering of thought leaders in public health, alongside experts in immunization, long-term care, and health policy, where the IFA’s study, “Improving Adult Vaccination Policy in Long-Term Care Settings,” was presented and thoroughly explored.

The discussions aimed to influence the World Health Organization’s technical guidelines by fostering communication between the vaccine, ageing, and health technical units. This effort aligns with the broader objectives of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing and the Immunization Agenda 2030. Key goals included driving policy reform through partnerships with long-term care provider associations at the national level, influencing national ageing policy agendas by collaborating with organizations advocating for the rights of older people in long-term care, elevating the political importance of immunization within these settings to guarantee its inclusion and integration in national immunization plans and aged care strategies, and ultimately enhancing adult vaccination uptake rates in long-term care environments.

The WFPHA’s engagement in these significant discussions and initiatives underscores its deep-rooted commitment to public health. By prioritizing immunization as a strategy to prevent disease and safeguard community health, the WFPHA continues to make meaningful contributions to global health endeavors. It aspires to a future where communities, irrespective of age, enjoy comprehensive access to the protective benefits of immunization. This ongoing work highlights the WFPHA’s dedication to addressing contemporary public health challenges and its role in shaping policies that foster healthier, more resilient communities worldwide.

GPHW2024: How can the application of decolonization enable the rethinking of public health paradigms for Public Health?

Theme: Rethinking Public Health Paradigms

Date and Time: 8th April 2024 | 20:00-21:30 (AEST)

Event Description: In late 2023 the Indigenous Working Group of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) hosted a webinar to discuss the importance of decolonisation to Public Health. The high attendance of this webinar demonstrated the keen global interest in this space. During the Webinar a draft definition of decolonising public health for the World Federation of Public Health Associations was discussed and further refined.

At the start of World Public Health Week for 2024 this webinar compliments this conversation and begins to ask the question, beyond definitions how can Public Health researchers, academics, and professionals deepen their understanding of decolonisation and practically and successfully apply it to their work? And what role does decolonisation play in supporting the profession to critically rethink key paradigms and prepare for the future?

This webinar will be co-facilitated by an Australian First Nations person and a non-Indigenous person of color. The panel will consist of First Nations advocates, researchers, and academics from across the globe. Participants will have opportunities to contribute to the conversation via polls and asking questions of panelists.

Event Type: Seminar / Webinar

Event Format: Online

Language(s): English

Organiser(s): Indigenous Working Group of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA)

How to Attend Virtually: Zoom Link (will be sent after registration)

Registration: Link

Webinar: Global Perspectives on Maternal and Child Oral Health

Date and Time: 7th April 2024 |09:00 (EDT)

Event Description: The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), the Oral Health Section, and the Student Assembly are collaborating on a webinar titled:  Global Perspectives on Maternal and Child Oral Health.

Speakers:

Dr. Hyewon Lee – Chair of WFPHA Oral Health Workgroup, Director of Global Maternal and Child Oral Health Center of Seoul National University, South Korea.

Katy Battani – Project Manager and Assistant Research Professor at National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center at Georgetown University, USA.

Dr. Sonia Groisman – Professor, Coordinator of Post Graduation & Master Course in Community Dentistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro URFJ, Brazil.

Dr. Khabiso Ramphoma –  Senior Lecturer and Specialist in Community Dentistry, University of the Western Cape, Faculty of Dentistry, Cape Town South Africa. Public Health Association of South, Chair for Dental Public Health Special Interest Group. South African representative WFPHA Oral health workgroup.

Dr. Irene Adyatmaka – Director Global Health Interest Group, Consortium of Universities for Global Health, Senior researcher Center for health administration and policy studies, faculty of Public Health Universitas Indonesia, Docent faculty of dentistry Maranatha Christian University, Country Manager GC Indonesia.

Dr. Kiran Nagdeo – Vice Chair of WFPHA Oral Health Workgroup; External Relations Co-Chair at APHA Student Assembly; Scientific Planning Committee Member at American Public Health Association (APHA) Oral Health Section. 

Event Format: Online

Language(s): English

Organiser(s): The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), American Public Health Association (APHA)

Any questions, please send to Dr. Kiran Nagdeo at kn2293@NYU.edu

How to Attend Virtually: Zoom Link

Registration: N/A

GPHW2024: Interview “Rethinking public health paradigms to foster peace and equity”

Theme: Rethinking Public Health Paradigms

Date and Time: 8th April 2024 |08:00-17:00 (GMT-6)

Event Description: Dr. María del Rocío Sáenz Madrigal and MEd. Luis Fernando Solís Calvo, the Executive Director and Communications Coordinator of the Health Equity Network of the Americas (HENA), respectively, share their experiences as Costa Ricans in fostering a culture of peace and how that impacts public health based on values that promote just and equitable societies. They address why peace is a prerequisite for equity and how public health can build peace. Additionally, they explore how health equity is viewed as a process and discuss how Costa Rica’s experience may be used to exchange ideas and build a peaceful world.

LinkedIn

Event Type: Social Media Campaign

Event Format: Online

Language(s): Spanish

Organiser(s): La Red de las Américas para la Equidad en Salud (RAES)

How to Attend Virtually: Secretaría Técnica – Centro de Investigación en Cuidados de Enfermería y Salud (Universidad de Costa Rica): secretariatecnica@raesequidadsalud.org

Registration: N/A

GPHW2024: Vapes: Health Impacts and Public Health Solutions” – Interview with Dr. Michelle Jongenelis

Theme: Rethinking Public Health Paradigms

Date and Time: 8th April 2024 |13:00-13:30 (CET)

Event Description: For this event, we will share a pre-recorded interview with Dr. Michelle Jongenelis, a member of our Tobacco Control Working Group. 

The discussion will look at the health impact of vapes, and what policy reforms are being considered and implemented to mitigate their harms. 

Interviewer: Dr. John Gannon, Chair of Tobacco Control Working Group, WFPHA.

Survey: Link

Event Type: Seminar / Webinar

Event Format: Hybrid

Language(s): English

Organiser(s): World Federation of Public Health Associations

How to Attend Virtually: Youtube

Registration: N/A

GPHW2024: Revolutionizing Pediatric Mental Health: Public Health Strategies for Post-COVID Resilience and Equity

Theme: Enhancing and Democratizing Governance in Global Health

Date and Time: 9th April 2024 | 11:00-12:30 (CEST)

Event Description: The “Revolutionizing Pediatric Mental Health” workshop will be a dynamic and forward-thinking event uniting professionals and stakeholders worldwide to explore the transformative potential of innovative strategies in pediatric mental health. Over 90 minutes, participants will embark on an immersive journey into the future of pediatric mental health care in the post-COVID era. Through interactive discussions, captivating presentations and real-world case studies, attendees will gain invaluable insights into cutting-edge interventions and visionary approaches aimed at promoting resilience and equity among pediatric populations. By uncovering emerging trends and fostering collaborative dialogue, the workshop will catalyze inspiring action and driving positive change in pediatric mental health on a global scale. Join us as we pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for children and adolescents everywhere.

Event Type: Seminar / Webinar

Event Format: Online

Language(s): English

Organiser(s): Giovanna Failla 

How to Attend Virtually: Zoom Link

Registration: N/A