Bridging Public Health and Global Policy: A Conversation with Emeka Iloegbu 

Public health is more than just medicine and science. It’s about people, policy, and the bridges we build between them. In this insightful interview, Bettina Borisch, CEO of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), sits down with Emeka Iloegbu, a dedicated public health leader, educator, and advocate. From his early days as an intern at WFPHA to his current roles in global health policy and laboratory epidemiology, Emeka shares his journey, the challenges of global health governance, and the importance of passion in driving meaningful change.  

Their conversation covers the transformative potential of the Pandemic Treaty, the critical role of diagnostics in public health, and the geopolitical challenges facing global health today. Emeka’s optimism and commitment to equity, accountability, and community-driven solutions offer a refreshing perspective on how we can collectively shape a healthier future.  

From Intern to Global Health Leader: Emeka’s Journey  

Bettina Borisch: Hello, everyone! My name is Bettina Borisch, CEO of the World Federation of Public Health Associations. Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Emeka Iloegbu, a long-standing pillar of our federation. Emeka, could you introduce yourself?  

Emeka Iloegbu: Absolutely. First, I’d like to thank you, Bettina, and the WFPHA for this opportunity. My name is Emeka Iloegbu. I’m an assistant program director and professor at the City University of New York in a laboratory science program. I’m also a laboratory epidemiologist and microbiologist, working in various labs during multiple health emergencies.  

I represent WFPHA in several capacities, including at the United Nations headquarters in New York. I serve on the Global Health Policy Task Force and co-chair the Public Health in Emergencies and Disasters Working Group. Additionally, I’m engaged in fieldwork with Geneva-based organizations like Market Access Africa. I’m thrilled to be here and dive into this conversation.  

Bettina: Listening to you, one might wonder how you managed all this simultaneously! It must have started somewhere. Where did your journey with WFPHA begin? I remember you were an intern with us years ago. How was your first day?  

Emeka: The memories are flooding back! My public health journey has two trajectories, and it started with my mom. When she came to the U.S. from Nigeria, her first job was as a public health nurse. As a kid, I’d sit in the car watching her go door-to-door with surveys, not fully understanding what she was doing, but that planted a seed.  

Fast forward to 2017: I was in my second year of my MPH at Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, working an overnight shift in a hematology lab at NYU. I wanted to understand global health policy, so I Googled and found WFPHA. I sent an email with my CV, and soon enough, I was in Geneva.  

My first day was an adventure—arriving without a proper SIM card and navigating from the airport to Plan Palais at 8:30 PM. But stepping into Campus Biotech was amazing. Those three months as an intern were transformative. I was eager to learn, meet people, and even walk into UNHCR out of curiosity. That energy and passion have only grown since.  

Bettina: You attended the World Health Assembly (WHA), your first immersion into global health diplomacy. What was that like?  

Emeka: It was a sight to behold. Seeing 194 countries, civil society organizations, and advocates in one place, my worldview expanded. I sat in the upper deck with medical and pharmacy students, some of whom I’m still connected to today. There was live music, a symphony, and it felt like a celebration. That experience reshaped how I saw global health.  

The Pandemic Treaty and Global Health Governance  

Bettina: Now, you’re deeply involved in the Pandemic Treaty negotiations. What are your thoughts on its potential impact?  

Emeka: The treaty could transform global health governance by introducing legally binding norms on preparedness, data sharing, and equitable access to countermeasures. Our task force focuses on embedding equity, accountability, and local ownership into the treaty. We advocate for:  

– Inclusive decision-making (civil society, public health associations, community voices).  

– Sustainable financing for health systems.  

– Technology transfer and capacity-building.  

The challenge is bridging the trust gap between high-income and lower-income countries. High-income nations prioritize sovereignty and intellectual property protection, while others emphasize solidarity and justice. Without equitable implementation, the treaty risks becoming just another document.  

Bettina: Your role extends beyond the treaty. You guide WFPHA members through the UN system in New York.  

Emeka: Yes! Whether it’s TB, mental health, or NCDs, our task force applies a systems-thinking lens. We assess complex issues, offer nuanced insights, and support member associations in advocacy. It’s about ensuring diverse voices shape global health policies.  

The Lab and Public Health: An Overlooked Bridge  

Bettina: We both have a soft spot for lab work. How do you see diagnostics fitting into public health?  

Emeka: The lab is the frontline of pandemic detection. Without timely, accurate diagnostics, surveillance collapses. My fieldwork in Zambia highlights the need for universal access to diagnostics, especially for mobile and vulnerable populations.  

Now, with AI and machine learning revolutionizing diagnostics (like automated HIV testing), we must ensure these innovations reach everyone, not just high-income countries.  

Global Health Challenges: Optimism Amidst Crisis  

Bettina: Global health faces immense challenges, including climate change, AMR, and geopolitical tensions. How do you stay hopeful?  

Emeka: I’m a glass-half-full person. Yes, we face climate-driven health crises, AMR, and inequities, but we’re also seeing progress. Decolonization conversations are growing, and young professionals are stepping up, like at the UN General Assembly last year.  

My message? Don’t ignore your passion. In a world of challenges, let your drive for change guide you.  

Conclusion

Emeka Iloegbu’s journey, from watching his mother’s public health work to shaping global policy, highlights the power of passion and persistence. His insights remind us that public health is not just about science but about people, equity, and bold systemic change.  

As the world prepares for the WHA’s vote on the Pandemic Treaty, Emeka’s work underscores a critical truth: global health is a collective responsibility. Whether in labs, policy rooms, or communities, each of us has a role in building a healthier, fairer future.  

To the next generation of public health leaders: Follow your passion, embrace challenges, and keep pushing forward. The fight for equity and health justice is far from over, but with voices like Emeka’s leading the way, the path ahead is brighter.  

2024-2025 Annual Report Is Now Available!

Our 2024-2025 Annual Report is now available for viewing. This report showcases WFPHA’s key initiatives and activities aimed at protecting people, preventing diseases, and promoting global health and well-being.

Life Course Immunization: Why Lifelong Vaccination is Essential for Public Health

Immunization isn’t just for children. It’s a lifelong necessity. While pediatric vaccination programs have seen tremendous success globally, adult immunization remains dangerously overlooked. This gap in our healthcare systems leaves populations vulnerable to preventable diseases at every stage of life.

To understand why this matters, we must first examine the current state of global immunization.

The Growing Immunization Gap in Adults

Recent data reveals a troubling decline in adult vaccination rates worldwide. According to WHO and UNICEF reports:

• Adult vaccination rates have dropped since the pandemic, particularly among aging populations.
• Measles outbreaks are resurging in countries where the disease was nearly eradicated.
• Low flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccine uptake in high-risk groups leads to unnecessary hospitalizations.

These statistics highlight an urgent need to examine the broader benefits of life course immunization.

The Benefits of Life Course Immunization

Life course immunization offers three key advantages that strengthen public health systems. 

1. Prevents Deadly Outbreaks

Vaccines like measles and pertussis are “sterilizing.” They block transmission entirely when coverage is high.

1. Reduces Healthcare Costs

Preventing diseases like shingles and pneumonia lowers hospitalizations and long-term care needs.

1. Protects Vulnerable Populations

Healthcare workers, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised people rely on herd immunity.

Despite these clear benefits, significant barriers still prevent widespread adoption.

Barriers to Lifelong Vaccination & How to Fix Them

Several challenges hinder effective life course immunization programs. Many countries lack standardized adult vaccination schedules, leading to inconsistent recommendations. Vaccine hesitancy continues to grow, fueled by misinformation. Additionally, healthcare systems often fail to make vaccines accessible to marginalized communities.

Addressing these challenges requires coordinated action from multiple stakeholders.

A Call to Collection Action

Implementing adequate life-course immunization requires a commitment from all sectors of society. Policymakers must prioritize funding and develop clear guidelines. Healthcare providers need to integrate vaccination discussions into routine care. Individuals should stay informed about recommended vaccines for their age group.

Life-course immunization isn’t just a medical intervention; it’s a fundamental right and a societal responsibility. We build healthier communities and more resilient healthcare systems for future generations by protecting individuals at every stage of life.

Click here to read the original Final Call to Action as signed and supported by multiple international NGOs.

Public Health in Emergencies and Disasters Working Group Chair Interview: Dr. Duha Shellah

From conflicts to climate change, the need for resilient health systems and equitable access to care has never been more urgent. Dr. Duha Shellah, the newly appointed Chair of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) Public Health in Emergencies and Disasters Working Group, is at the forefront of this global challenge. A Palestinian physician, scientist, and youth activist, Dr. Shellah brings a wealth of experience, passion, and vision to her role. 

In a recent interview with WFPHA, she shared her journey, motivations, and plans for the working group’s future. Here’s a glimpse into her inspiring story and the impactful work she aims to lead.  

Introduce yourself. 

Duha Shellah: I’m Dr. Duha Shellah, a Palestinian physician, scientist, medical journalist, and youth activist. I’m deeply committed to advancing research, global health, and youth leadership. I’m the founder and chairwoman of The Researchist Organization, which promotes a research culture and supports early-career researchers and scientists in Palestine and the region. I also serve as the Vice Chair of the WHO Youth Council in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, leading the Youth in Emergencies Working Group. Additionally, I’m the Research Lead and EMR Delegate at the Young Council of the World Federation of Public Health Associations and chair of Women in Global Health’s Palestine chapter.  

I also coordinate the Medical and Health Sciences Division at the Palestine Academy for Science and Technology. I currently work at Juzoor for Health and Social Development, a prominent public health institution in Palestine focusing on social determinants of health. Internationally, I was recognized as one of the 41 Emerging Voices for Global Health in 2024 and was honored to be named among the 21 Outstanding Young Physicians Under 40 at the Inter Academy Partnership Young Physician Leaders Program in 2022.  

As the Chair of the Public Health in Emergencies and Disasters Working Group under WFPHA, I aim to build on the significant contributions of my predecessors, Dr. Chadia Wannous and Prof. Colette Cunningham. I focus on enhancing emergency preparedness, promoting health equity, and strengthening responses to crises, particularly in conflict-affected regions. This vision aligns with WFPHA’s mission to protect people and the planet, prevent diseases, and promote health, peace, and well-being.  

What motivated you to pursue a career in the public health sector?  

Duha Shellah: My motivation to pursue a career in public health arose from witnessing the devastating impact of occupation and conflict on public health. In Palestine, my home country, severe health disparities—compounded by environmental crises and limited access to healthcare—underscore the urgent need for a resilient health system. This experience galvanized my commitment to public health to address these interconnected challenges. I aim to tackle what WFPHA calls a “syndemic” by focusing on emergency preparedness and long-term health equity. I hope to contribute to a future where health systems can withstand crises while ensuring fair access to care for all.  

How long have you been associated with the WFPHA?  

Duha Shellah: I’ve been actively involved with WFPHA since May 2023, initially through the Young WFPHA, where I serve as the EMR Delegate and Research Lead. I also represent Young WFPHA at the 1st Regional Youth Council of WHO as the Vice Chair of the WHO EMRO Youth Council. Being associated with Young WFPHA since 2023 has allowed me to collaborate on research initiatives and advocacy efforts as a young professional. We’ve worked on projects focusing on emergency preparedness, health equity, and conflict-affected regions. This experience provided a solid foundation for my current role as Chair of the Public Health in Emergencies and Disasters Working Group.  

What’s your vision for the working group?  

Duha Shellah: My vision for the working group focuses on developing comprehensive training modules on emergency preparedness and response. We will organize webinars and workshops to disseminate best practices, exchange experiences, and build capacity among public health professionals globally. We also plan to publish policy briefs and research to support evidence-based decision-making.  

I aim to expand these efforts by fostering stronger partnerships with key stakeholders such as WHO, IFRC, and UNICEF. We will prioritize integrating public health into national, regional, and international disaster management plans, mainly focusing on conflict zones. The vision is to enhance the resilience of health systems globally, aligning with WFPHA’s mission to protect people and the planet while promoting peace and well-being.  

How do the working group’s activities align with the support and implementation of the WFPHA strategic plan? 

Duha Shellah: The planned activities for the working group directly support WFPHA’s strategic goals. For Goal 1, advocating for peace and sustainable health equity, the working group will advocate for policies that ensure equitable healthcare access during emergencies. For Goal 2, promoting system change and decolonizing public health, we’ll emphasize locally driven solutions and inclusive policies to address structural inequalities. For Goal 3, strengthening global health governance, collaborations with international organizations will promote a more democratic and resilient global health governance system. For Goal 4, advancing public health knowledge and practice, the working group will contribute to advancing public health practice and education globally through research and capacity building.  

In what ways is being part of the WFPHA going to help advance the activities of the Working Group?

Duha Shellah: WFPHA’s extensive network has been invaluable in amplifying our advocacy efforts and expanding our reach. By collaborating with organizations like WFPHA, other UN agencies, and regional public health associations, we will disseminate best practices, exchange experiences more broadly, and influence policy at national and international levels. This network will also facilitate access to resources and expertise, significantly enhancing our training, research initiatives, and peace collaborations. These efforts align with the WFPHA’s mission to promote peace, health, and well-being.  

How will the Working Group contribute to the development of emergency preparedness plans at an international level?  

Duha Shellah: We’re committed to developing and disseminating policy briefs that advocate integrating public health into national and international disaster management frameworks. We will research the impact of conflicts and climate crises on public health to inform evidence-based emergency preparedness strategies. Additionally, we will engage with key international stakeholders to standardize emergency response protocols. Our approach emphasizes addressing the root causes of health disparities, including conflict and environmental degradation, in line with the WFPHA’s mission.  

Any last comments?  

Duha Shellah: Emergencies and disasters magnify inequities, leaving the most vulnerable to bear the heaviest burdens. True resilience is not just about response—it’s about justice, dignity, and ensuring that every community has equitable access to health and protection regardless of their circumstances. As a Palestinian physician and activist in this role as Chair of the Public Health in Emergencies and Disasters Working Group, I am committed to championing a people-centered approach that prioritizes the unheard, safeguards frontline workers, and builds sustainable health systems rooted in equity. Thank you.  

Conclusion: A Leader for a Healthier, More Equitable Future  

Dr. Duha Shellah’s journey and vision are a testament to the power of resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to equity. Her work with the WFPHA Public Health in Emergencies and Disasters Working Group promises to bring transformative change, particularly for communities in conflict zones and those most vulnerable to crises. By prioritizing preparedness, equity, and collaboration, Dr. Shellah is paving the way for a future where health systems are resilient but also just and inclusive. Her leadership reminds us that hope and action can create a healthier, more equitable world for all in the face of adversity.

Working Group members: 

Alexsander Lishchinsky
President, All-Ukrainian Public Health Association

Dr. Tarun Weeramanthri
Member, WFPHA Governing Council

Baburam Acharya
Ministry of Health, Gandaki Province, Nepal
Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia

Mariam Hachem
Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne
Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations (ACADI)
Public Health Association of Australia – Victorian Branch
Australian Lebanese Medical Association – Victorian Branch

Francesco Rosiello
Resident, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

Catriona Crookes
Public Health Registrar, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Sarja Jarjusey
President, Association of Public and Environmental Health Officers – The Gambia

Emeka A. Iloegbu
Global Health Policy Task Force, World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA)

Rebecca Gilmour
Intern, World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA)

Zara Ahmed, MPH, BSc
School of Public Health, University of Alberta
World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA)
Sustainable Health Equity Movement (SHEM)

José Chen
Postdoctoral Researcher, ISGlobal
Research Fellow, Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change in Europe 

Nicotine Poses a Serious Threat to Public Health: Why it Needs Strict UN Control

Nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco, is a growing public health crisis. With the rise of e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and flavored products targeting children, urgent action is needed. Dr. David Chalom, a senior consultant in orthopedic surgery, argues that nicotine must be reviewed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and placed under strict international control by the UN to protect future generations.  

The Dangers of Tobacco and Nicotine

1. Tobacco: A leading cause of preventable death  

Tobacco is the leading cause of non-communicable diseases worldwide. Two-thirds of long-term smokers die from smoking-related illnesses. Unfortunately, tobacco use persists because of nicotine addiction.

2. Nicotine: A potent neurotoxin and highly addictive drug

Originally used as an insecticide, nicotine is toxic to humans. It’s also more addictive than cocaine and amphetamines, leading to lifelong dependency. Other issues with nicotine include:

– Impairing brain development in youth (up to age 25), increasing risks of: 

       – Mental health disorders  

       – Addiction to other drugs (alcohol, narcotics)  

       – Poor cognitive function 

– Damaging blood vessels, reducing oxygen supply to organs, leading to

        – Increased risk of stroke and heart disease  

        – Poor healing and tissue degeneration

– Harming fertility, pregnancy, and infants, increasing risks of:

          – Miscarriage  

          – Low birth weight  

          – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)  

The Rise of New Nicotine Products Targeting Youth

The tobacco industry exploits regulatory loopholes by introducing flavored nicotine products designed to attract children:  

– E-cigarettes (vapes)  

– Nicotine pouches (“white snus”)  

– Nicotine candies (jelly beans, gummies, lollipops)  

– Lip balms, mints, and Tic-Tacs laced with nicotine  

Alarming Trends in Sweden (2012-2024 Data)

The Swedish Council for Information on Alcohol and Other Drugs (C.A.N.) did a nationwide school investigation between 2012 and 2024 on 9th graders and 2nd-year high schoolers. It found that 9th graders and high school students are increasingly using:

  – E-cigarettes  

  – Nicotine pouches  

  – Snus

All of this is problematic. While these youths are considered “non-smoking,” they become addicted to nicotine, later transitioning to cigarettes.  

What Experts and International Conventions Say

1. European Respiratory Society (ERS)

No evidence supports claims that nicotine products help smokers quit. Most e-cigarette users continue smoking traditional cigarettes. Thus, nicotine remains harmful and addictive.  

2. WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)  

Governments must work to:  

– Eliminate tobacco and nicotine use  

– Protect children from addiction  

– Reduce secondhand smoke exposure  

3. UN Conventions
   

Consider two UN Conventions: the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961/1972) and the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971). These treaties allow scheduling substances that pose serious public health risks.  

Why Nicotine Must Be Reviewed by the WHO and Controlled by the UN

Nicotine meets all criteria for strict international control: 

– Highly addictive  

– Widely abused, especially by youth  

– Minimal therapeutic value

– Serious public health threat  

Call to Action: Steps Toward a Nicotine-Free Generation by 2030

Nicotine isn’t just an addiction; it’s a public health emergency. With flavored products targeting children and the rising outh addiction rates, immediate action is needed. The WHO must review nicotine, and the UN must impose strict controls to protect future generations.

Yet, from the individual to the state level, everyone has a role to play:

– Governments: Notify the UN Secretary-General to review nicotine.  

– NGOs & Health Organizations: Petition the WHO to assess nicotine’s risks.  

– Public Awareness: Get educated on nicotine’s dangers, especially for youth.  

Together, we can all work towards a nicotine-free generation by 2023.

Do you have questions for David? Then don’t hesitate to write him at david.chalom.a@gmail.com

Reimagining Global Health Strategies: Reinforcing Gender Equity in Dentistry for a Healthier Future

Reimagining global health strategies requires confronting persistent inequities that shape health outcomes, particularly in dentistry and gender equity. Gender equity is not only a fundamental human right but also a strategic imperative for improving population health, strengthening health systems, and achieving sustainable development. Yet, in fields such as dentistry, gender equity remains overshadowed by longstanding structural and cultural norms.

According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, gender equity in healthcare refers to treating individuals according to their unique needs and contexts, considering how power and privilege affect opportunity. This principle is tied to the core value of fairness and is critical to building inclusive, ethical, and sustainable systems that reflect the diversity of health providers and their communities. Harmful gender stereotypes, alongside racism, ageism, and socioeconomic inequities, compound existing barriers to oral healthcare access and professional advancement for women and gender-diverse individuals. 

Why Gender Equity Matters in Dentistry

Neglecting gender equity in dentistry perpetuates significant inequities across research, clinical practice, and leadership. Despite progress in gender diversity in dental schools, systemic transformation remains elusive. Structural barriers and cultural norms continue to shape career trajectories, specialization choices, and professional development. 

• Access to equitable oral health care: Women and gender-diverse individuals face unique challenges in accessing oral healthcare, shaped by systemic, social, economic, and personal barriers. Poor maternal oral health extends beyond mothers, significantly affecting children’s well-being. Additionally, gender-diverse individuals remain underrepresented in digital innovations like virtual oral healthcare, which exacerbates existing disparities in quality healthcare access.
  
  
• Education and gender myths in dentistry: Though more women enter dental programs, a persistent gender equity myth falsely assumes that inclusivity has already been achieved. Invisible gender-based discrimination often goes unaddressed, leaving affected individuals isolated without institutional support.
  
• Clinical practice and workplace culture: Masculinist work cultures, sexism, harassment, and gender stereotypes remain a reality in dentistry, impacting job satisfaction and career advancement for women and gender-diverse individuals. These barriers contribute to vertical and horizontal segregation in dentistry.
  
• Research disparities: Women face significant gaps in authorship, funding access, and scientific recognition. Men dominate highly cited publications and editorial boards, perpetuating systemic barriers in dental research equity.
  
  
• Glass ceiling in dental leadership: Outdated gender norms and patriarchal structures limit leadership opportunities. Men disproportionately hold high-ranking academic roles (e.g., deans, department heads). At the same time, women remain often overrepresented in lower-ranking faculty positions, which are exacerbated by unequal pay and exclusion from decision-making.

Global challenges such as population aging, COVID-19, and climate change demand that dental health strategies be reimaged through a gender-equity lens, promoting sustainable and inclusive oral healthcare systems.

Pathways to Achieve Gender Equity in Dentistry

Addressing gender equity challenges in dentistry requires coordinated systemic efforts to restructure the profession. A gender-equitable future fosters better care, innovation, and responsive systems.

1. Structural Change & Policy Reform

• Collect and publish gender-disaggregated data to inform policy and clinical decision-making.
• Evaluate DEIAB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging) initiatives regularly.
• Diversify career advancement and promotion criteria.

2. Mentorship & Leadership Development

• Establish mentorship programs for women and gender-diverse professionals.
• Create leadership training for underrepresented groups.
• Showcase diverse role models to inspire the next generation.

3. Inclusive Education & Clinical Training

• Integrate gender equity and intersectionality into dental curricula.
• Train faculty and students to address gender-specific oral health needs.
• Promote inclusive, patient-centered clinical practices.
  

4. Gender-Inclusive Innovation & Sustainability

• Ensure equitable access to digital dentistry tools.
• Include gender-diverse perspectives in healthcare innovation.
• Embed gender equity in sustainable dentistry, acknowledging climate change’s disproportionate impact on women in low-resource settings.

A Call to Action: Building an Equitable Future in Dentistry

Gender equity in dentistry is more than a matter of fairness. It is necessary for building a healthier, more inclusive, and resilient profession. Aligning efforts with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development can advance social justice. Achieving equity requires collective action from institutions, policymakers, educators, and providers. By dismantling structural discrimination and fostering inclusivity, we can close the gender gap and ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender or background, thrive in dental education, practice, and leadership.

Dr. Pascaline Kengne Talla wrote this article on behalf of the WFPHA’s Oral Health Working Group