GPHW2024: What’s Love Got To Do With It? Social love as an approach to public health and violence prevention

Theme: Rethinking Public Health Paradigms

Date and Time: 8th April 2024 | 09:30 – 10:30 (GMT)

Event Description: The term ‘social love’ describes the motivation and actions of a system, organization, or institution (and people working within them), for the collective good, increasing the well-being of another, self, community, and the environment. With a collective affective quality, it involves care, respect, commitment, knowledge, responsibility, and trust, valuing the other, self, community, and environment, and remaining open and receptive.

Public health systems dominated by biomedical models of care often neglect ‘social love’, to the potential detriment of those providing and using public health services. With mounting evidence that human connection and compassion are associated with the delivery of high-quality healthcare, increased health outcomes, and societal well-being, now is the time to recognize the unlocked potential of social love as a concept that could enhance public health discourse, introducing a new way to analyze problems, and deliver interventions. The concept of social love goes beyond traditional concepts of “compassionate care” in taking an asset-based and systems-level approach, focused on rethinking public health narratives, systems, and interventions to elevate protective factors across populations.

We will also consider the role of power and civic engagement in promoting public health and socially loving approaches.

Distributions of power are a key determinant of health; power imbalances in society have detrimental impacts on population health and are a key driver of inequalities. Considering the community-level impacts and solutions to disempowerment and power imbalances can contribute to creating systems and environments that form part of the social love approach.

This webinar will demonstrate the potential value of social love and power as concepts to improve public health practice and decision-making to promote population health and wellbeing, highlighting the positive impact social love could have on addressing key public health issues, such as violence prevention.

Event Link

Event Type: Seminar/Webinar

Event Format: online

Language(s): English

Organiser(s): FPH Emergency Services SIG, FPH Global Violence SIG, and the Global Law Enforcement and Public Health Association (GLEPHA)

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

Registration: Link

GPHW2024: ASPHER-GCCHE European Climate and Health Responders Course: Europe in a Global Context: Climate Justice

Theme: Enhancing and Democratizing Governance in Global Health

Date and Time: 9th April 2024 | 12:00 – 13:30 (CEST)

Event Description: This session will analyze the role of Europe in the global context. It will discuss the responsibility of European countries in mitigating climate change considering its historical and current contribution to GHG emissions. It will describe the concept of climate justice and the importance of loss and damage financing to support the countries that are at the forefront of climate change. It will also discuss key international treaties and policies that drive climate change mitigation and adaptation globally, such as the Paris Agreement, and analyze the role of the UNFCCC and the COP meetings.

Event Type: Seminar/Webinar

Event Format: online

Language(s): English

Organiser(s): The Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER)

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

Registration: Link

GPHW2024: Does public health have a role in peace? A beginner’s guide

Theme: Rethinking Public Health Paradigms

Date and Time: 8th April 2024 | 12:30 – 13:30 GMT

Event Description: In this webinar, organized by the FPH Yemen and Global Violence Prevention SIGs, there will be a panel discussion and Q&A addressing:
• What are the definitions of conflict and war?
• What is the impact of conflict on public health?
• What roles and skills are needed to mitigate these impacts?
• What are the challenges for public health when trying to prevent conflict?

Event Link

Event Type: Seminar/Webinar

Event Format: online

Language(s): English

Organiser(s): FPH Yemen and Global Violence Prevention SIGs

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

Registration: Link

HPV Awareness Day: WFPHA Advances Global Efforts to Eradicate Cervical Cancer

The launch of the Global HPV Consortium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on September 2023, stands as a monumental achievement in the realm of global health. Led by the Sabin Vaccine Institute and with active involvement from the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), represented by its Executive Manager, Dr. Marta Lomazzi, this event signifies a key advancement in the battle against cervical cancer.

Aligned with the World Health Organization‘s (WHO) Immunization Agenda 2030 and Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative, the Consortium serves as a collaborative platform uniting public and private stakeholders worldwide. Its primary mission is to expedite the prevention of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) transmission and ultimately eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat.

Cervical cancer remains a global health challenge, claiming the lives of approximately 350,000 women annually, with over 600,000 affected each year. This largely preventable disease disproportionately impacts low- and middle-income countries, where access to screening and treatment resources is limited. Without intervention, cervical cancer cases are projected to surge by almost 50% by 2040.

Despite the availability of the HPV vaccine for 17 years, its uptake remains low, exacerbated by the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the urgent need for action, the Consortium has galvanized diverse stakeholders from various sectors, including vaccination, cancer control, non-communicable diseases, HIV, reproductive and adolescent health, gender equity, and women’s empowerment.

Looking forward, on June 23rd, 2024, the WFPHA’s Immunization Taskforce convened a webinar on “Shaping the Future of Public Health Sustainable Investments.” This event brought together global experts to showcase tangible examples of efficient and effective health investments, including the transformative potential of gene therapy and the analysis of the return on investment for HPV immunization in low and middle-income countries. Insights into Costa Rica’s immunization model and the PAHO revolving fund were also shared.

The WFPHA is committed to supporting the Global HPV Consortium’s endeavors and anticipates collaborative initiatives aimed at preventing HPV transmission and eradicating cervical cancer. Together, we can stride towards a future where cervical cancer ceases to be a threat to public health.

GPHW2024: Strengthening Global Governance for Existential Threats

Theme: Enhancing and Democratizing Governance in Global Health

Date and Time: 09 April 2024 | 11:00 – 12:00 GMT- summer time

Event Description: A High-Level Meeting convened by the InterAction Council and One Young World at the House of Lords in London on January 9, 2024, aimed to strengthen global governance for existential threats. The meeting focused on creating an intergenerational Global Security Council for Existential Threats responsible for strategy and action planning.

Bertie Ahern, Co-chair of the InterAction Council, emphasized the urgent need for young leaders’ involvement in addressing existential threats. Ella Robertson McKay, Managing Director of One Young World, co-chaired the meeting, highlighting the recent establishment of the Global Youth Security Council for Existential Threats.

Follow-up actions will be discussed at the upcoming InterAction Council plenary in spring 2024, with plans to host in China. These actions include convening the first intergenerational meeting of the Global Security Council and organizing High-Level Expert Meetings to develop a coordinated strategy. Partners are collaborating on advocacy campaigns and a digital platform for Planet, People, and Peace.

Dr. Jo Nurse, advisor to the InterAction Council, invites further collaboration, emphasizing that everyone can contribute to creating secure, sustainable communities for a better future.

Event Link: Strengthening Global Governance to Prevent Threats and Reduce Risks to Human Existence

Event Type: Seminar/Webinar

Event Format: online

Language(s): English

Organiser(s): Dr. Jo Nurse

How to Attend Virtually: Zoom link

Registration: Zoom link

Rio de Janeiro Unites Against Diabetes: A Day of Action and Awareness

Working On November 14th, the world came together to observe World Diabetes Prevention Day, a crucial initiative aimed at raising awareness about diabetes and promoting preventive measures. In a remarkable display of collaboration, a special social action took place at the metro exit at Praça Antero de Quental, Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This event, organized by Dr Sonia Groisman (University Stadual of Rio de Janeiro) with the support of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) Oral Health Working Group, brought together various institutions and professionals to address the multifaceted aspects of diabetes prevention.

Collaborative Efforts

The Federal University of Rio de Janeiro played a pivotal role, with the active participation of dental students, medical school endocrinologists specializing in diabetes, and experts from the School of Nurseries and Nutrition. Together with the Health Municipality of Rio de Janeiro, they provided essential services such as basic attention and vaccination, ensuring a comprehensive approach to public health.

Diabetes Screening and Risk Assessment

The Brazilian Society of Diabetes conducted glycosis tests and distributed a risk assessment form. This valuable information was then utilized by the basic attention group to direct patients toward appropriate orientations or treatments. The Brazilian Ophthalmology Society contributed by conducting fundus eye examinations, recognizing the importance of ocular health in diabetes management.

Empowering Through Information

The Regional Dentistry Council of Rio de Janeiro played a crucial role by printing banners and producing a thousand informative folders. These materials, created by dental students, featured a QR code that directed individuals to detailed information from the Brazilian Society of Diabetes. The initiative aimed to empower individuals with knowledge, emphasizing the integral connection between oral health and overall well-being.

Genetic Counseling and Awareness

The State University of Rio de Janeiro took the initiative to provide genetic counseling, further expanding the scope of diabetes prevention efforts. A standout feature of the event was a colossal mouth, measuring 6.5 meters long and 4.5 meters high. This visual representation featured aspects of both health and decayed teeth, serving as a powerful tool to educate the public on the importance of oral health for overall health.

A Unified Message

The T-shirts worn during the event bore a poignant message: “Oral Health is General Health” on the front and the slogan of the Diabetes Prevention Campaign on the back, stating, “Diabetes: Know your risk and live health.” This unified message echoed the essence of the event, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various aspects of health and the importance of proactive measures in diabetes prevention.

Strategic Partnerships and International Support

The event received support from the Global Child Dental Fund, the Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders and Colgate Brasil, underscoring the global significance of collaborative efforts in diabetes prevention.

Conclusion

The World Prevention Day of Diabetes in Rio de Janeiro stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration and a shared commitment to public health. By addressing various facets of diabetes prevention, from screenings to education and awareness, the event has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the community. As we reflect on this initiative, we are reminded that a united front against diabetes is not only possible but essential for building a healthier future for all.