Empowering Youth Voices in Public Health: Duha Shellah Joins WHO EMR Youth Council

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) proudly announces the acceptance of Duha Shellah as its representative to the esteemed World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) Youth Council. This appointment reflects a shared commitment to amplifying youth voices and fostering meaningful engagement in shaping the future of global health.

At the heart of this initiative is the belief that the perspectives and contributions of young individuals should be central to decisions impacting global health. WHO EMRO’s establishment of a regional youth council within the EMR aims to empower young leaders like Duha Shellah to play a pivotal role in influencing public health policies, not just in the region but on a global scale.

The WHO EMR Youth Council serves as a dynamic platform for harnessing the innovative ideas, experiences, and expertise of young leaders. The goal is to strengthen their involvement in policy-making processes and elevate their status as key contributors to public health systems. This initiative aligns with WFPHA’s broader mission to promote inclusivity and youth engagement in global health advocacy.

Duha Shellah’s representation in the WHO EMR Youth Council is a testament to the WFPHA’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders in public health. As a representative, Duha will bring a wealth of insights, advocating for policies that address the diverse needs of the population.

The collaborative efforts between WFPHA and WHO exemplify a shared vision for a future where youth voices are not only heard but are instrumental in shaping the direction of public health initiatives. This appointment is a beacon of youth leadership, showcasing the vital role young individuals play in influencing and advancing global health agendas.

Global Health Unity: Highlights of the Year 2023

Dear members, colleagues and friends of the WFPHA,

As we bid farewell to 2023, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering dedication of our global public health community. Throughout the year, the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) stood resilient, navigating challenges and advancing our shared mission.

Global Health Unity: Highlights of the Year 2023

The 17th World Public Health Congress was a pinnacle of collaboration. Bringing together minds from diverse regions, this congress facilitated the exchange of knowledge and experiences, fostering a sense of unity among participants. Our joint efforts with the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region and the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine, and Public Health marked a historic milestone.

The approval of the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan reinforces our commitment to key goals, including advocating for peace, sustainable health equity, and global policies; promoting system change and decolonizing public health; democratizing global health governance; advancing public health knowledge, education, practice, and research; cultivating partnerships; supporting member associations; and building a responsive and sustainable WFPHA.

Despite the hurdles, from the complexities of pandemic response to deepening social inequities, our collective efforts have been impactful.

A Call to Global Health Advocates

The global conflict events of 2023 serve as a wake-up call, indicating that our current approach is no longer sustainable. This message is particularly poignant for all of us, with a special emphasis on the global health community.

We are acutely aware of the fragility of health, impacting both individuals and entire populations. Health is a universal common good and a fundamental human right, and our efforts are ceaseless on multiple fronts – from anti-tobacco policies and climate action to vaccination campaigns and workforce challenges.

The topic of “war and health” may not have seemed central to the global community’s concerns. That’s why we included peace in our mission and dedicated a plenary session to it at the 17th World Congress of Public Health.

As WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros recently emphasized, “there is no health without peace – as there is no peace without health.” This underscores the crucial role of the public health community in preventing wars and conflicts. We must address conflicts where they emerge, muster the courage to name them, and bring people to the table – even those who resist talking to each other. Fostering dialogue and finding solutions to conflicts stand as some of the most significant tasks in global public health.

We must remain a united community of thought and action. While we know there are solutions, we haven’t yet exhausted all our possibilities. It’s time to actively work towards preventing conflicts and promoting peace. There are solutions and ways to work for this goal. As we step into 2024, our resolve remains strong. The WFPHA continues to be a beacon of hope, striving for social justice, peace, sustainability, and health for all.

May the holiday season bring peace, joy, and be transformative for us all.

Best wishes and Seasonal Greetings,

Prof. Luis Eugenio Souza, President of the WFPHA

Prof. Bettina Borisch, CEO, WFPHA

Exploring the Climate-Health Nexus: My Journey at COP28 with WFPHA

I recently had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the global conversations surrounding climate and health at COP28.

I’m deeply passionate about global environmental health and proudly serve as the co-chair of the Environmental Health Working Group at the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA). Our focus revolves around tackling critical issues such as climate change, air pollution, and disaster response.

COP28 marked a significant milestone for WFPHA, symbolizing our debut on the global climate stage. As our organization gained UNFCCC status in 2023, this conference held immense importance for us.

Throughout COP28, we orchestrated impactful events, engaged with influential figures, and collaborated on policy statements to underscore the pivotal role of public health in climate action.

The sessions I attended were truly eye-opening, covering diverse topics like climate-related migration, mental health impacts, health sector adaptation planning, building climate-resilient food systems, establishing early warning systems, climate adaptation in river delta environments, clean cooking solutions, climate and health finance, climate justice and indigenous rights in the context of the renewable energy transition.

Connecting with organizations like the Global Climate and Health Alliance was inspiring, opening doors to potential future collaborations.

This experience has solidified my belief in the crucial integration of climate and health perspectives. I am genuinely excited about the collective efforts propelling us toward a healthier and more sustainable future.

Stay tuned for updates on the WFPHA Environmental Health Working Group.

Urgent Appeal: WFPHA Addresses WHO Executive Board on Health Conditions in Occupied Palestinian Territory

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) congratulates the initiative of the World Health Organization Executive Board to hold a Special Session on the health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory. As an entity that represents 130 national associations and more than 5 million health practitioners around the globe, the WFPHA joins with UN and WHO leaders’ voices expresses deep concerns about the situation, echoing the voices of UN and WHO leaders.

Urgently calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas militants, the WFPHA emphasizes the need for a peace process to safeguard the well-being of health professionals and the civilian population in the region.

Bridging the Gap: Public Health at the Forefront of Climate Action

On the inaugural Health Day at the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) Environmental Health Working Group advocates for a renewed focus on the critical nexus between climate change and global health at the #COP28UAE Health Pavilion.

The urgency to address climate change resonates louder than ever. The WFPHA underscores the significance of acknowledging and mitigating the intricate links between climate change and the health and wellbeing of communities across the globe. This advocacy finds its foundation within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement – the principal global forums orchestrating the response to climate change.

At the heart of these international efforts, the WFPHA, through its Environmental Health Working Group, actively contributes to shaping discussions and policies that prioritize public health amidst the escalating threats posed by the climate crisis.

It is imperative to recognize the inseparable nature of the climate crisis and public health. From rising temperatures to unprecedented weather events, the WFPHA stresses the need for comprehensive strategies to address these challenges, placing public health at the forefront of the global agenda.

The climate crisis is not solely an environmental concern; it is fundamentally a health crisis. With this understanding, the WFPHA calls for immediate and concerted actions to safeguard the health and wellbeing of communities worldwide.

As we navigate the complexities of the climate crisis, the WFPHA urges leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to champion public health in climate action initiatives. The first Health Day at COP28 serves as a poignant reminder that the health of our planet and the health of its inhabitants are intricately interconnected.

Now is the time for bold commitments and transformative actions. The WFPHA Environmental Health Working Group stands steadfast in its commitment to advancing the discourse on climate change and health. Together, let us forge a path toward a sustainable future where health takes precedence in the global climate narrative.

Hannah Marcus, Co-Chair of the WFPHA Environmental Health Working Group, is set to address two crucial events at COP28.

On December 5, 2023, from 15:00 to 16:30, she will speak at ‘Accelerating a Just Transition for Healthy People and a Healthy Planet.’ Join us at Side Event Room 4, Zone B6, Building 83.

The following day, December 6, don’t miss her insights at ‘Breathing for a Better Tomorrow: Engaging Health Professionals and Civil Society for Clean Air and Healthy Climate,’ taking place from 3:15 to 4:30 pm GST at the WHO Pavilion.

World Hearing Forum: Advocating for a Sound Public Health Approach 

The World Hearing Forum convened on November 27-28 in Geneva, uniting global stakeholders committed to advancing ear and hearing care. As representatives of the World Federation of Public Health Associations Public Engagement Taskforce (WFPHA PET), we were honored to participate in this vital initiative.

The Global Impact of Hearing Impairment:

Hearing impairment affects approximately one in five individuals worldwide, constituting a significant public health challenge often underestimated. While the types of hearing impairment and treatments vary across age groups and causes, the issue persists throughout the lifespan. Unfortunately, routine screening remains inconsistent, primarily focusing on infants and young children in limited regions. Innovative programs, such as streamlined hearing aids and accessible screening methods administered by trained health workers, are emerging to address these gaps.

Forum Highlights:

Day One: Voices of Those with Hearing Loss:

• The initial day spotlighted the experiences of individuals with hearing loss, their families, and friends.
• Key issues included the stigma associated with wearing hearing aids, misconceptions about sign language, and challenges in accessing screening and related services.

Day Two: Perspectives of Service Providers:

• The second day delved into the experiences of service providers, with a focus on the public health aspects of hearing care.
• Elisabeth Tshiama Mukendi, representing WFPHA, highlighted the connection between public health competencies and healthy hearing.

Audience Participation and Workshops:

Both days featured workshops engaging participants in identifying causes of hearing loss and proposing remedial actions. Attendees collaboratively discussed organizations and individuals capable of championing improved services.

Addressing the Perception Gap:

Hearing impairment often faces dismissal, attributed to factors such as aging or occupational noise exposure. However, beyond the physical hazards, it contributes to associated health problems, hindering complete understanding of instructions and withdrawal from situations requiring optimal hearing.

Call to Action:

A comprehensive awareness campaign is imperative, targeting communities, health providers, practitioners, and policymakers to advocate for screening at all ages. This inclusive approach encompasses birth, childhood, noisy work environments, regular attendees of loud venues, and older individuals.

Public Health Competencies for Hearing Loss:

The forum emphasized the need for:

• Comprehensive surveillance programs.
• Maintenance of remedial programs, including during emergencies.
• Access to appropriate equipment and medical devices.
• Vaccination against infections linked to hearing loss.

In conclusion, hearing loss demands a collective commitment to public health, urging us to recognize its pervasive impact and work collaboratively toward a world where healthy hearing is a shared priority.