Urgent Humanitarian Appeal: Health Crisis for Hostages in Gaza

100 days have passed since the October 7th massacre. This surprising assault resulted in the kidnapping of more than 240 Israeli and foreign citizens from their homes and a party in southern Israel with an additional 1,200 murdered. In response, the Israel Defense Forces initiated a substantial counterattack, an operation that persists, leaving a landscape of devastation and despair and nothing short of a humanitarian catastrophe.

The health of hostages in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly, facing life-threatening risks each day. Many endure complex medical conditions, injuries, and profound mental trauma, requiring specialized care.

As each day passes, the health and lives of all hostages are seriously endangered. The release of hostages is an essential step toward alleviating the suffering and building the foundation for lasting peace.

The World Federation of Public Health Associations endorses the letter from laureates of the Nobel Prize to urgently call for their immediate release to ensure basic human rights and provide essential medical and psychological support. Time is of the essence, and every day in captivity further endangers their lives.

Wars are never necessary: Gaza is the best example

In a recent publication, The Lancet delivers a powerful message against the perceived justification of war, using the ongoing conflict in Gaza as a poignant example. The article challenges the notion of a “necessary war” and calls for global advocacy in defense of life.

Over two months into the conflict, no resolution has been achieved, and persistent challenges endure. The toll on lives lost and survivors facing enduring hardships is immeasurable. The billions spent on destructive endeavors could have been redirected to save lives, nourish and immunize communities, aid the malnourished, establish equitable systems, and supply essential medicines to regions worldwide.

For the authors, WFPHA President Prof. Luis Eugenio De Souza, Paulo Buss and Santiago Alcázar, appeal continues: stop the war and the bloodshed and let health act in the recovery of the injured and those affected mentally and physically.

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.