WFPHA at WHA76: Constituency Statement on Universal Health Coverage

The 76th session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) takes place in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 21–30, 2023.

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) joins several non-State actors in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide a strong constituency statement calling for reorienting health systems to primary health care as a resilient foundation for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Achieving Health Equity through Stronger Actions Against Racism & Discrimination

Racism and discrimination are fundamental determinants of health. Despite the increasing evidence for the impact of racism and discrimination on both mental and physical health inequities in multiple ways, the issue has gained too little attention in the public health domain so far.

The European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) has initiated and led the pan-European Thematic Network DisQo: anti-discrimination and health equity (DisQo), bringing together more than 40 organizations and individuals, with the shared ambition to address institutional and structural racism and discrimination for health equity.

In May 2023, DisQo sent a joint statement to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), calling for stronger action against racism and discrimination to achieve health equity.

WFPHA joins organizations working across sectors in this call and commits to taking an active stance against all forms of racism and discrimination.

Dr Annapaola Rizzoli’s Speech at the WFPHA Awards Ceremony 2023

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) recognizes outstanding contributions to public health through its annual awards program. The program aims to acknowledge and honor individuals and organizations that have made significant achievements in promoting health, preventing diseases and injuries, and ensuring safe and healthy conditions for people around the world.

This year, the WFPHA presents a series of awards during the 17th World Congress on Public Health (WCPH), held in Rome, Italy, on May 02 to 06, 2023.

One of the recipients of this year’s awards was the One Health Commission, which received the Climate and Health Action Award. This organization has done remarkable work in addressing the presence of climate change as an imminent public health threat. Dr Annapaola Rizzoli from the Research and Innovation Center of the Edmund Mach Foundation, the first One Health center in Italy, received the award.

Dr Annapaola Rizzoli, speaking on behalf of Dr Cheryl Stroud, the Executive Director of the One Health Commission, expressed immense gratitude for the honor and highlighted the organization’s commitment to promoting the One Health approach. The speech shed light on the significance of climate change and the urgent need to implement One Health thinking across disciplines.

Dr Rizzoli’s speech is available to read here.

Prof. Ulrich Laaser’s Inspiring Speech at the WFPHA Awards Ceremony 2023

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) recognizes outstanding contributions to public health through its annual awards program. The program aims to acknowledge and honor individuals and organizations that have made significant achievements in promoting health, preventing diseases and injuries, and ensuring safe and healthy conditions for people around the world.

This year, the WFPHA presents a series of awards during the 17th World Congress on Public Health (WCPH), held in Rome, Italy, on May 02 to 06, 2023.

One of the recipients of this year’s awards was Prof. Ulrich Laaser, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Global Health. Prof. Laaser’s speech during the award ceremony was a captivating and inspirational moment, encapsulating his lifetime of dedication to global health and social justice. His words served as a reminder of the urgent need to work collaboratively, embrace equity, and address the pressing challenges facing our planet. As the public health community moves forward, Prof. Laaser’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations to strive for a healthier and more equitable world.

Prof. Laaser’s speech is available to read here.

Meeting Our New Members

On May 2, 2023, during the General Assembly of the World Federation of Public Health Associations, member organizations welcomed 5 new members: the Emirates Public Health Association, the College of Public Health Malaysia, the Somaliland Public Health and Research Organization, the Argentine Association of Public Health, and the Dominican Society of Public Health.

We look forward to working together towards our shared goals of protecting and promoting health and wellbeing worldwide.

The WFPHA General Assembly 2023

After being held virtually last year, the General Assembly of the World Federation of Public Health Associations was able to be held hybrid on May 2, 2023, in Rome, Italy, during the 17th World Congress on Public Health.

A total of 101 participants from 31 different countries participated both in person and remotely. The General Assembly, made up of all members, offers a special setting for significant discussions about the direction of Global Public Health.