The Global Youth Mental Health Crisis: Causes, Solutions & Urgent Actions Needed

Mental health is key to overall well-being. For young people aged 10 to 24, it’s even more critical. However, today, we face an unprecedented mental health crisis; the aftershocks of COVID-19. The rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among young people worldwide are rising at an alarming rate. 

Let us explore the causes, consequences, and solutions to this growing issue.  

The Rising Youth Mental Health Crisis: Key Statistics  

While youth mental health crises have always been of concern, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated them. Some key statistics to consider include:

•  1 in 7 young people globally experience a mental health condition.  
• 19% of children in 21 countries report frequent feelings of depression.  
•  Mental health conditions account for 13% of the global disease burden among adolescents.  
•  Since COVID-19, rates of youth depression and anxiety have surged.  

Nevertheless, where does this all stem from?

Key Risk Factors for Poor Youth Mental Health 

The contributing factors to youth mental health are vast. They include (but are not limited to):

• Social Media & Digital Stress: While somewhat beneficial, excessive social media use is linked to anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. 
• Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Abuse, neglect, bullying, and family violence increase mental health risks. Economic and Social Inequities: Poverty, job insecurity, and housing instability exacerbate mental well-being issues. 
• Climate Anxiety: 59% of young people report extreme worry about climate change. 
• Lack of Access to Care: Only 6% of youth in low-income countries receive mental health treatment.  

While these statistics and trends are worrisome, remember that there’s always hope. Consider the following solutions and strategies to address this crisis and improve the mental health of our youth. 

Solutions: How to Improve Youth Mental Health  

Each and every one of us, whether as individuals, communities, or as a society as a whole, has a role to play in helping combat the youth mental health crisis. 

•       Government and Policy Actions Needed 

Governments must prioritize prevention over intervention, especially in the context of suicide, by implementing national youth mental health strategies. They can increase funding for mental health services by expanding affordable and accessible care in schools, communities, and most importantly, online. By addressing social determinants such as poverty and discrimination, policies can make a needed difference.

• Schools and Communities Must Step Up

Teachers can teach coping skills, emotional resilience, and early warning signs. This includes anti-bullying and inclusion programs, especially to protect marginalized groups such as LGBTQAI+, refugees, and Indigenous youth. Providing safe spaces, such as peer support and counseling, can also help combat stigma for youth seeking help. 

•  Technology and Innovation in Mental Health Care

Teletherapy and mental health apps expand digital mental health services by providing remote access. AI and chatbots can also offer 24/7 crisis intervention and counseling. 

•  Youth Involvement and Advocacy

Let’s engage young people in designing mental health programs and support initiatives like UNICEF’s Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health. 

Early intervention, increasing access to care, promoting resilience, and addressing social determinants can support the young generation to overcome this crisis. 

Call to Action: What You Can Do

There are several ways you can combat the youth mental health crisis:

• Advocate for better mental health policies in your community.  
• Support youth mental health nonprofits and helplines.  
• Educate yourself and others on early warning signs of mental distress.  
• Demand universal mental health coverage in healthcare systems.  

By addressing risk factors, expanding access to care, and empowering young voices, we can create a healthier future for the next generation.

Read the official Call to Action: Promoting the Mental Health of Young People Policy Statement here.

The Global Breastfeeding Crisis How Formula Marketing Undermines Infant Health & What We Must Do

Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child survival and long-term health, yet aggressive commercial milk formula (CMF) marketing continues to undermine it. Despite 40 years of international regulations, only 48% of infants worldwide are breastfed as recommended.  

Let’s delve further into how companies exploit parents and healthcare systems, and how governments and healthcare professionals can combat unethical practices. 

The Formula Industry’s Grip on Global Infant Nutrition  

While breastfeeding is biologically natural, billion-dollar corporations have made formula feeding seem “normal.” Yet, the science is clear: breastfeeding prevents disease and boosts development. Especially when considering how unsafe water can make formula feeding deadly.

1. How Formula Marketing Undermines Breastfeeding Rates  

•  CMF sales grow yearly, with companies targeting social media, doctors, and hospitals to push products.  
•  Only 33 out of 194 countries fully enforce the International Code of Breast-milk Substitutes.  
• False health claims and free samples discourage breastfeeding, especially in vulnerable communities.  

2. Why Breastfeeding Matters: Lifesaving Benefits  

• Reduces infant mortality by protecting against diarrhea, pneumonia, and malnutrition.
• Lowers chronic disease risks (obesity, diabetes) later in life.  
• Supports brain development, leading to higher IQ scores.  
• Saves families money: Formula feeding can cost over $ 1,500 per year.  

3. Formula’s Hidden Dangers in Low-Income Countries  

• Diluted formula (due to cost) leads to malnutrition.  
• Contaminated water increases infectious disease risks.  
• Supply chain disruptions (e.g., wars, disasters) leave babies without food.  

Urgent Actions to Protect Breastfeeding Worldwide 

There are various actions we can take to protect breastfeeding. From fighting corporate manipulation and interests to providing women with more support, we can counter the influence of Big Formula. 

Let’s explore these points further:

1. Ban Predatory Formula Marketing

•  Enforce the WHO Code, which bans CMF ads, free samples, and health claims.  
•  Regulate digital marketing, which now targets mothers on Instagram and TikTok.  
• Penalize violations with fines and legal action.  

2. Support Mothers with Paid Leave and Workplace Policies  

• Mandate 6+ months of paid maternity leave (only 25% of countries do this).  
• Require breastfeeding breaks and private spaces at work.  
• Educate employers on the economic benefits of breastfeeding.  

3. End Formula Industry Influence in Healthcare  

•  Ban CMF company sponsorships of medical conferences and research.  
• Train health workers on breastfeeding counseling.  
• Remove formula samples from hospitals and clinics.  

4. Fund Grassroots Breastfeeding Advocacy  

• Support mom groups and lactation consultants in underserved areas.  
• Counter misinformation with social media campaigns.  
• Partner with midwives and community leaders to promote breastfeeding.  

5. Prepare for Emergencies with Breastfeeding Support  

• Prioritize breastfeeding in disaster responses (no formula donations).  
• Train emergency workers in safe infant feeding practices.  
• Stockpile breast pumps and lactation aids for displaced mothers.  

A Future Where Every Child Gets the Best Start 

Breastfeeding is a human right, not a corporate profit opportunity. So, what can you do?  

• Demand stronger formula marketing laws in your country.  
• Support breastfeeding moms in your community.  
• Choose ethically sourced breast milk banks over formula when needed.  
• Share this information: Many parents are unaware of the risks associated with CMF.  

By stopping predatory marketing, supporting mothers, and enforcing global policies, we can ensure that every baby receives the safest and healthiest food, breast milk.

Read the official Policy Resolution on Breastfeeding here. 

Climate Change and Maternal, Newborn, Child & Adolescent Health: A Global Call to Action

Climate change is here and it’s actively harming the health of women, newborns, children, and adolescents (MNCAH) worldwide. Rising temperatures, extreme weather, and environmental degradation are increasing the risks of pregnancy complications, malnutrition, infectious diseases, and mental health disorders among vulnerable populations.  

According to a 2024 systematic review, climate hazards like extreme heat and air pollution raise the risk of preterm birth, stillbirth, and gestational diabetes by 12-47%. Meanwhile, UNICEF’s 2022 report highlights how floods, droughts, and displacement disrupt access to clean water, healthcare, and nutrition, threatening survival and development.  

Let’s further discuss how climate change exacerbates MNCAH outcomes and explore evidence-based solutions that can protect future generations.  

How Climate Change Harms Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health  

Climate change doesn’t just affect the environment; it directly endangers mothers and babies, threatens food security, and inhibits physical as well as mental health. 

1. Increased Pregnancy and Birth Complications 

– Extreme heat is linked to preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth.  

– Air pollution from wildfires increases the risks of asthma, respiratory diseases, and developmental delays in children.  

– Flooding and droughts disrupt access to prenatal care, clean water, and nutrition, worsening maternal and infant mortality.  

2. Rising Infectious Diseases and Malnutrition  

– Vector-borne diseases (malaria, dengue) are spreading to new regions due to warmer temperatures.  

– Water scarcity and contaminated supplies increase diarrheal diseases, a leading cause of child deaths.  

– Crop failures from droughts contribute to child malnutrition and stunted growth, with lifelong consequences.  

3. Mental Health Crisis in Children and Adolescents

– Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is rising among children exposed to floods, hurricanes, and wildfires.  

– Climate anxiety affects 59% of youth globally, with many fearing an unlivable future.  

– Family displacement due to climate disasters disrupts caregiving stability, worsening mental health outcomes.  

Who Is Most Vulnerable? 

Climate change affects everyone. Yet, some groups face disproportionate risks, and the first step is raising awareness about this.   

• Pregnant women and newborns have a higher susceptibility to heat stress and infections.
• Children under 5 are vulnerable to malnutrition, disease, and developmental delays.
• Low-income and marginalized communities lack access to healthcare and disaster resilience.  
• Climate migrants and refugees face disrupted healthcare and increased poverty.  

Without intervention, the WHO and UNICEF warn that climate-related child deaths could rise by 200,000 every year by 2030.  As Debra Jackson, Professor of Global Maternal and Child Health, LSHTM, and member of the WFPHA Women, Children and Youth Working Group states, “We know women and children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Their future and lives depend on immediate action.”

Solutions: Protecting MNCAH in a Changing Climate  

Global climate responses must prioritize maternal and child health, and using better data can help.

1. Integrate MNCAH into Climate Policies  

– National climate adaptation plans should include MNCAH protections, such as heat-resilient prenatal care.  

– Reduce carbon emissions in healthcare (responsible for 4.4% of global greenhouse gases).  

– Fund climate-resilient hospitals with backup power, clean water, and emergency obstetric care.  

2. Strengthen Data and Research  

– Track climate-linked health outcomes with real-time monitoring systems.  

– Expand research in low-income countries, where data gaps are largest.  

– Educate communities and health workers on climate-related health risks.  

3. Multi-Sector Collaboration 

– Health and environmental policies must align (e.g., clean energy reduces air pollution).  

– Private sector investment in sustainable infrastructure and child health programs.  

– Grassroots advocacy to amplify the voices of women, youth, and Indigenous communities.  

We need unity across all sectors to combat this crisis. After all, there’s power in numbers. 

Call to Action: What Must Be Done Now  

The intersection of climate change and maternal-child health is one of the most significant public health challenges of our time. We must act now and demand climate justice for women and children.

• Governments: Pass laws protecting MNCAH in climate policies.  
• Healthcare Systems: Build low-carbon, disaster-ready clinics.  
• Researchers: Fill gaps in climate-health data, especially in vulnerable regions.  
• Communities: Advocate for local climate adaptation and health equity.  

By implementing evidence-based policies, resilient health systems, and global cooperation, we can safeguard the next generation.  

Read the official Policy Statement and Call to Action on Climate Change and Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health here.

Oral Health Working Group Chair Interview: Dr. Abiola Adeniyi

Oral health is often overlooked in public health discussions, yet it plays a critical role in overall well-being. To explore how oral health intersects with broader health systems, we spoke with Dr. Abiola Adeniyi, Chair of the Oral Health Working Group at the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA). With a background in dentistry, public health, and global health policy, Dr. Adeniyi shares her journey, the current initiatives of her working group, and her vision for a future where oral health is accessible to all.

Please introduce yourself. 

My name is Abiola Adeniyi, and I’m currently the chair of the Oral Health Working Group at the World Federation of Public Health. I am, by training, a public health dentist, and I work as an assistant professor in Global Health and Human Services at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Canada.

I began my undergraduate dental training at the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife in Nigeria, followed by a residency in dental public health at the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. From there, I went on to pursue a Master’s in Public Health, first at the University of Lagos, and then followed that with another Master’s in Health Management, Policy, and Planning at the University of Leeds in the UK. Most recently, I completed a PhD in Population Oral Health Research at the University of British Columbia in Canada.

Over the years, my work has spanned clinical dentistry, advising on oral health policy, and teaching preventive dentistry and global health. What ties it all together is my passion for integrating oral health into broader healthcare systems and improving access to oral health care. That’s the perspective I bring to my work and education.

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

For me, it started with a personal story. As a child, I spent a lot of time in the dental chair. Both my grandmother and my mother ran confectionery stores in Nigeria, so you can imagine I had plenty of access to non-refined sugars. My mom did her best to encourage good oral hygiene, but like many children, I didn’t always listen, and that meant I had frequent dental problems.

I was in and out of the dental clinic as a child. Those early experiences taught me something important: oral health isn’t just about teeth, it’s about overall well-being. I had sleepless nights from dental pain, and I learned (sometimes the hard way) how valuable prevention is.

When I began my dental training, I realized how common and preventable dental diseases were at a population level, and that was the turning point for me. I realized I wanted to do more than treat diseases one patient at a time. I wanted to focus more on prevention, reach a wider audience, and ensure fair access. So that’s what drew me into public health.

Even now, after my MPH and PhD, that original motivation has not changed. I aim to create environments where oral health is accessible, prioritized, and prevented, rather than just treated after problems occur.

How long have you been associated with the WFPHA? 

I have been part of the WFPHA for about three years now. I joined shortly after completing my PhD at UBC, and it has been an incredibly fulfilling journey. It has given me the chance to contribute to global advocacy, research, and collaborative action in the field of oral health. It has also given me the chance to connect with truly inspiring colleagues from all over the world.

Could you elaborate on your working group’s current activities and share your vision for the future?

Currently, our group is engaged in some truly exciting work.

1. Podcast Series on Oral Health & Systemic Conditions

We’re partnering with the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Working Group of the WFPHA on a podcast series that explores the connections between oral health and conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other NCDs. This broadens the conversation and shows how oral health is an integral part of public health.

2. Amplifying Patient & Community Voices

We believe lived experiences are crucial in shaping policies and designing effective solutions. We’re exploring how to listen better, engage more meaningfully, and measure the impact of our engagement.

3. Strengthening Civil Society’s Role in Advocacy

We’re planning an event around the upcoming UN General Assembly to explore how civil society organizations can drive the oral health agenda. These organizations are often the closest to the communities they serve, and their insights are crucial to achieving sustainable, people-centered change.

4. Digital Oral Health & Global Learning Models

We’re examining how technology can improve access, education, and care delivery, especially in underserved areas. We also have a casebook on school oral health programs. We are examining how different countries integrate oral health into their broader healthcare systems, so we can learn, adapt, and scale best practices.

5. WHO Global Coalition on Oral Health

The WHO has invited us to contribute to the Global Coalition on Oral Health, particularly in engaging people with lived experiences of oral diseases and NCDs. This is a great opportunity to bring together community insights, policy, and innovation, ensuring oral health isn’t an afterthought but is considered alongside other NCDs.

I’m looking forward to seeing how our group will serve as a catalyst, connecting sectors and amplifying the voices of oral health advocates.

How do the working group’s activities align with the WFPHA’s strategic plan?

Our work is closely aligned with the WFPHA’s priorities on disease prevention, health promotion, and inclusive public health leadership.

For example:

– We’ve developed policy resolutions, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

– We launched a Maternal and Child Oral Health Initiative, endorsed by over 50 public health organizations globally.

– We’ve produced tools on workforce development, school oral health programs, and digital resource evaluation.

– We’re providing feedback on the WHO Global Oral Health Strategy.

All of this reflects the Federation’s broader goals: strengthening health systems, elevating underrepresented voices, and fostering cross-sector collaboration.

How has being part of the WFPHA enhanced the reach and impact of your working group? 

Being part of the WFPHA has expanded our reach and credibility. Through its network, we’ve:

– Collaborated with other working groups on meaningful initiatives.

– Published in high-impact journals and presented at international conferences.

– Developed the Global Maternal and Child Oral Health Initiative through multi-continent partnerships.

– Created the School Oral Health Casebook, featuring models from six WHO regions.

The Federation gives us a platform to frame oral health as part of universal health coverage, social justice, and NCD prevention, bringing it into spaces where it’s often overlooked.

How does your working group plan to engage communities in oral health initiatives?

Our focus is on advocacy and policy, but we see a gap in global data on the lived experiences of oral diseases. One idea we’re exploring is systematically gathering and sharing these voices through the WFPHA network, whether through surveys or calls for testimony.

We can then incorporate these insights into policy briefs, advocacy campaigns, and global statements, ensuring that perspectives often overlooked in high-level discussions are heard.

What unique opportunities has the WFPHA provided your working group?

The WFPHA has opened doors for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and high-level engagement. For instance:

– We co-developed the School-Based Oral Health Casebook, featuring eight international models.

– We conducted a global workforce survey, leading to policy-relevant findings.

– Our podcast series highlights oral health’s connection to broader health systems, featuring experts worldwide.

These opportunities help make oral health visible, relevant, and prioritized among policymakers.

Any final thoughts? 

I’m incredibly grateful to chair this wonderful working group. The foundation laid by my predecessors, combined with the dynamic and globally diverse team we have now, makes this work possible.

We’re entering a new chapter where oral health is increasingly recognized as essential to public health. We’re excited to collaborate with new partners, welcome emerging voices, and work toward a world where oral health is seen as a right, not a privilege.

Final Takeaways 

Dr. Abiola Adeniyi’s work highlights the crucial role of oral health in public health, encompassing policy, prevention, technology, and community engagement. Her vision for equitable access and systemic integration serves as a powerful reminder: oral health goes beyond teeth. It’s about dignity, well-being, and justice.

Working Group Members:

Aarthi Shanmugavel, BDS, MPH, Manager, PhD Candidate, American Dental Association, USA.

Cleopatra Matanhire-Zihanzu, BDS, MPH, PhD Candidate, University of Zimbabwe Department of Oral Health, Zimbabwe.

Dorjan Hysi, DDS, MSc, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Medicine Tirana, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Albania.

Gloria Ha Young Ahn DDS, Intern, WFPHA, USA.

Hyewon Lee (Chair,) DrPH, DMD, Director,  the Seoul National University Global Maternal and Child Oral Health Center,  South Korea.

Irene Adyatmaka, DDS, PhD, Senior Lecturer, the Maranatha Christian University, Faculty of Dentistry, Indonesia.

Woo Jung Yang, DDS, Endodontist,  Seoul Leaders Dental Clinic, South Korea.

Jemima Khabiso Ramphoma BChD, MChD Dental Public Health, Senior Lecturer, the University of the Western Cape, Department of Community Dentistry, South Africa.

Kenneth Eaton, MSc, PhD, Chair of the Platform for Better Oral Health in Europe, The Council of European Chief Dental Officers, UK.

Kiran P. Nagdeo (Vice-chair) BDS, MPH, PhD Candidate,  Department of Epidemiology, NYU School of Global Public Health, USA.

Leonie Short, MHP, Director, Seniors Dental Care, Australia, Australia.

Lynn Bethel Short, RDH, MHP, Communications Director, American Fluoridation Institute, USA.

Myron Allukian Jr., DDS, MPH, Former APHA President, American Public Health Association, USA.

Pascaline Kengne Talla, PhD, Professor, McGill University, Canada.

Puneet Gupta, MDS, Associate Professor, the Government College of Dentistry, Indore, India.

Rachel Martin, BDSc, MPH, Director, the Network for the Integration of Oral Health, Australia.

Rahimah Abdul-Kadir, DrPH, DDS, Professor, the University Malaya Center for Addiction Sciences, Malaysia.

Ramprasad Vasthare, MDS, FAIMER fellow, Professor, the Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, India.

Seema Lal-Kumar, BDS, MSc Paed, Dental Specialist, Te Marae Ora, Ministry of Health, Cook Islands.

Sonia Groisman, PhD, Post PhD, DNA Lab Diagnosis, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Valerie Wordley, BDS, MPH, Clinical Advisor, NHS England, United Kingdom.

Vyhari Chandrasorupan, MPH, Intern, WFPHA, Australia.

Healthcare Workers as Vaccine Advocates: Building Trust & Increasing Uptake

Vaccine hesitancy is rising, but healthcare professionals remain the most trusted voices. Nurses, doctors, and pharmacists are uniquely positioned to boost vaccine confidence if given the right tools. To maximize their impact, we must first understand different providers’ distinct roles.

The Critical Role of Different Healthcare Professionals

Effective vaccine advocacy requires collaboration across healthcare professions. 

1. Nurses: The Frontline Educators

• Administer vaccines in clinics, schools, and homes.
• Build trust through personalized, empathetic conversations.

2. Pharmacists: The Most Accessible Providers

Pharmacists offer convenient access points in neighborhood drugstores.

3. Doctors: Leading by Example

Doctors provide authoritative guidance during medical consultations.

Each role complements the others in creating a comprehensive vaccination network. Considering this team approach, let’s explore proven strategies for success.

5 Strategies to Improve Vaccine Advocacy

Healthcare professionals can boost vaccination rates through specific, evidence-based actions. 

1. Normalize Vaccine Conversations

Discuss immunizations during routine check-ups.

2. Use Trusted Messaging

Replace jargon with relatable stories (e.g., “I got my flu shot to protect my elderly patients”).

3. Leverage Digital Tools

Use reminder systems for due vaccines.

4. Train in Hesitancy Counseling

Address concerns with evidence, not pressure.

5. Collaborate Across Professions

Nurses, pharmacists, and doctors should unify messaging.

Implementing these strategies requires addressing current systemic challenges.

Breaking Down Barriers in Healthcare Systems

Many healthcare workers face obstacles that limit their advocacy potential. Restrictive scope-of-practice laws prevent pharmacists from administering vaccines. Heavy workloads leave little time for patient education. Inconsistent policies create confusion about recommendations. Addressing these issues is crucial for empowering providers.

With the right support, healthcare teams can transform vaccination rates.

The Path Forward

The potential impact of fully empowered healthcare advocates is tremendous. When nurses, doctors, and pharmacists work together with proper training and resources, they can rebuild vaccine confidence and dramatically improve immunization coverage across all demographics.

Investing in healthcare workers as vaccine advocates isn’t just good medicine; it’s one of the most effective public health strategies. By strengthening their ability to educate and protect communities, we create a healthier future for all.

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