WFPHA Launches One Health Working Group

The World Federation of Public Health Associations has approved a new working group on One Health during its General Assembly on May 26, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland. The group will be chaired by Prof. Xiao-Nong Zhou from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China, and Prof. Carlos Machado from Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Brazil.

What is One Health?

One Health emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It is crucial for addressing global public health challenges such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental changes. Despite efforts from organizations like FAO, UNEP, WOAH, and WHO, fragmented policy implementation and lack of multisectoral collaboration persist. The One Health Working Group aims to bridge these gaps by fostering global cooperation.

Vision and Objectives

Vision

The group aims to strengthen global health security at the human-animal-environment interface by promoting global collaboration, influencing policy, and enhancing knowledge and capacity in One Health.

Objectives

• Promote Global Collaboration: Establish One Health platforms for interdisciplinary cooperation across health, environmental, and policy sectors.
• Enhance Dissemination: Advocate for One Health principles in global and national policies through policy briefings and communications.
• Improve Knowledge and Capacity Building: Develop and enhance One Health knowledge through scientific collaboration and educational programs.

Promoting Gender Neutral HPV Vaccination: Protecting Everyone Equally

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of cervical cancer and other malignancies, including anal, oropharyngeal, penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancers. While HPV vaccination programs have traditionally targeted girls to prevent cervical cancer, emerging evidence underscores the importance of vaccinating boys as well. Gender-neutral HPV vaccination ensures comprehensive protection against HPV-related diseases and contributes to herd immunity, significantly reducing the virus’s transmission within the population.

To discuss strategies for protecting everyone through gender-neutral HPV vaccination, the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) held a high-level side event in conjunction with the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva. This event featured distinguished speakers and leaders in the field of public health, advocating for the global implementation of gender-neutral HPV vaccination programs. The primary aim was to raise awareness and promote inclusive vaccination strategies that protect both girls and boys from HPV-related diseases.

Chairs:

• Dr. Michael Moore, WFPHA Past President
• Dr. Marta Lomazzi, WFPHA Executive Manager

Opening Speech:

• Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas, Assistant Director PAHO

Speakers- Panel 1:

• Paul Kelly is currently the Chief Medical Officer and Head of Interim Australian Centre for Disease Control at the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
• Tshedar is the Chief Program Officer, Health Promotion and Risk Communication Division at the Minister of Health of Bhutan.
• Meerjady Sabrina Flora is the Additional Director General (Planning & Research), the Directorate General of Health Services at the Government of Bangladesh.
• Dr Jean-Marie Okwo Bele is the former Director at WHO Immunization and Vaccines Department.

Speakers- Panel 2:

• Jean Marie Okwo Bele is the former Director, Immunization and Vaccines Department at World Health Organisation & Consultant for AFR CDC

• Ibtihal Fadhil is the Chair at Eastern Mediterranean NCD Alliance, Former Regional Adviser NCDs , WHO/EMRO

• Martha Rebour is the Executive Director, Shot@life

• Tristan Amalda is theNOMAN President and founder

• Peter Baker is the Director of Global Action on Men’s Health

Transformative Dialogue on Indigenous Health and Decolonising Public Health Practices at WHA77

The World Federation of Public Health Associations hosted a pivotal side event alongside the 77th World Health Assembly, in collaboration with the Indigenous Working Group of the WFPHA. Led by Mrs. Emma Rawson-Te Patu, President of WFPHA, this event included profound insights, empowering discussions, and actionable strategies.

Facilitator: Guiding our discussions was Mr. Adrian Te Patu, Chair of the Indigenous Working Group – WFPHA.

Speakers: Our esteemed lineup included Dr. Alana Gall, Mr. Geoffrey Roth, Ms. Jess Apanui, and more. Each speaker brings unique insights and strategies for advancing Indigenous health and decolonising public health practices.

Advancing Gender-Neutral HPV Vaccination: WFPHA and Partners Champion Global Health Equality

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), represented by Bettina Borisch and Marta Lomazzi, actively participated in a roundtable today with Global Action on Men’s Health and NOMAN is an Island. The discussion focused on “Boys, Men, and HPV. Is it Time For Global Gender-Neutral HPV Vaccination?”

This crucial conversation will continue at a side event organized by WFPHA tomorrow at Vieux Bois Restaurant from 8 am to 10 am. The event, themed “Promoting Gender Neutral HPV Vaccination: Protecting Everyone Equally,” aims to advance the adoption of gender-neutral HPV vaccination worldwide as a key tool for HUMANS to prevent HPV-induced cancers.

WFPHA Moderates Panel on Cervical Cancer Elimination

Today, Prof. Bettina Borisch, Executive Director of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), moderated a crucial panel on eliminating cervical cancer. The panel featured:

• Farid Fezoua, Global Director of Health and Education, International Finance Corporation/World Bank Group
• Dr. Mohammed Abdulaziz, Head of the Division of Disease Control and Prevention, Africa CDC
• Flavia Bustreo, Chair of the Governance and Ethics Committee (GEC), PMNCH

The discussion highlighted the need for global collaboration, increased investment, vaccination, early screening, and ethical governance to eradicate cervical cancer. Prof. Borisch emphasized a unified, multi-sectoral approach to tackle this preventable disease, reflecting WFPHA’s commitment to global health and equitable solutions.

WFPHA at WHA77: An Individual Statement on INB

The 77th session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) takes place in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 27–June 1, 2024.

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) attends WHA7/ with a strong statement addressing the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) negotiations.