The US Withdrawal from WHO: A Threat to Global Health

The decision by the US government to sever ties with the World Health Organization (WHO) has far-reaching consequences for public health in the US and globally. The US withdrawal from WHO jeopardizes critical health initiatives, weakens international cooperation and undermines efforts to address pressing global challenges. With the US historically being the largest contributor to the WHO, providing 15% of its budget, this move leaves a significant funding gap that affects programs worldwide.

The Real-World Impact of the US Withdrawal from WHO

The ripple effects of the US withdrawal from WHO are already being felt. For example, NGOs providing life-saving HIV medication in several African countries are now forced to ration supplies due to funding shortages. In sub-Saharan Africa, where 67% of people living with HIV reside, this could reverse decades of progress in combating the epidemic.

Additionally, the US stepping back from the International Negotiating Body (INB) undermines global efforts to address health crises through coordinated action. The INB plays a critical role in pandemic preparedness and response, and without US support, its ability to function effectively is compromised.

The Broader Implications for Multilateralism

The US withdrawal from WHO is not just about funding—it’s an attack on multilateralism. The multilateral system has historically played a crucial role in preventing conflicts, mitigating social crises, and supporting vulnerable populations. For instance, the WHO’s eradication of smallpox in 1980 and its ongoing efforts to combat polio are testaments to the power of international collaboration.

By stepping away, the US weakens trust among nations and diminishes the influence of international organizations. This move could embolden other countries to follow suit, further fragmenting global efforts to address shared challenges.

The Moral Obligation to Collaborate on Global Health

Health issues transcend national borders. Governments are morally obligated to protect their citizens’ right to health, including collaborating with multilateral institutions like the WHO. The challenges we face today—climate change, economic exploitation, mass displacement, and authoritarianism—are global. Addressing them requires a coordinated international strategy.

For example, climate change is already exacerbating health crises, with the WHO estimating that between 2030 and 2050, climate change will cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress. Without global cooperation, these numbers could rise even further.

A Call to Action: Supporting WHO and Multilateralism

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) urges nations to support the WHO and multilateral organizations. Investing in global health and maintaining international cooperation is not just a choice—it’s a duty.

We also express our solidarity with the people of the United States and remain confident that their democratic institutions will resist the rise of authoritarianism. The US has a long history of leadership in global health, from the founding of the WHO in 1948 to its contributions to eradicating diseases like smallpox. It’s not too late to reverse course and reaffirm this commitment.

The Path Forward

The US withdrawal from WHO is a significant setback for global health, but it’s not irreversible. By reaffirming its commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation, the US can help protect the health and well-being of people worldwide. Global challenges require global solutions, and the WHO remains a vital institution in this effort.

Read the original statement here.

Global School Oral Health: Innovative Programs for Lifelong Well-Being

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) Oral Health Working Group has developed a casebook showcasing successful global school oral health programs. These initiatives play a vital role in children’s development and overall well-being, addressing a significant public health issue—untreated oral diseases, which affect half of the world’s population. Educators and health professionals can integrate oral health into children’s daily lives by implementing school-based programs, setting the foundation for lifelong healthy habits.

The casebook highlights eight programs from diverse regions: Canada, Brazil, Scotland, the Cook Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Indonesia, and Armenia. While each program is unique, they share common themes: prevention, cultural sensitivity, stakeholder engagement, and innovation in service delivery. Successes include reduced dental caries rates, improved oral hygiene, and broader community awareness. However, challenges such as funding inconsistencies and reaching out-of-school children persist.

The casebook emphasizes strengthening collaboration, developing scalable models, and advocating for consistent funding and policies to ensure future programs are effective and sustainable. School-based oral health programs are essential in improving children’s health and have long-term benefits that extend into adulthood.

The Importance of Oral Health in Schools

Oral health is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, yet untreated oral diseases remain a widespread issue, particularly in children. According to the WHO’s 2022 Global Oral Health Status Report, untreated dental caries are the most prevalent disease among children globally. Poor oral health impacts school attendance and academic performance, leading to health inequities. Integrating oral health education into school systems can address these issues early, benefiting children’s health and development.

The WHO, UNESCO, and World Bank’s 2022 School Health Report highlights the significance of school-based health programs in promoting children’s physical and mental health. Schools offer an ideal environment for oral health programs, providing cost-effective, accessible, and equitable interventions. By engaging teachers, parents, healthcare providers, and community leaders, schools create supportive environments for promoting oral health and establishing healthy behaviors.

Global Case Studies in School Oral Health Programs

The casebook features innovative school oral health programs across various socioeconomic and geographic contexts. These programs demonstrate effective strategies for improving children’s oral health:

• Canada (Quebec): A focus on prevention through community engagement and culturally tailored interventions.
• Brazil (Paraty): Leveraging partnerships with local health authorities to integrate oral health into existing school health programs.
• Scotland (Childsmile): A comprehensive approach that includes training non-dental professionals to deliver oral health education.
• The Cook Islands: A culturally sensitive program designed to reach children in remote areas.
• South Africa (Gogos Give Smiles): Community elders are trained to educate children on oral hygiene, bridging generational gaps.
• Tonga: A government-backed initiative that prioritizes policy integration and consistent funding for oral health services.
• Indonesia: Builds a community empowerment approach to service underserved communities.
• Armenia: Legislative advocacy for oral health policies that ensure long-term sustainability.

These case studies reveal that prevention, cultural adaptation, and community engagement are critical to the success of school-based oral health initiatives. By fostering collaboration between educators, healthcare providers, and families, these programs create environments that encourage healthy behaviors and improve oral health outcomes.

Strategies for Future School-Based Oral Health Programs

To enhance the effectiveness of future programs, the following strategies are recommended:

1. Strengthen intersectoral collaboration: Partnering across health, education, and community sectors will lead to a more integrated approach to oral health promotion.
2. Develop scalable models: Programs should be adaptable to different cultural and economic contexts, ensuring accessibility and relevance.
3. Expand training programs: As demonstrated by Scotland’s and South Africa’s initiatives, include non-dental professionals in oral health promotion.
4. Advocate for consistent funding: Programs need stable financial support and robust evaluation mechanisms to evolve and meet changing needs.
5. Use policies as tools: As Armenia’s legislative efforts have shown, integrating oral health into school health policies can ensure long-term sustainability.

Conclusion

School-based oral health programs are instrumental in improving children’s oral health and overall well-being. These programs focus on prevention, engaging communities, and innovative service delivery. To build on the success of current initiatives, future programs must address funding gaps, enhance collaboration, and develop scalable models that can adapt to diverse contexts. By prioritizing oral health education in schools, we can create healthier future generations and promote global health equity.

This casebook offers valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and health professionals seeking to design and implement effective school-based oral health programs. These programs can transform children’s health worldwide with continued innovation and advocacy.

Read the full casebook here.

Global Health Equity and Digital Technology Working Group Co- Chairs Interview: Vina Hulamm and Timothy Mackey

The intersection of digital technology and health equity is a rapidly evolving area in public health, with increasing relevance in a globalized world. In this interview, we speak with Vina Hulamm and Timothy Mackey, co-chairs of the World Federation of Public Health Associations’ (WFPHA) Working Group on Global Health Equity and Digital Technology, about their experiences, motivations, and plans for addressing health disparities through digital innovations.

Introduce yourselves, please.

Vina Hulamm: My name is Vina Hulamm, and I’m one of the co-chairs of the WFPHA Working Group on Global Health Equity and Digital Technology. I also serve as the international liaison at the American Public Health Association (APHA), where I work closely with the WFPHA.

Timothy Mackey: My name is Tim Mackey, and I’m a professor at UC San Diego. I’m also the director of the Global Health Policy and Data Institute and co-chair this working group with Vina. Together, we’re focused on using digital technology to advance health equity globally.

What motivated you to pursue a career in the public health sector

Vina Hulamm: I was motivated to work in public health when I joined the APHA. My background was originally in international development, and I had been consulting with companies in Washington, DC. Once I transitioned to APHA, I became immersed in public health and started to appreciate its various areas. It opened my eyes to how impactful public health can be.

Timothy Mackey: My motivation to pursue global public health stems from my background of living overseas in countries like the Philippines, Germany, Greece, and Japan. Being exposed to different populations at a young age made me realize the importance of health across diverse communities. I became interested in how I could contribute to the global health space, especially as global health emerged as an interdisciplinary field during my master’s program. It felt like the right place for me to have a meaningful impact.

How long have you been associated with the World Federation of Public Health Associations?

Vina Hulamm: I’ve been associated with the WFPHA since I started working at APHA, which has been almost 18 years now. My role at APHA introduced me to the Federation, and I’ve been involved in various activities ever since.

Timothy Mackey: My association with WFPHA started in 2012 when I first presented at the World Congress in Ethiopia. Since then, I’ve participated in conferences and other Federation events. I’ve been co-chairing this working group for the past two years.

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

Vina Hulamm: Our working group focuses on key areas, such as providing a global platform for members and partners interested in health equity and digital technology, advancing research, and supporting evidence-based policies that strengthen WFPHA’s position on digital health and health equity. For instance, we’ve organized workshops on digital health innovations, human-centered design for Indigenous health, and the impact of the infodemic on health equity.

We’ve collaborated with the WFPHA’s Indigenous Health Working Group and other working groups on sessions at global conferences like the World Congress on Public Health in Rome and the APHA Annual Meeting. We’ve also hosted online events focused on digital health literacy, health security, and infodemic management. We plan to continue these collaborations, expand our research, and engage more deeply with members across regions, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

How do the working group’s activities align with the WFPHA’s Strategic Plan?

Vina Hulamm: Our activities align closely with WFPHA’s strategic plan’s goals, mainly promoting systems change and decolonizing global health. We also support goals for advancing public health knowledge, fostering new partnerships, and strengthening member associations. Our group includes members from a wide range of geographical and professional backgrounds, ensuring that we contribute to the Federation’s mission of global health equity.

How has being part of the WFPHA network enhanced the activities of your working group and expanded its reach?

Vina Hulamm: WFPHA’s strong connections with organizations like the WHO and regional public health alliances have been invaluable. These networks allow us to engage more broadly with national associations and other working groups within the Federation. The reach of these collaborations has helped us expand the scope of our activities and engage more members, which will be crucial as we seek funding and support for future initiatives.

How has WFPHA membership advanced your group’s work on health equity issues related to digital technology?

Timothy Mackey: The WFPHA working groups have provided a space for members from diverse regions, including low- and middle-income countries, to come together and discuss the challenges and opportunities of digital tools in public health. This diversity is crucial because it allows us to hear perspectives from different health systems and understand the varied impact of digital health innovations. Through collaborations with other working groups, we can bring in voices from young professionals, indigenous communities, and other marginalized populations to better address health equity through digital technologies.

How does your working group address the digital divide to ensure equitable access to health technology?

Timothy Mackey: Addressing the digital divide is central to our working group’s mission. We’re not just focused on technology for innovation or profit but on how it can improve equity. For instance, one project we’re working on with young professionals is a systematic review of digital health literacy, which includes considerations of the digital divide across different countries. We’re also exploring co-design sessions with young professionals and racial and ethnic minorities to ensure digital tools are developed with equity principles. We want to make sure that these technologies are not only accessible but also relevant and useful to the people who need them most.

What specific resources or collaborations facilitated by the WFPHA have been most impactful for your group’s projects?

Timothy Mackey: One of the most impactful collaborations has been with the Indigenous Health Working Group, particularly on Indigenous data sovereignty—ensuring that Indigenous communities control their data. We’re working with them to develop digital tools that align with these principles. Additionally, our collaboration with the Young Professionals Working Group has been instrumental in exploring how generative AI and other emerging technologies can be designed to advance health equity. These projects are real-world examples of how our working group is leveraging the WFPHA network to make meaningful progress in digital health.

Conclusion

The work of Vina Hulamm and Timothy Mackey highlights the power of collaboration in addressing health equity through digital technology. Their leadership of the Global Health Equity and Digital Technology Working Group under the WFPHA has brought together diverse voices from across the globe to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in public health. By ensuring that digital innovations are designed with equity at the forefront, they are helping to bridge the digital divide and improve health outcomes for underserved populations. As their work continues to grow, so does the potential for digital health to transform global health equity.

Working Group Members:

– Keren Dopelt, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Public Health, Ashkelon Academic College, Israel. 

–  Mariam Hachem, University of Melbourne
ACADI, Australian Center for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations Australia.

– Daud Ahmed, BSc, MPH Director of Training and Capacity building /FETP program CoordinatorNational Institute of Health (NIH) – Federal Government of Somalia.

– Swarna Weerasinghe, Associate professor, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Faculty of Medicine. Affiliated Scientist, Maritime Simulated Patient-Oriented Research Unit, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, Biostatistician, Global Health Promise, Portland, United States.

– Nahid Widaatalla, University Health Network – Toronto, Canada.

– Tugce Schmitt, PhD, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.

– Mimmie Watts, PhD Associate Professor of Public Health, Nursing, and Leadership, Federation University Australia Chair Australian Chapter, African Science Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC), African Union Commission Professor of Research (Adjunct), Fiji National University, Australia.

– Innocent Peter, Dr. Research Scientist/Study Coordinator, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

– Jasper Tromp, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.

– Meri Koivusalo, Finland.

– Massimiliano Biondi, Medical Director at POU AST Ancona, Italy.

– Yara Aboelwaffa, Senior Digital Health Advisor – Health. Enabled Honorary associate researcher – University of Cambridge, UK.

–  Tina Purnat, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Serbia.

– Amy Chan, School of Pharmacy, The University of Auckland, New Zealand,  Department of Practice and Policy, University College London, UK, Commonwealth Pharmacists Association, UK, International Pharmaceutical Federation, The Hague, Netherlands.

– Ramil Adhikari, Principal Advisor for the Ministry of Health/Te Whatu Ora. Executive Governance Member of the Public Health Association New Zealand (PHANZ).  Chairperson of the Wellington Branch of PHANZ. Justice of the Peace in Wellington, New Zealand. Board Member of KiwiClass. Advisor to the Nonresident Nepalese Association in New Zealand. President of the Nepalese Culture and Tourism Promotion Forum New Zealand. White Ribbon Ambassador in New Zealand. Ethnic Communities Lead in the Covid Directorate (Outbreak Response). Advisor for Te Kotuku e rere within the Ministry of Health.
Member of the Technical Advisory Rōpū (TAR) of Hauora Māori Tūmatanui, New Zealand.

–  Tiana McMann, MA – working group coordinator – University of California San Diego, S-3 Research LLC, USA.

Mpox: Comprehensive Guide and the WFPHA Statement  

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) has garnered significant global attention, particularly after being declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) twice—in May 2022 and August 2024. While cases have stabilized in many countries, the virus remains a public health threat, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo and several Central and Eastern African nations, where it continues to spread and evolve.  

Let’s explore what mpox is, its transmission, symptoms, prevention strategies, and the role of international organizations, includin the WFPHA statement on mpox, in combating this disease.  

What Is Mpox?  

Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. This virus has two primary clade lineages:  

1. Clade I (formerly Congo Basin clade) – More severe and associated with higher mortality rates.

2. Clade II (formerly West African clade) – Generally less severe.

Key Facts About Mpox:  

– Origins: It was first identified in 1958 in monkeys used for research, with the first human case recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  

– Transmission: It is spread primarily through close contact with an infected person or animal and contaminated materials like bedding.  

– Affected Populations: While anyone can contract mpox, it disproportionately affects populations with limited access to healthcare and those in humanitarian or conflict settings.  

Symptoms of Mpox  

The symptoms of mpox typically appear within 5 to 21 days of exposure and may include:  

• Fever, chills, and headaches  
• Muscle aches and back pain  
• Swollen lymph nodes  
• Rash, starting as flat lesions and progressing to pustules before crusting over  

Most cases resolve within 2-4 weeks, but severe complications such as secondary infections, respiratory distress, and encephalitis can occur.  

Prevention and Treatment  

Vaccines  

Effective vaccines against mpox are available and recommended by the WHO. These include smallpox vaccines, which offer cross-protection due to the relatedness of the viruses.  

Preventive measures  

Avoid close contact with infected individuals or animals.  

Practice good hand hygiene 

Use personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings.  

Treatment  

While no specific antiviral treatment for mpox exists, supportive care and antivirals like tecovirimat can help manage severe cases.  

WFPHA Statement on Mpox

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) has issued a strong call to action in response to the ongoing mpox outbreak. The statement, finalized in Geneva on September 18, 2024, outlines critical priorities:  

Health organizations, countries, and wider stakeholders can work in solidarity to protect people and stop the spread of pox. Equity should be embedded strategically in decision-making and at the heart of the response.

Support for WHO and Partners:  

The WFPHA supports the WHO, African CDC, UNICEF, CEPI, Gavi, the World Bank, and the IMF in coordinating efforts to combat mpox.  

Equity and Transparency:  

Drawing lessons from COVID-19 and Ebola, the WFPHA emphasizes equitable and transparent vaccine production, distribution, and pricing.  

Pandemic Treaty:  

The WFPHA urges all 194 WHO member states to intensify efforts toward a pandemic treaty, highlighting its necessity now more than ever.  

African Leadership:  

The WFPHA underscores the importance of African leadership in guiding the mpox response while fostering inter- and intra-country learning.  

Climate Crisis:  

The WFPHA recognizes the climate crisis as a root cause of zoonotic epidemics and calls for urgent global action to address environmental challenges.  

A Call for Collaboration  

The WFPHA also stresses the need for evidence-based public health management and collaboration across sectors to tackle the complexities of this outbreak, which involves multiple clades, diverse populations, and challenging humanitarian contexts.  

Why Mpox Matters  

Mpox exemplifies the interconnectedness of global health issues, where infectious diseases, climate change, and inequities in healthcare systems converge. As the virus evolves and spreads, it underscores the need for coordinated, equity-focused responses from governments, organizations, and communities worldwide.  

By prioritizing evidence-based strategies and solidarity, we can not only control the current mpox outbreak but also build resilient systems to prevent future zoonotic epidemics.  

Conclusion

Mpox is more than a viral outbreak—it’s a test of our global public health systems, equity in access to resources, and the ability to work collaboratively. As outlined in the WFPHA statement on mpox, concerted efforts at all levels are critical to ending the spread of the virus and preventing future health crises.  

Learning from past pandemics and addressing systemic issues can create a healthier, more equitable world.  

Read the original WFPHA statement.

Environmental Health Working Group Co-Chairs Interview: Hannah Marcus, Andrea Rother, and Lwando Maki

We are excited to present an insightful discussion with the WFPHA Environmental Health Working Group co-chairs Hannah Marcus, Professor Andrea Rother, and Dr. Lwando Maki. These distinguished leaders bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in environmental health. Hannah Marcus is renowned for her environmental policy and public health advocacy work, while Andrea Rother is a prominent figure in chemical risk management and children’s environmental health. Lwando Maki brings a dynamic perspective with his sustainable development and community health expertise. 

In this interview, they delve into the critical field of environmental health, exploring how our environment impacts health outcomes and discussing global strategies to address pressing environmental health challenges.

Please introduce yourselves

Hannah Marcus: I’m Hannah Marcus, the co-chair of the WFPHA Environmental Health Working Group. I started as an intern with the group in 2019, then became a member, a young co-chair, and now a co-chair alongside Lwando and Andrea. Previously, I worked alongside Liz Hannah, our former co-chair. I’m based in Nairobi, Kenya, working with an organization focused on research in the humanitarian and development sectors.

Lwando Maki: I’m Lwando Maki from South Africa. I’m a medical doctor and public health medicine specialist. I am completing my second specialty in internal medicine at the University of Cape Town. I co-chair the Environmental Health Working Group with Hannah and Andrea. I have held various leadership roles in national, regional, and global associations/organizations, including the World Medical Association and the Public Health Association of South Africa.

Andrea Rother: I’m Andrea Rother, a professor and head of the Environmental Health Division at the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) School of Public Health. My work focuses on chemicals, pesticides, children’s environmental health, and the nexus between climate change and chemicals. I also work on risk communication and the commercial determinants of health.

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

Hannah Marcus: Initially, I was interested exclusively in the biomedical aspects of health, but upon engaging further with material from diverse disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, political science, environmental studies, and international development, I quickly realized how much more multifaceted health is, and this stimulated a deeper passion for the broader social determinants of health and environmental factors affecting health outcomes. My internship with the WFPHA in 2019, working at the intersection of climate change and health, solidified my interest in public health and its environmental aspects.

Lwando Maki: My motivation stems from a genuine desire to help others and the recognition of public health’s role in preventing diseases at the population level. Events in South Africa, such as extreme weather and its impact on health systems, propelled me to focus on climate change and public health. Growing up in a community that faced significant environmental challenges, I saw firsthand how environmental degradation and climate change disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. This inspired me to pursue a career where I could address these inequities. I focus on integrating local knowledge and grassroots involvement into environmental health initiatives, ensuring that solutions are inclusive and equitable. Representing African voices in global health forums is also a significant driving force for me.

Andrea Rother: My research journey began with a focus on women in agriculture and protecting traditional farming practices, which led to an interest in pesticides’ negative impacts and their regulation in Africa. My master’s research focused on the effectiveness of pesticide regulations in Zimbabwe in protecting human health. Subsequently, my PhD focused on the impact of risk perceptions and risk communication on South African (SA) farm workers’ health. In 1996 I joined the UCT Department of Community Health to implement a pesticide policy reform project in all nine SA provinces. Joining a public health department set me on the path of integrating environmental health concerns into teaching, research, outreach, and national/international policy work – i.e., chemicals, pesticides, climate change, commercial determinants of health, and children’s environmental health. This culminated in me setting up a Division of Environmental Health at UCT, developing three academic programs (two online for pesticide and chemical regulators), and representing UCT and WFPHA in international chemical negotiations (e.g., developing a science policy panel on chemicals and waste). I work tirelessly to support the African region in these negotiations to ensure that protecting vulnerable populations’ health is at the forefront.

How long have you been associated with The World Federation of Public Health Associations?

Hannah Marcus: I started with the WFPHA as an intern in 2019. During that time, I led a global survey on governance barriers to climate adaptation in the health sector, the results of which have been published in the International Journal of Health Governance. From there, I gradually took on more responsibilities, eventually becoming a young co-chair in 2021 and now a co-chair.

Lwando Maki: I’ve been involved with the Public Health Association of South Africa, a member of the WFPHA, since around 2014/2015. My leadership involvement at the WFPHA in 2022 led to my current leadership role.

Andrea Rother: In 2005, I became the South African National Focal Point Representative for the Human Health Effects of Chemicals Project of the World Federation of Public Health Association (WFPHA), representing the Public Health Association of South Africa (PHASA). I officially joined the WFPHA Environmental Health Working Group in 2018. Early on, I began reporting on international work and negotiations linked to chemicals and health. I then transitioned into the honored shared leadership role with Hannah and Lwando.

Please elaborate on your working group’s current activities and share your vision and plans for the future.

Hannah Marcus: Our focus areas include climate change, chemical regulation, air pollution, One Health, and Just Transition. We contribute to the WHO civil society working group on climate change and health, where we’ve been involved in co-drafting and leading advocacy in favor of a new climate change and health resolution adopted in May 2024 by the World Health Assembly. We are now also involved in a WHO-led task force to support preparing a climate health education-oriented work program for COP29 and COP30. We also host interns for small-scale research projects and policy reviews. Our objectives include expanding membership, updating policies, and fundraising. Our vision is to convene public health experts, collaborate on issues, and influence global policy.

Lwando Maki: We support and advise our member associations, ensuring they are informed and capable of implementing climate-related policies. Our activities are aligned with the WFPHA’s strategic plan, contributing to mainstreaming environmental considerations into public health policies. I’d like to add that environmental health is deeply tied to social justice. Marginalized communities often bear the brunt of environmental hazards. For instance, communities in many parts of Africa face severe water scarcity and pollution, exacerbating health issues and poverty. Addressing environmental health means addressing these inequalities and ensuring everyone can access a healthy environment.

Andrea Rother: We represent the issues of our working group in international negotiations (e.g., chemical, climate change, plastics) and keep our members informed of current activities and negotiations. This allows members to contribute their insights into these discussions during our regular meetings and to incorporate current negotiated outputs also shared during these meetings into their own research, teaching, and outreach work.

How do the working group’s activities align with and support implementing our association’s strategic plan?

Hannah Marcus: Environmental health is a key tenet of the WFPHA strategic plan. Our work ensures that environmental considerations are integrated into public health policies. Climate change is a central focus, and we contribute significantly.

Lwando Maki: The strategic plan is developed with input from working groups like ours. We collaborate with other working groups and ensure our actions align with the strategic plan through regular reporting and feedback.

How has being part of the WFPHA and its network enhanced the activities of your working group and expanded its reach?

Lwando Maki: The WFPHA’s reputation and leadership attract experts to our working group. It provides access to global forums like the World Health Assembly and COP meetings. Collaboration with other sectors and network access amplify our work and enhance our activities.

Andrea Rother: Representing WFPHA in international chemical negotiations gives credibility to our environmental health-focused interventions during these negotiations. It has also supported our efforts to make health issues more prominent in environment-dominated negotiations (i.e., the health sector is extremely underrepresented, and few health ministries attend). 

How has WFPHA membership strengthened your group’s influence on international environmental health policies?

Andrea Rother: We’ve been active in sectors like chemicals, climate change, air pollution, and migrant health. Our involvement includes attending international meetings, signing letters, and drafting policy resolutions. For example, we helped draft a resolution on climate change and health adopted by the World Health Assembly.

Can you describe a collaborative project with the environmental advocacy community that had a significant impact?

Hannah Marcus: We collaborated with an institution in the Netherlands to develop a toolkit for public health professionals to support climate change litigation. Our member associations provided input through a survey, contributing to the toolkit’s development and dissemination.

How does the support from the WFPHA facilitate your group’s integration of public health approaches into environmental advocacy?

Hannah Marcus: The WFPHA provides a platform for integrating diverse public health perspectives into our work and bringing together diverse disciplinary experts in the field. Collaboration with other working groups ensures a comprehensive approach to environmental health issues.

Andrea Rother: The WFPHA offers access to global forums like the World Health Assembly, where environmental health issues can be highlighted and integrated into broader public health discussions.

Any last words?

Hannah Marcus: I want to reiterate the importance of collaboration and the collective effort to shape global policy on environmental health issues. The WFPHA’s support is crucial in bringing diverse voices and expertise together to achieve our goals.

Working Group Members:

– Hannah Marcus, Co-Chair, Consilient Research, Somaliland.

– Andrea Rother, Co-Chair, Division of Environmental Health, School of Public Health University of Cape Town, South Africa.

– Lwando Maki, Co-Chair, World Medical Association, South African Medical Association, Public Health Association of South Africa, World Health Assembly, South Africa.

– Liz Hanna, Chair (alumni), Australia National University, Australia.

– Peter Orris, Co-Chair (alumni), University of Illinois, World Medical Association, USA.

– Peter Tait, Member, Australia National University, Public Health Association of Australia, Australia.

– Chadia Wannous, Member, World Organisation for Animal Health, France.

– Ramon San Pascual, Member, Health Care without Harm, Philippines.

– Eliana Martinez Herrera, Grupo de Investigación Epidemiologia GEPI Universidad de Antioquia; Grupo de Investigación en Desigualdades en la Salud, Ecología y Condiciones de Empleo y Trabajo GREDS/EMCONET; Public Policy Center JHU-UPF. Asociación Colombiana de Salud Pública; Asociacion Colombiana de Epidemiología, Colombia.

– Joyce Shirinde, Member, University of Pretoria School of Health Systems and Public Health, South Africa.

– Shweta Narayan, Member, Health Care Without Harm.

– Jit Sohal, Member, Health Care Without Harm, Philippines.

– Guilherme Netto, Member, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Brazil.

– Mirwais Amiri, Member, Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network, Jordan.

– Sayed Himatt, Member, Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network, Jordan.

– Mohannad Jaghabir, Member, Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network, Jordan.

– Haitham Bashier, Member, Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network, Sudan.

– Deema Al Bakri, Member, Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network, Jordan.

– Lea Merone, Member, University of Queensland, Australia.

– Annalaura Carducci, Member, University of Pisa, Italy.

– Susan Elliott, Member, University of Waterloo, Canada.

– Tara Chen, Member, University of Waterloo, Canada.

– Katherine Catalano, Member, Deputy Director, Center for Climate, Health and Equity, American Public Health Association.

– Sari Kovats, Member, Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health, Environments and Society at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom.

– Caradee Wright, Member, Chief Specialist Scientist: Environment and Health Research Unit, South Africa.

– David Patterson, Member, International Development Law Organization (IDLO), EUPHA-LAW, the Netherlands.

– Kris Ebi, Member, University of Washington Center for Health and the Global Environment, USA.

Oral Health Working Group Chair Interview: Dr. Hyewon Lee

Oral health is a crucial component of public health, affecting overall well-being and quality of life. Poor oral health can lead to significant health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Ensuring good oral health practices and integrating them into broader public health strategies is essential for promoting health equity and preventing diseases. 

In this interview, we speak with Hyewon Lee, Chair of the Oral Health Working Group for the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), to gain insights into her career, the activities of her working group, and the importance of oral health in the public health sector.

Please introduce yourself.

Hyewon Lee: My name is Hyewon Lee. I’m the chair of the Oral Health Working Group of the World Federation of Public Health Associations and a pediatric dentist.

What motivated you to pursue a career in the public health sector

Hyewon Lee: As a pediatric dentist, I often see young patients with severe dental caries who require dental treatment under general anesthesia. A prevention-centered care approach is crucial to alleviating families’ financial burden and emotional stress. This led me to focus on early prevention, starting with pregnant women. About 12 years ago, I worked on the U.S. national guideline for pregnant women’s oral health, which sparked my interest in public health and preventive care.

How long have you been associated with the World Federation of Public Health Associations?

Hyewon Lee: This year marks my 13th year with the WFPHA. I joined in 2012 as an intern, progressed to vice chair, and now serve as chair. I’ve really grown with the Public Health Association throughout my career.

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

Hyewon Lee: Our working group is unique because we collaborate extensively with other groups, such as the Tobacco Control, the Women, Children, and Youth Health, Non-Communicable Diseases, and Young Working Groups, to advance our shared health agendas. We’ve worked on several policy resolutions endorsed by the General Council of the WFPHA and published articles highlighting oral health in primary healthcare and beyond, including the WFPHA Maternal and Child Oral Health Initiative.

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

Hyewon Lee: About ten years ago, I was involved in rolling out the Global Charter, which emphasizes promoting health, preventing diseases, and amplifying the voices of people and health professionals. The Oral Health Workgroup focuses on prevention and promotion rather than just treatment, which aligns with the core values of the WFPHA. We also catalyze insights and collaborations among our diverse group of 30 members across 17 countries.

How has being part of the Association and its network enhanced your working group’s activities and expanded its reach?

Hyewon Lee: One of our significant achievements is the WFPHA Maternal and Child Oral Health Initiative, launched in 2023 during the World Congress on Public Health. This initiative, developed in collaboration with various international and national organizations, aims to integrate oral health into antenatal and primary healthcare. Endorsed by over 50 international and national entities, including ministries of health and health professional organizations, it aims to expand our collaboration and highlight oral health in maternal and child healthcare systems.

How has being part of the Federation enhanced your group’s ability to advocate for dental public health globally?

Hyewon Lee: We recently conducted a global oral health workforce survey to identify the primary oral health workforce’s challenges. Our findings shared at the International Federation of Dental Hygiene Associations Conference emphasized the need for a broader definition of the primary oral health workforce. We are also in the process of highlighting various school-based oral healthcare models in the form of a casebook later this year, and we have published an editorial in the Journal of School Health. We envision that oral health is integrated into the health sector and, beyond that, in education and other fields so that oral health becomes an integral part of people’s lives.

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

Hyewon Lee: Engaging communities depends on how we define them. We have reached out to public health professionals in the past. To truly measure our impact, we need to involve community members, especially caretakers, as integral parts of the primary healthcare systems. We plan to include more youth and junior members in our working group, as their perspectives and innovative ideas can revitalize our efforts. For example, we’re proposing a networking event, collaborating with other public health organizations during the UN General Assembly Meeting later this year to discuss current oral health challenges and innovative solutions in the view of future oral health professionals.

What unique opportunities has your group gained from the Federation network and resources?

Hyewon Lee: Being part of the WFPHA allows us to collaborate with other work groups and integrate oral health into broader health discussions. We’re currently teaming up with the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Prevention Working Group to develop a podcast series on the link between oral health and NCDs. This collaboration, made possible by the nurturing environment of the WFPHA, helps us promote oral health as an essential component of overall health and well-being.

The work of Hyewon Lee and the Oral Health Work Group highlights the critical role of oral health in public health. They are making significant strides in integrating oral health into broader health strategies through collaboration, innovative models, and community engagement. Their efforts underscore the importance of preventive care and the need for a comprehensive approach to health that includes oral health as a fundamental component.

Working group members:

Abiola Adeniyi (Vice-chair), Assistant Professor, Fairleigh Dickinson University Vancouver, Canada.

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.