Eradicating Polio: What more Is Needed?

Polio cases have fallen 99.9% since 1988. In 2020 Africa was certified polio free by the World Health Organization. However, polio will remain a key public health concern until such time as there are no wild polio cases. Last year there were over a hundred cases. Until mid-September 2021 there were just two wild polio cases recorded, one in Pakistan and the other in Afghanistan. In June 2021 the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) launched the Polio Eradication Strategy 2022-2026: Delivering on a Promise to overcome the remaining barriers to ending polio, including the delay caused by COVID-19.

On October 12, 2021, “Eradicating Polio: What more Is Needed?” webinar focused on the barriers, challenges and leverages to reach every child and eradicate polio globally.

This webinar is available to view by clicking on the link below.

Polio Eradication: Last Battle?

Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious viral disease that attacks the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis and death. There is no cure for polio, it can only be prevented through immunisation. Polio remains endemic in two countries – Afghanistan and Pakistan. According to the World Health Organisation, failure to stop polio could result in as many as 200,000 new cases every year, for up to 10 years, all over the world. Eradication of polio will save lives and could save $50 billion USD in low-to-middle income countries. A continuing coordinated effort between international organisations, non-government organisations, philanthropists, religious organisations and governments around the world is needed to finally eradicate polio.

Prof. Walter Ricciardi on Meeting with Pope Francis

The WFPHA’ President Prof. Walter Ricciardi met with Pope Francis on Tuesday, September 28, and spoke about the WFPHA’s missions and goals. The Pope expressed his appreciation and encouragement to the WFPHA.

Eliminating the Existential Threat of Nuclear Weapons

On September 30, 2021, at 11:00 (EDT), “Eliminating the Existential Threat of Nuclear Weapons” webinar will be held to discuss the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and other steps for eliminating the existential threat of nuclear weapons.

Confirmed Speakers:

• Izumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs
• Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross
• Shekhar Mehta, President of Rotary International

Chair:

• Ruth Mitchell, Board Chair of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War

This important virtual event is co-hosted by the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, the International Council of Nurses, the International Federation of Medical Students’ Association, the World Medical Association, and the World Federation of Public Health Association.

Join this one-hour high level discussion by clicking on the link below.

In Solidarity with Afghanistan

Afghanistan is suffering a double burden of disease because communicable diseases are widely prevalent throughout the country and non-communicable diseases are also on the rise. Considering the recent changes in Afghanistan and the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) is extremely concerned by the rising level of violence and risk over the last several years.

We urge the Afghan Government, the international community, and all world leaders to act collectively and decisively to enhance investment in the health sector and implement a coordinated action plan to improve the health of the people and to protect their lives and rights.

Statement about the Current Situation in Tigray, Ethiopia

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) notes with concern the reports that around 5 million people need humanitarian assistance, and more than two million people were forced to flee their homes in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.1

The WFPHA supports the United Nations’ call for an immediate end to hostilities, guaranteed, unrestricted humanitarian access, the re-establishment of public health services in all affected areas, and the creation of conditions that allow an Ethiopian-led dialogue to find a solution to the political crisis.2