Reducing Maternal Mortality Ratio in low- and Middle-income Countries

The World Health Organization (WHO) has long identified maternal mortality as a global priority for improving global health outcomes. Yet, the United Nations Millennium Development Goal 5 (MDG5) to reduce the global MMR by three quarters was unmet in 2015, the target date for achievement, the burden of avoidable maternal deaths persists in many low-resource countries, rural areas, and disadvantaged communities. There is an urgent need to fulfill the unfinished work done in resource poor countries due to the unacceptable high death toll. Further action is needed in low resource countries to address the major causes and end avoidable maternal mortality through increasing the investment, access, and equity of skilled birth attendants (SBA) for all.

Policy Statement on Climate Change

Climate change is a global problem. It is harming human health and wellbeing today, and we have clear evidence that lack of effective response will render the global poor, people living in low lying areas, along coastlines, in the world’s hot zones, and regions prone to tropical storms, floods, fires and drought, as well as today’s young people, to a life unnecessarily diminished in opportunities for prosperity, wellbeing, safety and security.

Governments have a duty to protect the health and well-being of their citizenry, and to promote the wellbeing of all who live on this planet, both currently and in the future.

The Climate Emergency is a Health Emergency. The WFPHA stands ready to advocate for a healthy future and urges all our partners to do likewise.

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.