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.

WFPHA Advocates for Healthy Aging at ILC-UK Event

Today, Dr. Marta Lomazzi, Executive Manager of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), represented the WFPHA at the International Longevity Centre – UK (ILC-UK) side event on the Healthy Ageing and Prevention Index.

In her presentation, Dr. Lomazzi highlighted the public health approach to healthy aging, with a special focus on intergenerational approaches to vaccination. Her insights underscored the critical role of public health strategies in fostering healthier aging populations worldwide.

Dr. Lomazzi’s insights reflect the WFPHA’s commitment to innovative public health strategies. As populations worldwide continue to age, her message underscores the importance of comprehensive, inclusive approaches to ensure healthier futures for all.