Public Health for the Future of Humanity: One Planet, One People, One Health

The 16th World Congress on Public Health was held from 12 to 16 October 2020 as a fully virtual event in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. The theme of the Congress “Public Health for the Future of Humanity: Analysis, Advocacy and Action” was even more relevant than ever before.

We have seen that public health professionals around the world have been united working in solidarity for the common good and betterment of humankind, leading the scientific analysis and advise to decisionmakers, and on front lines in the field practically tackling the ongoing Covid 19 global public health emergency. People have gone to their balconies and front doors to applaud and convey their admiration and thanks for their work and other health professionals in these extraordinary times.

But, let’s not forget that: There is urgent need to invest in public health and care services and work together as citizens of one planet to deliver the 2030 sustainable development goals, all of which have implications for our health and wellbeing.

Producing a Safe and Effective Vaccine: Align Public Health Needs with Economic & Social Development Objectives

The development of a safe and effective vaccine for COVID-19 is a key step to control the pandemic. The challenges and efforts needed to rapidly develop, evaluate and produce this vaccine at global scale are huge. This is true for all vaccines. Aligning vaccine development with public health needs, economic and social development objectives is not an easy task.

During this webinar, Prof. Ian Frazer AC, co-inventor of the technology enabling the vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV), discussed the challenges and leverages to develop a safe and effective vaccine from the need to production.

The event was followed by a panel discussion with Prof. Walter Ricciardi, President of WFPHA, Dr. Jane Barratt, Secretary General of The International Federation on Ageing (IFA), and Dr. Malabika Sarker, Heroine of Health 2018, focusing on advocacy efforts and political approaches to guarantee coordinated efforts to make sure that all countries have access to safe and effective vaccines with equitable conditions.

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

This event is supported by WFPHA, University of Geneva, and Pfizer.

Sheila Tlou Joins Our International Immunization Policy Task Force!

A warm welcome to Prof. Sheila Dinotshe Tlou Co-Chair of The Global HIV Prevention Coalition & Nursing Now on joining WFPHA’s International Immunization Policy Task Force of key global experts on vaccination policies.

16th World Congress on Public Health Came to a Close!

More than 3,750 public health professionals and policymakers from 125 countries gathered online at a time when sharing science is more important than ever.

After 3 years of anticipation, the 16th World Congress on Public Health (WCPH) finally came to a close. The virtual event, which was co-organized by the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), the European Public Health Association (EUPHA), and the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventative Medicine, and Public Health (SItI) saw an incredible turnout as 3,750 participants tuned in virtually from across 125 countries. Inspiring presentations and meaningful discussions brought together public health professionals as they navigated challenges under the theme of “Public Health for the Future of Humanity: Analysis, Advocacy, and Action”.

309 total sessions were dedicated to covering topics under a 12-track scientific programme. Sessions related to topics including COVID-19, infectious diseases, public health advocacy, health workforce training, digital health, and environmental health were led by various leaders and experts across multiple sectors.

This year, the virtual congress was led by WFPHA President, Professor Walter Ricciardi, and Professor Carlo Signorellli along with George Benjamin, Michael Moore, Iveta Nagyova, Sabina F. Rachid, Luís Eugênio de Souza, and Sheila Dinotshe Tlou as co-Chairs. In his introduction to the 16th WCPH, Professor Ricciardi said, “An examination of public health questions allows us to focus on certain matters of great importance for all of humanity. First, in order to understand them better, and then to be able to take any appropriate action.” In honour of the great scientific value and international recognition of the WCPH, they received the Medal of the President of the Italian Republic.

During the opening ceremonies, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighted how, “it is a critical moment for humanity and a critical moment for public health”. His words, among those shared by over 40 high-profile experts and policymakers featured in the plenary sessions, reaffirm the value of gathering the global public health community during these uncertain times.

Throughout the conference, the impact of COVID-19 on public health was heavily emphasized. In the final plenary session, Richard Horton, Editor-in-Chief of The Lancet, described how COVID-19 is part of a larger syndemic—a synthesis of epidemics. He suggests that we are experiencing “an epidemic of coronavirus, combined with an epidemic of chronic disease, non-communicable disease, and an epidemic of inequality and poverty.” This insight reinforces the notion that the current pandemic, among other global public health issues, cannot be considered in isolation. Rather, each health crisis must be examined from multiple perspectives and across various sectors.

Despite the limitations posed to this year’s congress, the 5-day, online event ended on a positive note. In a final call-to-action, Professor Walter Ricciardi said, “We will meet again—somewhere, someplace. Continue to fight for public health and the health of our population.” The 17th WCPH will take place three years from now in 2023.

Public Health Answers: Leadership Role in Global Public Health

Has the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) changed since the outbreak of COVID-19? What can we do to prevent the next pandemic? In this episode of Public Health Answers, we talk to Dr Ruediger Krech, Director of the Department of Health Promotion at WHO, to get answers to these and other questions.

Click on the link below to watch the video on our YouTube. Let us know what you think and what questions you would like to ask public health experts. Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below the video.

Major National Barriers to Climate Change Adaptation for Public Health

What are the major government constraints to enactment and implementation of public health-targeted climate change adaptation (CCA) strategies?

According to a recent study published by the WFPHA’s Environmental Health Working Group, poor government coordination, lack of political will, and inadequate adaptation finances are the largest apparent barriers.

But, what about other barriers? What are the benefits of uncovering these barriers?

Read full study to equip yourself with the knowledge resources necessary to more effectively mobilize and support CCA for public health responses at the national level.