Global Public Health Week (GPHW)
Peace for Health, Health for Peace | April 6–10, 2026
The Global Public Health Week (GPHW) is the World Federation of Public Health Associations’ (WFPHA) annual global advocacy initiative, mobilizing public health actors worldwide to advance equity, strengthen systems, and champion public health as a global public good.
Each year, the Global Public Health Week brings together public health associations, institutions, professionals, and communities to raise public health’s visibility, share solutions, and inspire collective action across countries, cultures, and contexts.
Participation is open worldwide. You or your organization can submit a topic based on this year’s theme to get involved by March 1, 2026: Submit your application form here
What is the Global Public Health Week?
The Global Public Health Week is a globally coordinated, locally led movement.
Rather than a single centralized event, the GPHW empowers organizations and individuals around the world to host their own public health–related activities, aligned under a shared theme and timeframe. The WFPHA amplifies these efforts while convening complementary global events.
Through this collective approach, the Global Public Health Week:
- Elevates public health on national and global agendas
- Facilitates knowledge exchange across regions and disciplines
- Strengthens solidarity among public health professionals worldwide
Why Global Public Health Week Matters
Public health has long been the foundation of population well-being, yet its contributions often remain unseen and underfunded. While the COVID-19 pandemic underscored its importance, sustained attention and investment are not guaranteed.
The Global Public Health Week exists to ensure that public health remains:
- Visible in public discourse and policy decision-making
- Valued as essential infrastructure for resilient societies
- Strengthened through prevention, preparedness, and equity
Global Public Health Week helps to:
- Promote prevention and preparedness to reduce future health emergencies
- Address persistent and emerging health inequities
- Share practical solutions across diverse global contexts
Global Public Health Week 2026 Theme
Peace for Health, Health for Peace
The sixth edition of Global Public Health Week will take place from April 6 to 10, 2026, focusing on the interdependence of peace, equity, and public health.
In settings affected by conflict, climate change, and social injustice, public health plays a critical role in protecting lives, strengthening social cohesion, and supporting recovery.
2026 Priority Themes
Participants are encouraged to align their activities with one or more of the following focus areas:
- Peaceful Societies, Healthy Populations
Governance, human rights, and social determinants of health - Protecting Health Systems in Times of Crisis
Health system resilience and the safety and protection of health workers - Prevention First: From Epidemics to Everyday Health
Immunization, surveillance, and community-based prevention - One Planet, One Health, One Peace
Environmental health, climate change, and equitable access to resources - Rebuilding Health and Hope
Mental health, social recovery, and youth engagement
Get Involved
The Global Public Health Week is driven by collective action.
The WFPHA invites:
- WFPHA member associations
- National and regional public health associations
- Academic and research institutions
- Civil society and nonprofit organizations
- Public health professionals, practitioners, and advocates
to participate by organizing and promoting public health activities in their own communities and countries.
Participation is open and inclusive, from grassroots initiatives to national-level events.
How It Works
During the Global Public Health Week, you organize a public health–related activity, and the WFPHA helps amplify its reach.
The WFPHA’s Role
- Curates and promotes registered events on the WFPHA website
- Amplifies activities through the WFPHA’s global communication channels
- Organizes a series of flagship global events during the week
Your Role
You can host online, in-person, or hybrid activities, including:
- Workshops, conferences, and webinars
- Panel discussions, lectures, or training sessions
- Community outreach or awareness campaigns
- Social media actions, contests, or advocacy initiatives
Activities may be delivered in any language and adapted to local priorities.
How to Participate
- Select a theme
Choose one or more of the Global Public Health Week 2026 priority themes. - Plan your activity
Mobilize your team and design an engaging public health event or campaign. - Register your participation
Submit your activity via the application form by March 1, 2026.
Approved activities will be featured and promoted during Global Public Health Week.
Submit your application form now
How the Global Public Health Week Creates Impact
By taking part in the Global Public Health Week, you contribute to:
- Increased visibility for public health at all levels
- Stronger collaboration between governments, academia, civil society, and communities
- Advocacy for sustainable investment in public health systems
- Collective action to reduce health inequities and strengthen resilience
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Global Public Health Week only organized by the WFPHA?
No. The WFPHA coordinates and amplifies the initiative, while participating organizations and individuals implement it worldwide.
Do I need to be a WFPHA member to participate?
No. Participation is open to all public health stakeholders, including non-members.
What type of events can I organize?
Any activity related to public health, aligned with the 2026 themes, is welcome: online, in-person, or hybrid.
Will the WFPHA promote my event?
Yes. Registered activities are promoted on the WFPHA website and through its communication channels.
Join the Global Movement
The Global Public Health Week 2026 is a shared commitment to equity, prevention, and peace through public health.
April 6–10, 2026
Participation deadline: March 1, 2026
Submit your application form now
Be part of the global effort. Make public health visible. Act for peace and health.