WFPHA Global Charter for the Public’s Health

Addressing new challenges: the 2024 revision

The Global Charter, first introduced in 2016 by the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), provides a framework for essential public health services worldwide.

The 2024 Revision of the WFPHA Global Charter for the Public’s Health addresses the evolving challenges in public health. With misinformation, politicization, and distrust eroding public confidence, the Charter emphasizes the intersection of politics and public health, highlighting the need for advocacy, ethical standards, and cultural humility.

The New Key Context of 2024’s Charter

As the public health landscape has transformed significantly since the Charter’s inception, The World Health Organization (WHO) Public Health and Emergency Workforce Roadmap now drives this transformation, focusing on:

1. Redefining Essential Public Health Functions (EPHFs): Updating EPHFs and their subfunctions to meet contemporary challenges.
2. Strengthening Skills and Education: Identifying competencies required for effective EPHF delivery and enhancing education programs.
   
3. Mapping the Global Public Health Workforce: Measuring and categorizing public health professionals across diverse roles and contexts.

Same Core Values as the Original One

The Global Charter remains a practical guide for health associations and professionals, aligning with the revised WHO EPHFs while maintaining its fundamental public health values, including:

1. Equity: Health as a human right with equitable access for all.
2. Inclusivity: Ensuring diverse voices are represented in public health initiatives.
3. Justice: Promoting fairness and eliminating health disparities.
4. Solidarity: Encouraging global collective responsibility for health.

The Global Charter underscores the role of public health professionals in navigating complex political environments and implementing effective health interventions.

Objectives of the Revised Charter

The 2024 WFPHA Global Charter aims to:

1. Establish a clear understanding of public health services and their supporting roles.
2. Foster collaboration among NGOs, governments, civil society, and the private sector.
3. Strengthen health systems to promote equity, universal health coverage, and sustainable outcomes.
4. Support the SDGs and drive economic growth through improved public health.
5. Empower public health professionals to influence policy effectively.

Components of the WFPHA Global Charter for Public’s Health

The Global Charter’s framework focuses on core services and enablers essential to effective public health delivery:

Core Services:

1. Protection: Adopting a One-Health approach to safeguard public health by regulating practices, managing emergencies, and reducing hazards.
2. Prevention: Ensuring accessible health services, emergency preparedness, and proactive interventions in emerging health issues.
3. Promotion: Promoting well-being by addressing the determinants of health and involving communities in decision-making.

Enablers:

1. Good Governance: Building robust public health systems through policies, ethical frameworks, and cross-sector collaboration.
2. Effective Advocacy: Engaging communities, informing policy, and promoting healthy behaviors through strategic communication.
3. Capability Building: Developing a skilled, diverse workforce with sustainable career paths and adequate resources.
4. Accurate Information: Utilizing evidence-based data, research, and advanced technologies for informed public health decisions.

Get Involved with the WFPHA Global Charter for Public’s Health

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