Young WFPHA Working Group Chair Interview: Alessandro Berionni

Alessandro Berionni is a pivotal figure in public health. As the Chair of the Young Working Group for the World Federation of Public Health Associations (Young WFPHA), his contributions and insights shed light on the importance of young professionals in the sector. Engaging and empowering young public health professionals is crucial, as they bring fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and the energy needed to address global health challenges.

Can you introduce yourself

Alessandro Berionni: My name is Alessandro Berionni. I am 29 and a public health medical resident at the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in Milan. I currently live in Athens, where I work for WHO’s Athens Quality of Care and Patient Safety Office. Few people know I graduated from the conservatory as a classical pianist a few years ago. I have a deep love for music, the arts, and creatively innovative things. I also enjoy jogging with friends or walking while listening to good music in my free time.

What motivated you to pursue a career in the public health sector

Alessandro Berionni: I was a dermatology resident before moving to public health. While working in the hospital, I realized I was more interested in viewing health from a broader perspective. In clinical practice, there is often a strong focus on treating diseases without fully addressing their root causes. Public health, on the other hand, fascinated me because it focuses on the factors that lead to diseases and works to address them at their source.

I am also motivated by the sense of justice and equity in public health. I am especially drawn to making healthcare accessible and envisioning a future where everyone can achieve optimal health.

How long have you been associated with the World Federation of Public Health Associations?

Alessandro Berionni: I began working with the WFPHA in March 2023 when I became chair of the Students and Early Career Professional Working Group, which we later rebranded to Young WFPHA. Before that, I was associated with the Italian Public Health Association (SitI) and the European Network of Medical Residents in Public Health (EURONET MRPH) but not actively involved in WFPHA. 

Please elaborate on your working group’s current activities and share your vision and plans for the future.

Alessandro Berionni: Since March 2023, we’ve primarily focused on public health professional development, youth engagement, and global advocacy. One of our main projects is a survey designed to identify the challenges and needs of young public health professionals. This survey highlighted a strong desire for global impact, mentorship, and more opportunities. We’ve also researched digital and health literacy and launched various engagement activities, such as social media campaigns, webinars, and additional research opportunities.

Looking ahead, our vision includes strengthening regional and global public health networks, establishing regional representatives, enhancing communication through newsletters, expanding our membership, and providing more engaging opportunities. Our main goal is to strengthen a worldwide diverse and interconnected public health community.

How do the working group’s activities align with and support implementing the Association’s strategic plan?

Alessandro Berionni: The Young WFPHA aligns with the strategic plan through advocacy, capacity building, and fostering global health governance. We participate in local and international conferences, conduct webinars, and collaborate with organizations such as the Junior Doctors Network, International Pharmaceutical Students Federation, Health Equity Network of the Americas, the World Health Organization, etc. These activities support the strategic goals of increasing partnerships, facilitating knowledge exchange, and enhancing communication.

In what ways has being part of the Federation and its network enhanced the activities of your working group and expanded its reach?

Alessandro Berionni: The WFPHA has provided us with significant opportunities and support. It has enabled us to connect with high-level speakers and participate in key events, expanding our network and strengthening our working group. Additionally, it has facilitated our collaboration with numerous professionals and students on various research projects, enhancing our outreach and impact.

How does being part of the Federation benefit your group’s mission to represent students and young professionals in public health

Alessandro Berionni: The WFPHA provides a global platform and visibility for our initiatives, enabling us to connect with stakeholders at high-level events. This ongoing support helps us fulfill our mission of engaging young professionals across diverse disciplines. We aim to create a well-represented community that addresses public health challenges through collaboration and innovation.

What programs does the group offer to support the career development of young public health professionals

Alessandro Berionni: The Young WFPHA working group organizes networking events to develop the soft skills essential in public health. We also create specific sub-groups where students and young professionals can discuss and collaborate on projects, offering valuable exposure and knowledge exchange opportunities. We plan to launch a mentorship platform to support career growth and development further.

Any last words?

Alessandro Berionni: I always stress the importance of young people bringing fresh perspectives and creativity to public health. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference. It’s about showcasing our work, fostering a positive attitude, and igniting enthusiasm for public health. The dream of a better, more equitable world leads us to achieve meaningful results with a global impact.

Alessandro Berionni’s dedication to public health and leadership within the Young underscores the critical role of young professionals in this field. Their innovative approaches and commitment to justice and equity are vital for addressing global health challenges and creating a healthier future for all.

Working Group Members:

– Alessandro Berionni, Young WFPHA Chair, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Italy.

– Lwando Maki, Young WFPHA Vice Chair and Representative at the WFPHA Governing Council, Public Health Association of South Africa (PHASA), South Africa.

– Federica Castellana, Young WFPHA Secretary, Italian Red Cross, Italy.

– Duha Shellah, Young WFPHA Research Lead and Vice Chair of WHO EMRO Youth Council, Palestine Academy for Science & Technology, Palestine.

– Amilcar Juggernath, Young WFPHA Research Co-Lead, Public Health Association of South Africa (PHASA), South Africa.

– Marcello di Pumpo, Young WFPHA Research Co-Lead, Project Lead, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy.

– Anke Kotze, Young WFPHA Communication Lead, Cornell University, USA.

– Melissa Sawaya, Young WFPHA Communication Co-Lead, Université Paris-Saclay, France.

– Alexandria Chung, Young WPFHA Communication Co-Lead, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), UK.

– Mustakim, Young WFPHA Membership Lead, Indonesian Public Health Association, Indonesia.

– Luis Fernando Solis Calvo, Young WFPHA Networking Lead, The Health Equity Network of the Americas (HENA).

– David Peyre Costa, Young WPFHA Partnership Lead, University of Trosmø, Norway.

– Augusto Baron, Young WFPHA representative at the Quadripartite Working Group for Youth Engagement, Colegio Médico de Honduras, Honduras.

– Haleluya Leulseged, Young WFPHA Project Management, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).

– Francesco Andrea Causio, Young WPFHA Project Lead, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy.

– Nunzio Zotti, Young WFPHA Project Lead, Università di Pisa, Italy.

– 劉憬勲 Ching-Hsun “Walter” Liu, Young WFPHA Project Lead, Federation of Public Health Student Associations in Taiwan, Taiwan.