Page 14 – Public Health Update

Report and Action Plan of the Health Insurance Reform Advisory Committee, 2024

by Public Health Update March 16, 2025

Overview

The Ministry of Health and Population has disseminated the long-awaited report of the Health Insurance Reform Advisory Committee, 2024 (2081 BS). The committee was formed by the MoHP to improve health insurance and enhance citizens’ access to healthcare services. It was tasked with assessing Nepal’s health insurance program through a SWOT analysis, identifying challenges, and proposing solutions.
The report presents a review of the committee’s work, recommendations to streamline the program through a single-door system, suggestions to enroll all citizens, expand benefits, and ensure resource sustainability through policy interventions.

Key recommendations

The committee advised the Government of Nepal to implement comprehensive policy and legal reforms, effective resource management, along with determining appropriate service packages and premium rates. The committee also recommended strengthening risk management strategies and implementing structural reforms to improve the system. It suggested enhancing collaboration across all three levels of government to ensure seamless service delivery. Further, the committee highlighted the importance of service improvements, better implementation practices, defining premium slabs, and promoting good governance within the health insurance program.

For more details, read the full report.

Download report

Similarly, another committee was formed by the MoHP to review and prepare an action plan based on the Report and Action Plan of the Health Insurance Reform Advisory Committee, 2024. This committee has developed a 50-point action plan, aimed to be implemented within six months to a year. The plan includes legal revisions, policy-level decisions, ministerial decisions, and activities related to the Health Insurance Board’s decisions.

Download action plan

World Kidney Day 2025: Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect early, protect kidney health

by Public Health Update March 14, 2025

written by Public Health Update

Overview

World Kidney Day is a global health awareness campaign jointly organized by the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations – World Kidney Alliance (IFKF-WKA). It aims to raise awareness about kidney health, promote prevention strategies, and reduce the impact of kidney disease worldwide.

Theme 2025

The World Kidney Day Joint Steering Committee has declared 2025 to be the year of “Are Your Kidneys OK? – Detect early, protect kidney health”.

Facts

Kidney disease is a growing global concern, affecting 850 million people worldwide and causing 5 to 11 million deaths annually.
This burden disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations in lowerincome countries, exacerbating health inequalities.
With kidney disease being projected to become the 5th leading cause of death in the coming years, it represents a major public health challenge.
The good news is that timely testing and intervention can not only reduce healthcare costs but, most importantly, save lives.

Facts: World Kidney Day

World Glaucoma Week 2025: Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World

by Public Health Update March 14, 2025

written by Public Health Update

Overview

World Glaucoma Week, organized by the World Glaucoma Association (WGA), is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about glaucoma. Through a range of interactive activities worldwide, it encourages patients, eye-care professionals, health authorities, and the public to take part in efforts to protect vision. The primary objective is to emphasize the importance of regular eye and optic nerve examinations for early glaucoma detection. This year, World Glaucoma Week will be observed globally from March 9 to 15, 2025, with various events and initiatives.

National Eye Health Strategy 2079-2086

Theme 2025

This year’s theme “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World” focuses on bringing communities worldwide to fight together against glaucoma blindness. Become involved and be a part of the activities organized over the globe. Help us raise awareness worldwide and learn more about glaucoma.

Facts (WGA)

Glaucoma remains the leading cause of preventable irreversible blindness worldwide.
Currently, an estimated 78 million people are diagnosed with glaucoma globally, and this number is projected to rise to 111.8 million by 2040.
One in 200 individuals aged 40 has glaucoma, with the prevalence increasing to one in eight by age 80.
As the global population ages, the incidence of glaucoma is expected to escalate, making it a growing public health concern.
Early detection through regular eye examinations is crucial, as glaucoma often presents without symptoms in its early stages.
Once vision is lost due to glaucoma, it cannot be restored; however, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further damage.

World Glaucoma Association

Gender and Health Summer Course 2025

by Public Health Update March 12, 2025

written by Public Health Update

Overview

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Gender and Health Summer Institute is now accepting applications for its upcoming short course on Gender and Health. A number of full-tuition scholarships are available for participants interested in enrolling in a course as part of the Gender and Health Summer Institute

The Gender and Health Summer Institute is an exciting opportunity to build or refresh your skills in various aspects of gender and equity analysis. Featuring teaching by global experts, the Institute usually attracts students and those seeking professional development. It’s a great primer for learners seeking to integrate a gendered approach in their current thinking or practice, or those who wish to advise on gender within health organizations.

All health programs should take gender into consideration and integrate it to have an impact on health outcomes and equity. The Gender and Health Summer Institute features an applied educational curriculum to advance research and implementation skills for gender analysis.

The Gender and Health Summer Institute is composed of a series of short, focused, online courses that provide training in gender and health equity. Courses focus on applied methods and are grounded in real-world challenges. While many of the Gender and Health Summer Institute courses are new offerings, there are also a few well-established courses moving over from other Summer Institutes or departments. This Institute targets current and future global public health professionals around the world seeking applied gender skills.

Summer Institute

The Summer Institute is designed for students as well as working professionals, both within and outside of Johns Hopkins University.

Tuition discounts and scholarships available: We are excited to offer a substantial discount for non-credit courses and a limited number of full scholarships for non-credit and for-credit courses. Please scroll down to the green box for more information on tuition and scholarships!
Applied skills: Courses will use knowledge and skills-based competencies, key foundations, and case studies from existing research and programs to build and enhance skills in applying gender-related analyses and programming.
Flexible schedule: Fully online with a blend of asynchronous materials and synchronous lectures. All courses are between two and five half days long and offered from 8 am to 12 pm EST in order to accommodate different time zones. Students can take as many of the courses as they would like — there is no minimum or maximum requirement. Specific course dates can be found on the Course Offerings page.
Diverse and international student body: Join students from around the world! Past students have represented a range of academic and professional backgrounds and come from dozens of countries, including Australia, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Lebanon, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria, South Korea, Thailand, Uganda, UK, and Ukraine.

Curriculum: Courses are taught by leading faculty who have extensive interdisciplinary experience and expertise in the field of gender and health.

Areas of interest

Using data to promote gender equity and health
Gender transformative interventions
Gender budgeting
Conducting gender situational analyses
Gender-responsive monitoring and evaluation (M&E)
Adapting health programs for sexual and gender minorities
Advocacy and communication for gender and health equity
Essential skills in women’s leadership
Integrating men into global health programming
Gender in emergencies
Women’s health
Implementation research
… and more!

Tuition and Fees

The Gender and Health Summer Institute is pleased to be able to offer a discount of $464.50 per credit to all participants who take courses not-for-credit in our Summer Institute. This discount will only apply to courses in the Gender and Health Summer Institute and it will only apply for non-credit participants. Please contact our Summer Institute Coordinator, Katherine Banchoff, at kbanchoff@jhu.edu if you have questions about the non-credit Summer Institute discount.

Please refer to the Tuition and Fees page for current non-credit and for-credit Summer Institute tuition rates, scrolling down to the section on Summer, Fall and Winter Institute tuition.

Scholarships

We’re excited to announce we have several full scholarships available for our courses. Scholarships will be determined through a competitive application process and awarded to a limited number of students. Learn more about eligibility criteria and how to apply.

Applicants will be informed of their success by email by early May. Please wait to be informed about if you have been awarded a scholarship before going through the registration process.

Deadline for applications: April 1, 2025

Official announcement

March 12, 2025 0 comments

Communicable Diseases National Plan, Policy & Guidelines Research & Publication

Training Manual for Medical Doctors – Drug Resistant (DR) TB 2024

by Public Health Update March 12, 2025

written by Public Health Update

Overview

The Training Manual for Medical Doctors – Drug Resistant (DR) TB 2024 is designed to assist medical doctors in comprehending and managing Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB). It functions as an all-encompassing resource for diagnosing and treating DR-TB, offering practical case management skills through real-life scenarios. The manual highlights essential aspects such as diagnostic algorithms, tools, treatment plans, infection control, patient-focused care, and managing adverse drug reactions, ensuring healthcare professionals are thoroughly equipped to handle DR-TB cases effectively.

World Tuberculosis Day 2025: ‘Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver’

Objectives

Describe the global and Nepal-specific situation of DR TB epidemic, END TB strategy and National Strategic plan (NSP), 2021/22 – 2025/26.
Define DR TB, identify types and explain the causes of drug resistance and role of different levels in PMDT.
Explain diagnostic tests for DR TB, sputum specimen collection and transportation and diagnostic algorithms for DR TB
List different types of DR TB treatment regimen, drugs and explain the principles for treating MDR/RR-TB cases
Initiate the most appropriate regimen promptly, perform clinical and laboratory assessments per national guidelines, and optimize case management.
Monitor the follow up and treatment of DR TB patients and learn about aDSM.
Manage the DR-TB patients with comorbidities and in special situation.
Apply good IPC practices in his/her workplace, promote treatment adherence of patients by education and counseling sessions as well as provision of (available) social economic support.
Record and Report PMDT data per national guidelines.

Target Audience

This is a 3-day training program with site visits (DR TB treatment centers and Reference laboratories) designed for medical doctors and other healthcare professionals who are involved in the treatment, care, and management of DR TB patients.

Download Training Manual

Clinical Handbook of TB management Protocols 2024

by Public Health Update March 9, 2025

written by Public Health Update

Overview

The Clinical Handbook of TB management Protocols 2024 offers an overview of tuberculosis and provides insights into national diagnostic and treatment protocols, highlighting recent advancements, especially in managing drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) with shorter, all-oral treatment regimens. This handbook includes guides on the following topics.

Screening and Diagnosis

Methods of screening and diagnosis
Suggested screening strategies for presumptive TB cases
WHO recommended tools for TB screening
Laboratory tests of tuberculosis
Methods of obtaining a respiratory specimen
Diagnostic algorithm and treatment initiation for new presumptive TB patients
Diagnostic algorithm and treatment initiation for previously treated TB patients and interpretation of X-pert MTB/RIF/Ultra results
Interpretation of X-pert MTB/RIF and/or X-pert MTB/RIF/Ultra results
Interpretation of drug susceptibility test by LPA Result and treatment decision
Diagnosis of extrapulmonary TB in adults
Identifying presumptive TB in children
Critical signs requiring urgent hospital referral
Diagnostic algorithm of TB in Children (<15 years of age)
Screening and management of TB in Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) children
Systematic Screening for the Diagnosis of active pulmonary TB disease among PLHIV, Diabetes and other immune suppressant co-morbid conditions

Drug susceptible (DS) TB treatment and management

DS TB treatment and anti-TB drug regimens
Summary of extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) treatment
Dosing for DS TB treatment (Adults and Children)
Monitoring and follow up management of DS TB
Flow Chart for management and follow up of Pulmonary Bacteriologically Confirmed (PBC) TB patients
Management of patients who interrupted treatment

Drug Resistant (DR) TB Treatment and Management

Type of drug resistant (DR) TB
Treatment of isoniazid resistant TB (Hr-TB)
Decision tree for the diagnosis and treatment of MDR/RR TB
Treatment of multi-drug/rifampicin resistant (MDR/RR) TB
Weight based dosing of medicines used in multidrug resistant TB regimens, adults, and children
Follow up and monitoring of DR TB patients

Monitoring and Management of adverse events

Side effects of first line TB medicines and management
Side effects of second line TB medicines
Approach to hepatotoxicity caused by first-line anti- tuberculous drugs in adult
Dose adjustment in renal impairment

TB treatment in special circumstances

TB in people with HIV infection
TB in pregnancy and breast feeding
TB and diabetes mellitus (DM)
TB and tobacco Use

TB Infection Control and Prevention

TB Infection Control
TB Preventive Treatment (TPT)

Download guideline

National Guide for use of digital x-ray with AI in camp settings

by Public Health Update March 9, 2025

written by Public Health Update

Overview

The National Tuberculosis Control Center endorses the National Guide for using Digital X-rays with AI in Camp Settings. This guide aims to provide step by step process to Health workers, social mobilizers, officers, implementers, and planners engaged in ACF activities to support the effective deployment of digital X-ray technology, enhanced by artificial intelligence, for tuberculosis screening in camp settings across Nepal.

National TB Preventive Treatment Protocol 2024

This guide is the first of its kind, providing standardized procedures and operational guidelines to ensure accurate and timely TB diagnosis, especially in remote and high-risk populations. By integrating digital X-rays with AI into our TB control efforts, we aim to enhance early detection and improve outcomes, contributing to our goal of eliminating TB in Nepal.

Target population

The target population for TB screening using X-ray aims to prioritize those most vulnerable to TB infection and least likely to access regular, or existing healthcare services, ensuring that TB control efforts reach those who need them most, which are mostly vulnerable populations, mapped as detailed below.

Higher Prevalence of TB: Those within populations with an increased likelihood of TB transmission and infection.
Limited Access to Healthcare: Individuals facing difficulties accessing healthcare services due to geographical constraints, cultural barriers, socioeconomic challenges, or political barriers.
Congregate Settings: Individuals living in communal environments such as urban slums, monasteries, prisons, and other congregate settings where TB transmission rates may be elevated.
Hard-to-Reach Areas: Individuals residing in secluded or geographically isolated areas where access to healthcare services is particularly challenging.
Secluded Indigenous Population: Indigenous communities living in remote or isolated areas where healthcare resources may be scarce and TB prevalence may be higher.

Inclusion criteria

Population in target sites: 15 years and older, regardless of symptoms.
Contacts of bacteriologically confirmed TB: 5 years and older, regardless of symptoms.
Children aged 5-14 with prolonged cough (more than two weeks, on and off) and or malnutrition

Exclusion criteria CXR screening

Pregnant women.
TB patients under treatment
Children under 5 years old.

Assure radiation safety

Setting up of chest x-ray screening procedure:

Preferably conduct X-ray procedures in enclosed areas with a 2-meter safety zone.
If conducted in open air, maintain a minimum distance of 2 meters between individuals and the X-ray tube.
Use lead curtains to shield personnel from scattered X-rays and post appropriate radiation warning signs.

Worker’s safety:

Install lead curtains or barriers between the X-ray machine and personnel.
Ensure radiographers wear lead protectors as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Monitor radiation exposure levels regularly using dosimeters.

Participant safety:

Obtain informed consent from all participants before X-ray examination.
Inform female participants about the risks of chest X-ray during pregnancy and exclude pregnant women from screening.
Educate participants on the minimal health risks associated with chest X-ray radiation exposure.

Infection control:

Staff should wear N95 masks/surgical masks when working close to participants.
Encourage hand hygiene practices among staff and participants.
Minimize contact between participants during ACF activities.

Reporting: All program data should be reported monthly in the HMIS 9.3 and NTPMIS (NTP Service Tracker – SR Reporting) and regularly updated in the eTB register.

For more info: Download Guide

National TB Preventive Treatment Protocol 2024

by Public Health Update March 9, 2025

written by Public Health Update

Overview

The National TB Control Center has released the Protocol for the Management of TB Preventive Treatment (TPT), which outlines comprehensive guidelines for preventing the progression of TB infection to active TB disease. The primary objective of TPT is to prevent the progression of TB infection into TB disease.

World Tuberculosis Day 2025: ‘Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver’

Key summary

The program’s priority for TPT will be all children under 5 years old who are household contacts of people with bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB and all PLHIV.
TPT will also be expanded to other household contacts aged 5 years or more.
Symptom screening will be conducted for TB contacts under 5 years old and PLHIV, with TPT provided, based on the presence or absence of symptoms.
Other groups (contacts aged >5 years) will undergo additional tests (X-ray, bacteriological, and/or serological test) to rule out active TB, and only then can be initiated for TPT.
Serological tests (like TST, IGRA or TBST) to be done as available for detection of TB infection.
For non-PLHIV, the preferred TPT regimen will be a combination containing isoniazid and rifapentine (HP). However, children aged less than 2 years or less will still receive 3 months of HR, and HP will be provided to those aged 2 years and above. − If HP containing regimen is not available, then 3 HR will continue to be the choice of regimen.
For PLHIV, the preferred regimen is 3 HP. If the 3-month HP regimen is not available, a 6-month isoniazid (INH) regimen will be preferred choice for TPT.

Download Guideline

National Guide for use of digital x-ray with AI in camp settings

SSPH+ Lugano Summer School in Public Health Policy, Economics, and Management 2025

by Public Health Update March 3, 2025

written by Public Health Update

SSPH+ Lugano Summer School in Public Health Policy, Economics, and Management

The 34th edition of the SSPH+ Lugano Summer School in Public Health Policy, Economics, and Management will be held in Lugano, Switzerland, and online from August 18 to 23, 2025.

The SSPH+ Lugano Summer School in Public Health Policy, Economics, and Management places health, disease, and health systems thinking under one common framework of coherent concepts and practical implications. The education obtained and networks created serve as an opportunity to reduce and prevent the gap between public health theory and practice. Swiss Plexus builds capacity for global public health and contributes to the transformation of educational opportunity into a global common good.

The program matches health professionals, policy makers, students, and researchers from around the globe with high quality training offers provided by member institutions of the Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), the national coordinating body for promoting university education and research in public health sciences in Switzerland. By providing scholarships for short, skill and competency-based courses, Swiss Plexus supports the public health workforce to respond constructively to challenges of the public health sector. Swiss Plexus is run by SSPH+ and supported by a grant of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

What Lugano Summer School aims for

The Summer School focuses on Public Health Policy, Economics, and Management. The Programme aims to reduce the gap between public health theory and practice. The courses are intended for professionals and managers of health administrations, hospitals and other services and facilities within the health sector, policy-makers and students. Lugano Summer School offers an opportunity to meet new colleagues and peers, to exchange knowledge, build networks and share insights, all for the purpose of mutual learning for change.

Courses

Strategic Project Management: This course introduces participants to the basic principles, methods, and tools for project management in a realistic context, allowing them to improve their ability to manage complex projects.
Making sense of the evidence to inform programmes, policies, and practice: This course offers a thorough introduction to the methods and tools required to evaluate, synthesize, and apply evidence in public health practice and research.
Foundations of Digital Health: Navigating the evolving landscape of digital solutions for health systems strengthening: This course will focus on developing a robust understanding of the implications, constraints, and opportunities in the application of digital health solutions in health systems.
Strategic public health policy and planning: an introduction to systems thinking and modelling for evidence-based decision making: During this course, participants will learn how to model and analyze various alternative strategies using an interdisciplinary approach that brings together systems thinking, decision analysis (including economic evaluation) and complex public health challenges
Designing Programmes and Interventions for Impact from the outset: This course aims to provide participants with knowledge, key principles, and seven central tenets of an impact evaluation framework that enables them to design programmes and interventions for impact from the outset.
Digitally augmented Public Health: A practice-based approach: This course aims to foster clear thinking about the responsible and productive use of new technologies in Public Health and Epidemiology. Participants will learn tools to critically reflect on how technology can serve their goals.
Nutrition for Public Health: From Research to Policy: This course introduces participants to diet-disease relationships, the quality of that evidence, and relevance across cultures and settings by offering an overview of contemporary issues in nutrition science, public health, and diet-related policy.
Current Hot Topics in Noncommunicable diseases and health systems: This course presents current “Hot Topics” with regards to NCDs and health system responses. It provides an overview of the role of health systems and presents a variety of key issues facing health systems and the delivery of care for NCDs.
Measuring health spending and results to improve health sector performance and meet strategic objectives and inform policy reforms: This course focuses on the challenges and opportunities of tracking expenditures and assessing efficiencies to meet strategic objectives and inform policy and health system reforms.
Implementation science in healthcare: How to effectively translate evidence-based innovations into real-world settings: In this course, participants will gain the knowledge and competencies that enable them to effectively translate evidence-based innovations into their own settings.
Bridging research, policy and practice to improve the health of migrants: This course provides participants with an understanding of migration drivers, contextual factors, normative and legal frameworks, as well as the primary hurdles migrants face in obtaining healthcare.
Design Thinking: User-Centered Innovation for Public Health Professionals: During this course, participants will learn to empathize with target groups, prototype quickly, and generate creative ideas to transform the way they develop products, services, processes, and strategies.
Social behavioral design for public health programs: This course will show how behavioral insights can be used to develop effective behavior change communications and other interventions including psychological inoculation against misinformation.
Planetary Health Action: In this course, participants will learn how to visualize and integrate diverging concepts in the realms of planetary and one health in order to facilitate a collective understanding and articulate actionable interventions.

The Swiss Plexus Scholarship Programme

Prerequisites for the application

Your work/research domain is relevant for the improvement of public health.
You have a good English language level (written and oral).
You are able to FULLY commit to the classes during the times and dates indicated in the course(s) description.
You do not have other financial means to cover your registration fees.
It is highly suggested that you have a laptop.
(IF ONLINE) Your internet connection and IT equipment are sufficient to allow you to follow smoothly the online classes.
(IF ON-SITE) You are able to travel to Switzerland (no visa-related restrictions) during the SSPH+ LSS week.
Please note: due to the funder conditions, most of the scholarship are dedicated to applicants from Low and Middle Income Countries. This does not exclude persons from High Income Countries to apply, but their chances to receive a scholarship may be lower, unless new funds will be available.

Terms to apply

You MUST read the course details (content, format, date) thoroughly before applying. You will not apply for an open scholarship but for a scholarship for specific course(s). Course descriptions are available on the SSPH+ LSS website.
It is NOT possible to revise your application once it is submitted. The courses listed in the notification of acceptance are binding. In case the course is cancelled by the organizers, participants will be able to ask to withdraw their participation or choose a different course.
You can apply only for ONE scholarship format. The formats are described below.
To earn a certificate of completion and/or ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits, participants MUST attend at least 80% of the course, pass the final assessment, and attend the plenaries offered during the first day(s) of the selected course(s).
Scholarship winners who do not show up to the selected courses, will not be able to win another scholarship in the next four years.
The information you provide will be used for managing your application and potential participation in the summer school.
(Only for ON-SITE) The expenses pre-financed by the participants will be reimbursed after the SSPH+ LSS week. No cash reimbursement will be possible, but only wire transfers. More information will be provided in case the scholarship is granted.

Scholarships Formats

Participants can apply to different types of scholarships, both on-site and online; each type is described below. As the number of on-site scholarships is limited, we HIGHLY encourage, in case you have the possibility to do so, to apply for a partial scholarship and co-fund your participation. Having the possibility to co-finance the expenses, for example if you or your organization can pay the travel and/or accommodation, it may increase the chances to come to Lugano. More information below. If you have a good internet connection and if it is challenging to travel to Lugano (e.g. visa restrictions), please consider applying for an online scholarship.

TYPES OF ON-SITE SCHOLARSHIPS

ON-SITE FULL SCHOLARSHIP to participate in Lugano, Switzerland, covers the following costs:

Tuition costs for TWO courses in onsite or hybrid format. On-site participants can select two courses, one during the first half of the week (18-20 August) and one during the second (21-23 August). If you are willing to take just one course, please select the online scholarship.
Plenaries attendance.
Lunches at the University Canteen.
Allowance for dinners (100 CHF total).
Scheduled networking events (tentatively 2 events with apero/dinner and social activities).
Expenses for accommodation. The SSPH+ LSS will organize and book the accommodation in one of the SSPH+ LSS selected hotels for a maximum of 7 nights and for the scholarship recipient only.
Expenses for travel, health insurance, and visa. Scholarship recipients MUST self-organize and pre-finance the travel-related expenses, which will be reimbursed at the end of the SSPH+LSS up to a predefined amount. The SSPH+ LSS office will support this process with invitation letters, hotel confirmations, etc. IF the scholarship recipient cannot anticipate all these expenses, the SSPH+ LSS can support him/her ONLY with the flight booking. It is mandatory for scholarship recipients to anticipate the money for health insurance, visa fees, and trains from the airport to Lugano.

ON-SITE PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIP (TUITION + ACCOMMODATION) to participate in Lugano, Switzerland, covers the following costs:

Tuition costs for TWO courses in onsite or hybrid format. On-site participants can select two courses, one during the first half of the week (18-20 August) and one during the second (21-23 August). If you are willing to take just one course, please select the online scholarship.
Plenaries attendance.
Lunches at the University Canteen.
Allowance for dinners (100 CHF total).
Scheduled networking events (tentatively 2 events with apero/dinner and social activities).
Expenses for accommodation. The SSPH+ LSS will organize and book the accommodation in one of the SSPH+ LSS selected hotels for a maximum of 7 nights and for the scholarship recipient only.
* While all travel-related costs – flights, trains, health insurance, visa, etc. – must be self-covered by the participant.

ON-SITE PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIP (TUITION + TRAVEL) to participate in Lugano, Switzerland, covers the following costs:

Tuition costs for TWO courses in onsite or hybrid format. On-site participants can select two courses, one during the first half of the week (18-20 August) and one during the second (21-23 August). If you are willing to take just one course, please select the online scholarship.
Plenaries attendance.
Lunches at the University Canteen.
Allowance for dinners (100 CHF total).
Scheduled networking events (tentatively 2 events with apero/dinner and social activities).
Expenses for travel, health insurance, and visa. Scholarship recipients MUST self-organize and pre-finance the travel-related expenses, which will be reimbursed at the end of the SSPH+LSS up to a predefined amount. The SSPH+ LSS office will support this process with invitation letters, etc. IF the scholarship recipient cannot anticipate all these expenses, the SSPH+ LSS can support him/her ONLY with the flight booking. It is mandatory for scholarship recipients to anticipate the money for health insurance, visa fees, and trains from the airport to Lugano.
* While the accommodation costs must be self-covered by the participant. Please note that two hotels in Lugano offer special rates for LSS participants. More info in the website FAQ session – There are special prices for accommodation for paying participants.

ON-SITE PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIP (TUITION ONLY) to participate in Lugano, Switzerland, covers the following costs:

Tuition costs for TWO courses in onsite or hybrid format. On-site participants can select two courses, one during the first half of the week (18-20 August) and one during the second (21-23 August). If you are willing to take just one course, please select the online scholarship.
Plenaries attendance.
Lunches at the University Canteen.
Allowance for dinners (100 CHF total).
Scheduled networking events (tentatively 2 events with apero/dinner and social activities).
* While all travel-related costs – flights, trains, health insurance, visa, etc. – and accommodation costs must be self-covered by the participant.
The LSS office can support with the documents needed for the visa application (e.g. invitation letter). Please note that two hotels in Lugano offer special rates for LSS participants. More info in the website FAQ session – There are special prices for accommodation for paying participants.

TYPES OF ONLINE SCHOLARSHIPS

1. ONLINE SCHOLARSHIP, to participate on zoom, covers the following costs:

Tuition costs for ONE course in online or hybrid format. Online participants can select one course during the first half of the week (18-20 August) OR during the second half of the week (21-23 August).
Plenaries attendance.
Scheduled online networking events

2. HUB SCHOLARSHIP, to participate in a hub location* covers the following costs:

Tuition costs for ONE course. Hub participants can select only one course between those pre-selected by the hub organizers.
Plenaries attendance.
Scheduled online networking events.
Some hubs may provide additional services (e.g. lunches, coffee breaks, social events).

If you are a Nepalese public health professional, the Hub Scholarship is also available for the Kathmandu Hub.

* Hybrid hubs are LSS satellites where clusters of LSS participants physically gather to attend synchronous online classes of the SSPH+ LSS. Hubs provide the opportunity for face-to-face interaction within one location, both for additional discussions of course contents as well as for networking. They also ensure that participants have good technical equipment and stable network connectivity to enable remote and smooth participation in the pre-selected LSS courses. All hubs are co-created in cooperation with local partners acting as hosts. More info on the hub locations and courses below.

If you are interested in the hub participation, please see below the list of hubs available and the courses they are going to offer:

1. Hub in Prishtina, Kosovo. Will offer the following courses:

Nutrition for Public Health: From Research to Policy (18-20 August 2025)
Foundations of Digital Health: Navigating the evolving landscape of digital solutions for health systems strengthening (18-20 August 2025)
Current Hot Topics in Noncommunicable diseases and health systems (21-23 August 2025)
Design Thinking: User-Centered Innovation for Public Health Professionals (21-23 August 2025)

*The Hub will also offer simultaneous translation and lunches and coffee breaks.

2. HUB in Mogadishu, Somalia. Will offer the following course:

Nutrition for Public Health: From Research to Policy (18-20 August 2025)

*The Hub will also offer lunches and coffee breaks.

3. HUB in Chisinau, Moldova. Will offer the following course:

Nutrition for Public Health: From Research to Policy

*The Hub will also offer lunches and coffee breaks.

4. HUB in Lahore, Pakistan. Will offer the following course:

Foundations of Digital Health: Navigating the evolving landscape of digital solutions for health systems strengthening (18-20 August 2025)

5. HUB in Kathmandu, Nepal. Will offer the following course:

Current Hot Topics in Noncommunicable diseases and health systems (21-23 August 2025)

*The Hub will also offer lunches and coffee breaks.

6. HUB in Kafue/Kabwe, Zambia. Will offer the following courses:

Foundations of Digital Health: Navigating the evolving landscape of digital solutions for health systems strengthening (18-20 August 2025)
Making sense of the evidence to inform programmes, policies, and practice (18-20 August 2025)

*The Hub will also offer lunches and coffee breaks.

7. HUB in Hanoi, Vietnam. Will offer the following courses:

Current Hot Topics in Noncommunicable diseases and health systems (21-23 August 2025)
Measuring health spending and results to improve health sector performance and meet strategic objectives and inform policy reforms (21-23 August 2025)
Bridging research, policy and practice to improve the health of migrants (21-23 August 2025)

Application Guidelines

Once you choose the course(s) you want to follow, based on the scholarship format for which you will apply, you can start your application. Before opening the application link (https://usi.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e9ijlmdPgvOP94O) we highly recommend that you prepare the following information. In fact, once the application is started you cannot exit, save it, etc.

1. BIO SKETCH – A short description of your work, academic background, expertise, and any other qualification/skill relevant for your application (Maximum 1500 character – ~ 250 words).

2. MOTIVATION – Please tell us why you want to attend the LSS, and more specifically the selected courses, and why you need a scholarship to do so (Maximum 1500 character – ~ 250 words).

3. IMPACT – Please tell us what you hope to gain out of attending the LSS this year and what is the expected impact of the LSS on your work/studies (maximum 1000 character ~ 160 words).

4. PAST LSS PARTICIPATION – If you have attended the LSS in the past, please specify when, which courses you took and how the knowledge and networks provided during the LSS impacted your work (maximum 800 character ~ 120 words).

*Be sure to include all information requested in each point!! Thanks for submitting your application before March 5, 2025, at 23:30 CET.

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Lugano Summer School in Public Health

March 3, 2025 0 comments

Maternal, Newborn and Child Health PH Important Day Public Health News Public Health Update

World Birth Defects Day: Every Journey Matters!

by Public Health Update March 3, 2025

written by Public Health Update

World Birth Defects Day

The World Birth Defects Day (WBDD) is observed on March 3 each year. WBDD unites stakeholders working in the field of birth defects, also known as congenital anomalies, congenital disorders or congenital conditions to raise awareness. The first WBDD was observed on 2015 with the aim to provide one global voice and a platform to all organizations and institutions engaged in birth defects related surveillance, research, prevention and care activities.

The major objectives of World Birth Defects Day are;

To prevent birth defects
To Improve care of all individuals with any birth defect and related disabilities
To Increase knowledge of the burden and causes of birth defects through epidemiologic and basic research.

Birth Defects facts

Birth defects, or congenital anomalies, are conditions that cause structural or functional abnormalities present at birth that can be identified at different stages of infancy. A specific birth defect may be caused by genetics, environmental exposures, infections, maternal nutrition, or other risk factors.
An estimated 303 000 newborns die every year, worldwide, due to birth defects – out of which an estimated 90 000 deaths occur in South-East Asia.
An estimated 240 000 newborns die worldwide within 28 days of birth every year due to birth defects. Birth defects cause a further 170 000 deaths of children between the ages of 1 month and 5 years.
Nine of ten children born with a serious birth defect are in low- and middle-income countries.
Birth defects affect nearly 8 million infants, or 6% of all infants, born globally each year.
The most common severe birth defects are heart defects, neural tube defects and Down syndrome.
Babies who survive may have a good quality of life with appropriate treatment or care, however many infants are at an increased risk for long-term disabilities.
Many birth defects can be prevented and treated. Help spread global awareness for World Birth Defects Day.

Key Message

Birth defects are common, costly and critical.
Folic acid can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spine
Taking 400ug of folic acid daily before and during pregnancy can prevent birth defects.
Consult with your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medications during pregnancy.
Attend prenatal care appointments and become up-to-date on all vaccines.
Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking other drugs during pregnancy.
Birth defects surveillance and research can help improve pregnancy and infant outcomes.

Source of Info: WHO &World Birth Defects Day Official website.

Message from Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia

World Birth Defects Day, marked annually on 03 March, aims to raise awareness about prevention programs and improving the quality of services and care received by people with congenital anomalies, disorders or conditions.

This year, WHO is highlighting the urgent need for countries to raise awareness about birth defects, and strengthen health systems response to the specific health, development, and psychosocial needs of this population. This is coupled with the need for actions to prevent, detect and manage these congenital anomalies.

Birth defects have a significant impact on the quality of life of an individual, and place considerable burden on the families, community, society and the health-care systems. While genetics plays a major role in their etiology, many birth defects are preventable through health system interventions (rubella vaccination, identification and management of sexually transmitted infections in pregnancy, etc.) and by addressing environmental factors such as exposure to pollutants, lifestyle choices and socioeconomic conditions that affect pregnant women and fetuses.

During the past two decades, the contribution of birth defects to the cause of death among under-5 children has increased from 3.9% to 11.5% in our region. Birth defects are now the third most common cause of death (11%) among under-5 children in our region – approximately 300 every day. Additionally, they cause severe morbidity which usually is ignored or not highlighted.

Since 2014, WHO has supported all countries of the region to adopt integrated approaches for prevention, detection, management and care for birth defects. This is through collaborative actions across different national programmes for reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health; immunization; nutrition; noncommunicable diseases and other related programmes.

This has resulted in increased coverage of pre-conception folic acid supplementation, enhanced coverage of routine childhood rubella vaccination, introduction of various food fortification programmes, and establishment of a hospital-based online surveillance system (known as the SEAR Newborn Birth Defects database).

Across the Region, pregnant women receive counselling to avoid potentially harmful medications, X-rays, tobacco products, alcohol and drugs. Basic services for the management of birth defects are available in most countries. However, access to advanced treatments, rehabilitation and support for affected babies and families is limited; and access to screening is sub-optimal.

A strong focus on birth defects is supported by our Regional Roadmap for Results and Resilience, which calls for “reaffirming investment in women, girls, adolescents and vulnerable populations.”

Our Region has identified several priorities. First, countries need to prioritize birth defects high on their agenda, mobilize commitment and leadership at both policy and programme levels, with commensurate financial allocations.

Second, enhance the health system capacity for early detection and management, by introducing and scaling-up tests for newborn screening of birth defects and other conditions. The regional implementation document developed last year, for universal newborn screening of hearing impairment, eye abnormalities, and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia provides guidance on how to integrate simple tests within the existing health system.

Third, efforts should be directed towards recognizing the challenges and reducing the burden of parents, caregivers and families of children with birth defects. Countries must work together with partners, community-based networks, academic and research institutes, and organizations to enable access to services and support, including social protection.

Fourth, improving the coverage and quality of preventive interventions such as rubella immunization, food fortification and quality pre-conception and antenatal care, is imperative.

Finally, countries need to invest in establishing or strengthening their birth defect surveillance systems – with a particular focus on improving the availability, analysis and utilization of relevant data for programmatic decision-making.On World Birth Defects Day 2025, let us remind ourselves that ‘every journey matters’.

March 3, 2025 0 comments

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