University of Bergen
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Bergen Summer Research School 2025

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Overview

The Bergen Summer Research School offers PhD candidates and junior researchers the opportunity to work together with internationally renowned scholars. In order to participate, you need to have a good command of the English language.

Full participation in the course-specific modules, reading of the provided literature prior to the research school, and participation in all plenary events is required. You may take only one of the five parallel courses.

Upon acceptance, you will be asked to submit a short essay of 2-4 pages from your own research on a research question decided by the course leader. This will be used as the base for presenting your research to the rest of the course participants.

Participation at the BSRS will be credited by UiB under the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). For 10 ECTS, you are expected to write an essay (in a form of a publishable manuscript of 10-20 pages) to be submitted after the end of the research school. Deadline for submission will be decided by your course leader. It is also possible to participate without writing an essay. This will give you 5 ECTS.

Requirements

Before you start your application, please check that you have the required academic background. Only applicants who meet the requirements will be considered.

The courses are designed for PhD students and are open to:

  1. Candidates currently enrolled in a PhD programme 
  2. Junior researchers — including those in their last stages of their master programme, with extensive working experience — and those who have recently completed their PhD, or are enrolled in a post-doc programme.

BSRS COURSES 2025

Application process:

You find more information about the application process here. Note that there are two steps to go through when applying to BSRS.

  • Part one creates the application to the summer school.
  • Part two registers your application in the University of Bergen application system.
Register the application

Follow the instructions in the confirmation email you receive after you have submitted your application in part one, follow the instruction and the link

In order to register your application at the University of Bergen, you need the following documents:

  • The application (pdf) you find attached to the confirmation email
  • A scanned copy of your passport
  • Transcript/diploma of your highest degree
  • A letter of recommendation signed by your supervisor
  • A letter verifying your qualifications and current position signed by the head of your institution/department

Please note that the two letters must be stamped and written on official stationary of your institution.

No other forms of application will be accepted.

Deadline for applications is 1 February 2025.

READ MORE AND APPLY

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World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day 2025: Unite. Act. Eliminate.
Global Health NewsNational Health NewsNeglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)Public HealthPublic Health InformationPublic Health NewsPublic Health UpdateWorld News

World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day 2025: Unite. Act. Eliminate.

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

World NTDs Day 2025

World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day, observed annually on January 30, is a pivotal event dedicated to raising awareness and mobilising action against NTDs globally. Established on the anniversary of the signing of the London Declaration on NTDs in 2012—the same year the World Health Organization (WHO) published its first-ever NTD roadmap—World NTD Day has become one of WHO’s 11 official world health days and two health weeks.

The Road map for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) 2021–2030

This day serves as an important time to commemorate the progress achieved, call attention to ongoing challenges, and explore new opportunities in the fight against NTDs. It is also a moment to acknowledge those living with these diseases, remember those who have lost their lives, and support communities affected by NTDs. By inspiring action and investment, World NTD Day aims to accelerate efforts towards eliminating these diseases and improving the lives of millions of people around the world.

Goal

The overarching goals of World NTD Day are as follows: 

  • Highlight achievements in NTD prevention, control, and elimination
  • Advocate for funding
  • Increase support for country interventions and regional collaboration
  • Catalyze community activation and engagement

Theme for World NTD Day 2025: Unite. Act. Eliminate.

Building on the momentum from previous years, the theme for World NTD Day 2025 remains “Unite. Act. Eliminate.” The theme, originally inspired by a call to action from President Embaló of Guinea-Bissau in July 2023, continues to emphasize the importance of taking neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) out of isolation and fostering integrated action and investment. 

This year, the theme seeks to unite all partners and stakeholders to achieve our collective goals. It underscores the need for effective action through country commitment, resources, technical guidance, solidarity, and coordination. By highlighting where we are with elimination—including country successes, country spotlights, and ongoing challenges—the theme conveys a sense of collaboration and urgency. It enables partners to adapt the messaging to their specific contexts while reinforcing the collective effort required to eliminate NTDs.

To support and reinforce the global theme “Unite. Act. Eliminate.”, key global messages have been developed in collaboration with partners and stakeholders. In addition to these overarching messages, further emphasis has been placed on three priority topics—or thematic “buckets”—identified during consultations earlier this year. These focus areas aim to continue the momentum of taking NTDs out of isolation and linking NTD advocacy to other global health priorities.

  • Climate change and One Health
  • Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) 
  • Person-centered and community-led approaches

Key messages

Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) 

Investing in NTDs and ensuring they are included in primary health care is a cornerstone of strong health systems and can lay the foundations for universal health coverage. 

  • NTDs, being diseases of inequity, serve as a litmus test for Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Addressing NTDs acts as a tracer for equity in UHC and helps ensure that no one is left behind. Without tackling NTDs, no country can fully achieve UHC.
  • NTD programmes strengthen health systems by increasing access to hard-to-reach people and training community health workers, who provide a first line of primary healthcare. Both are vital for achieving universal health coverage. 

Primary healthcare (PHC) is the backbone of health systems and is essential for reaching underserved communities. Since 90% of essential interventions for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) can be delivered through PHC, incorporating NTD interventions into these essential packages of care is vital. By including NTDs in PHC, we ensure that prevention and treatment services are accessible to those who need them most, strengthening health systems and accelerating progress towards eliminating these diseases.

Climate Change and One Health

NTDs are likely to be particularly sensitive to climate change because of the wide range of pathogens, vectors, intermediate hosts and reservoir hosts, and the concentration of NTDs.  Communities and populations living in vulnerable conditions are  expected to experience the greatest environmental change in the coming decades. 

  • The recent scoping review notes that there is considerable uncertainty alongside growing evidence of the likely impact of climate change  on the range, intensity and behaviour of vectors for dengue, chikungunya and leishmaniases.
  • We must urgently adapt our strategies to preserve global health gains and investments in this rapidly evolving climate landscape, identifying opportunities for integrated approaches, such as with malaria.
  • Adopting a One Health approach can better help target links between human, environmental, and animal health, and the risk of infection transmission between these due to shifting climates. A One Health approach can also enhance the impact of NTDs interventions, integrate NTDs into the broader health agenda, better utilize existing resources, connect data from different sectors to identify and foresee trends, and help deliver sustainable outcomes.
  • Furthermore, highlighting the potential health impacts of climate change, including the spread of NTDs, to decision-makers is crucial to unlock funding and drive action. With only an estimated 0.05% of multilateral climate funding dedicated to human health projects, significantly increasing this investment is essential to protect future populations and sustain progress in disease elimination efforts.
  • More research is also critical to better understand how climate change will directly and indirectly affect NTDs in the medium to long term, but we must still act now to mitigate these effects. 

Person-centered and Community-led Approaches

Adopting person-centered and community-led approaches is essential for sustainable and effective NTD programs and interventions. By involving the very people and communities affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), we harness their invaluable expertise and ensure that solutions are tailored to real needs.

  • People and communities living with and affected by NTDs should be actively involved in all stages of NTD programme development—from inception to monitoring and evaluation. Their firsthand experiences provide unique insights that can enhance program design and implementation.
  • Investing in enhancing the capacity of local communities to lead initiatives fosters ownership and enhances the effectiveness of interventions. Community-led programs are more likely to be culturally sensitive, accepted, and sustained over time.
  • Person-centered approaches build trust between health providers and communities. When people feel heard and valued, they are more likely to participate in interventions, adhere to treatments, and advocate for health initiatives within their communities.
Calls to action

Call to action: Sustain and increase investments in NTDs
Sustaining progress against NTDs in an era of reduced ODA, global conflicts, and prolonged economic uncertainty demands sustainable and innovative financial commitments. Without secure funding, hard-won gains are at risk of reversal. Governments, donors, private sector partners, and philanthropic organizations must not only sustain but increase investments in NTDs. Additionally, stakeholders must advocate for innovative and integrated funding mechanisms that provide sustainable, predictable resources to meet the WHO NTD Roadmap targets for 2030. Together, we can bridge projected funding gaps and protect vulnerable communities from preventable suffering caused by NTDs.

Call to action: Amplify political will and action
Political leadership drives transformative change. Without strong political will and decisive action, progress fighting NTDs can stagnate, putting millions at risk. World leaders must prioritize NTDs in national, regional and global health agendas. Governments must endorse and implement declarations and frameworks like the Kigali Declaration and the African Union’s Continental Framework on NTDs, and integrate NTD targets into broader health, development, and equity goals. Let us unite to ensure that no community is left behind in the fight to eliminate NTDs.

Call to action: Enhance data systems for timely surveillance and response
Actionable, high-quality data is the backbone of effective NTD surveillance, planning, and response. Current gaps in data quality, timeliness, and comprehensiveness hinder efforts to track progress, allocate resources, and respond swiftly to emerging challenges. Partners must invest in strengthening data systems that deliver timely, accurate, and comprehensive insights. Governments, stakeholders and partners must work collaboratively to ensure data is actionable, enabling precise interventions that drive measurable progress.

Call to action: Accelerate research and development for new tools
Achieving the WHO 2030 NTD targets requires innovation in medicines, diagnostics, and vaccines tailored to the unique challenges of NTDs. Current tools alone are insufficient to address emerging and persistent challenges in the fight against these diseases. Investment in research and development must increase to accelerate the creation of new and improved tools and their integration into routine healthcare delivery. Stakeholders must prioritize funding and partnerships that drive breakthroughs in diagnostics, medicines, and vaccines, guided by evidence-informed frameworks like the WHO R&D Blueprint for NTDs.

Call to action: Strengthen community engagement
Communities at risk are on the frontlines of the fight against NTDs, yet their voices and expertise are often underutilized. Community participation  – with a focus on gender equity and youth – can play a central role in NTD efforts to ensure sustainability, effectiveness, and equity. Governments, donors, and partners must prioritize community engagement in NTD programs by investing in developing  local leaders, supporting health workers, and fostering grassroots advocacy. By placing communities at the heart of our efforts, we can ensure that interventions are inclusive, sustainable, and impactful.

Source of Info: World NTD Day Official Website

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Nepal Leprosy Fact Sheet 2025
Communicable DiseasesFact SheetHealth in DataPublic Health InformationPublic Health Update

Nepal Leprosy Fact Sheet 2025

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

What basic facts you need to know ?

  • Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a less infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria, Mycobacterium Leprae.
  • The bacteria are transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contact with untreated people.
  • The disease is curable with multidrug therapy. Untreated, leprosy can cause progressive and permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs, and eyes.

World Leprosy Day 2025: “Unite, Act, and Eliminate Leprosy”

How was the Global Situation in 2023?

  • 184 countries reported leprosy cases.
  • 182,815 new cases were detected.
  • 72% (131,425) of new cases were reported in the South-East Asia Region.
  • 39.8% (72,845) of new cases were among females and 5.6% (10,322) cases were children.
  • 5% (9,729) of new cases had disabilities.
  • Case detection increased by 5% in 2023 compared with 2022 (174,087 cases).
  • At the end of 2023, 172,510 cases were under treatment globally. (WHO)

What were the milestones of the National Leprosy Program, Nepal?

  • 1960: Leprosy sample survey conducted by GoN in collaboration with WHO Prevalence of 100,000 leprosy cases were estimated
  • 1966: Dapsone monotherapy
  • 1982:Multi Drug Therapy (MDT) introduced in Nepal
  • 2010: Declaration of elimination as a public health problem at the national level
  • 2015: LCD as the Disability Prevention and Rehailitation Focal unit; Introduction of Leprosy Post Exposure Prophylaxis (LPEP)
  • 2019: In-depth review of National Leprosy Program
  • 2021: National Leprosy Roadmap of Nepal (2021-2030); National Leprosy Strategy (2021-2025).

Read more milestones

Where are we now and what we need to achieve by 2030

Nepal Leprosy Fact Sheet 2025
Nepal Leprosy Fact Sheet 2025
Nepal Leprosy Fact Sheet 2025
Nepal Leprosy Fact Sheet 2025
What are the key achievements?
  • Nepal has achieved elimination of leprosy as a public health problem at National level in 2010.
  • Government has developed a Roadmap for Zero Leprosy (2021-30) and National leprosy strategy and action plan (2021-2025) aligning to the Global Leprosy Strategy 2021-2030, with a goal of elimination of leprosy (interruption of transmission) at sub-national level (municipality).
  • 25% decrease of the number of annual new leprosy cases between 2019 and 2023/24.
  • 42% decrease of the new child leprosy case detection rate between 2019 and 2023/24.
  • 48% reduction of the Number of child cases among new leprosy cases between 2019 and 2023/24.
  • Increase of the number of municipalities with zero leprosy cases from 65 (2019 baseline) to 353 (2023/24).

What are the ongoing Interventions?

  • Routine leprosy services are provided at all levels of health facilities.
  • Active case detection including contact examinations at high burden areas remains a high priority for the National Leprosy Program.
  • The government is providing Multi-Drug Therapy to patients free of costs.
  • Reconstructive surgery for patients with disabilities are consistently provided for free .
  • The government has endorsed and implemented preventive strategy of post-exposure prophylaxis with single dose rifampicin.

Some Challenges Remain

  • Stagnant Leprosy indicators since national level elimination as a public health problem in 2010.
  • Inadequate routine surveillance system.
  • Inadequate domestic funding- low priority.
  • Limited capacity and leprosy expertise.
  • Limited access or referral to essential care services for leprosy complications.
  • Stigma and discrimination towards people affected by leprosy

What are the Opportunities?

  • High level political commitment from MoHP through 20th Global Appeal 2025 to End Stigma and Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy.
  • National Leprosy Conference 2025, which will accelerate the current momentum for leprosy elimination.
  • Support from Sasakawa Health Foundation and collaboration with other donors and partners.

Way Forward

  • Advocate for political commitment to sustain resources for leprosy in integrated context including domestic investment.
  • National partnerships for zero leprosy and zero leprosy roadmaps engaging all stakeholders.
  • Enhance capacity building in the healthcare system for quality services.
  • Strengthen the disease surveillance through Active Case Finding in high endemic districts and local levels.
  • Case-based surveillance system including data verification and case validation in endemic districts. Scale up Leprosy Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for prevention of leprosy.
  • Intensify actions to reduce stigma and discrimination related to leprosy.

Download PDF (Nepali & English)

Download PDF (Nepali & English)

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World Leprosy Day 2025: “Unite, Act, and Eliminate Leprosy”
ActivitiesFact SheetPH Important DayPublic Health Update

World Leprosy Day 2025: “Unite, Act, and Eliminate Leprosy”

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

World Leprosy Day 2025

The theme for World Leprosy Day 2025 is “Unite. Act. Eliminate.“. The theme is a call to action aiming to raise awareness of leprosy, highlight the challenges faced by persons affected by leprosy, and inspire collaborative action to eliminate leprosy.

  • Global Commitment (“Unite“): Eliminating leprosy requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including governments, healthcare providers, NGOs, communities and individuals.
  • Immediate Action (“Act“): Proactive measures, including public education, early diagnosis, prevention programs, prompt treatment, and empowering persons affected by leprosy, are essential to interrupt transmission and eliminate the disease.
  • A Clear Goal (“Eliminate Leprosy”): Eliminating the disease – the World Health Organizations’ global goal – is achievable with sustained commitment. Current medical interventions and collaborative efforts have brought us closer, but continued investment in diagnostics, innovative treatments, and outreach is essential.

The campaign can also leverage the momentum of World NTD Day to raise awareness of leprosy as a neglected tropical disease and garner additional support.

WHO

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

Celebrated annually on the last Sunday of January, World Leprosy Day serves to raise awareness about leprosy—a neglected tropical disease—and to inspire the global community to unite to eliminate it. As we observe World Leprosy Day 2025, we reaffirm our commitment to this year’s theme: “Unite, Act, and Eliminate Leprosy.”

Longstanding stigma around this disease stubbornly persists, and misinformation only adds to the challenge. The social isolation of affected persons – and their families – perpetuates discrimination and intensifies stigma.

While significant progress has been made in reducing the burden of leprosy since the introduction of multi-drug therapy (MDT) and the 1991 World Health Assembly resolution, challenges remain.

In 2023, 182,815 new cases were reported across more than 100 countries, with 95% of these cases concentrated in 23 global priority countries. Alarmingly, over 5% of the new cases reported with Grade 2 Disability (visible deformity), highlighting delays in detection. 5.6% of new cases were among children, with some countries reporting child rates exceeding 30%, indicating ongoing transmission. Despite this, there are reasons for optimism.

The Global Leprosy Strategy 2021–2030 has a vision of zero disease, zero disability, and zero stigma and discrimination. It was developed through a broad consultative process with all major stakeholders, including national programme managers, technical agencies, experts, and persons or communities directly affected by leprosy.

Jordan became the first country to be verified and acknowledged by WHO for elimination of leprosy, demonstrating what is possible with focused, concerted efforts. Additionally, in 2023, 56 countries reported zero new case of leprosy, a significant milestone. We can eliminate leprosy with collective, coordinated and united action.

Therefore, we urge governments to prioritize leprosy elimination, and ensure sustained funding for surveillance, treatment, care and support. We also call on them to include persons affected by leprosy in policy and decision-making processes. We urge communities to combat stigma through education, inclusion, and supporting those affected.

We thank donors, international organizations, and academia for their efforts, and ask them to collaborate for continued research into improved diagnostics, treatments, and approaches. The end of leprosy is not just a possibility—it is within our grasp. Let’s ‘Unite, Act, and Eliminate Leprosy.’

WHO SEARO

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Expression of interest - WHO SEARO Youth Council
International Jobs & OpportunitiesPublic Health OpportunitiesPublic Health OpportunityPublic Health UpdateSouth-East Asia Region

Expression of interest – WHO SEARO Youth Council

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Application Deadline: 17 July 2025 (Deadline extended)

Expression of interest

The World Health Organization South-East Asia Office is pleased to announce the call for expressions of interest for the WHO SEARO Youth Council, running from beginning 2025 to end 2026, and hereby invites organizations to submit their expression of interest. Please read all instructions carefully. 

About the WHO SEARO Youth Council

The WHO SEARO Youth Council aims to foster meaningful youth engagement within the WHO South-East Asia Region, leveraging the insights and expertise of diverse young people across the region’s countries to shape health policies and strategies. The Council serves as a platform to amplify youth voices, promote public health, and support WHO’s efforts in strengthening youth contributions to health systems through advocacy and innovative initiatives. Please read more about the WHO Global Youth Council here. 

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for membership, organizations must meet all eligibility criteria outlined in the revised Terms of Reference. Please read through the Terms of Reference carefully, to fully understand the Council’s activities. We invite expressions of interest from organizations active at the regional and national levels across the countries of the WHO SEA region. These organizations must be youth-led, youth-focused or a youth chapter in a larger organization. We are looking to select a mix of primarily health and non-health organizations.

We are asking all WHO South-East Asia Regional Youth Council members to be a part of the WHO Civil Society Commission. If your organization is not yet a member, please submit your application here in addition to submitting your expression of interest for the WHO South-East Regional Youth Council. 

Application process

Interested organizations are required to complete the online application form available at:   WHO Youth Council Term 2025-2027 – Expression of Interest . Additionally, applicants must submit the Tobacco-Arms Disclosure Form, which can also be found here.  Applications will be reviewed based on adherence to the eligibility criteria, diversity considerations, and relevant motivation, plans and experience of the organization.

Official announcement: WHO SEARO

WHO Youth Council Term 2025-2027 – Expression of Interest

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Systematic Reviews Mentorship Programme
International Jobs & OpportunitiesMentorship ProgramOpportunities by RegionPublic Health OpportunitiesPublic Health Opportunity

Call for Applications: Systematic Reviews Mentorship Programme!

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Join the AUTHORAID Systematic Reviews Mentorship Programme!

Are you ready to take your systematic review to the next level?

Whether you’re looking for expert guidance or eager to share your expertise, the Systematic Reviews Mentorship Programme is your opportunity to grow and make an impact in the field of evidence synthesis!

 About the Programme

The Systematic Reviews Network (SRN) is committed to supporting researchers at every stage of their systematic review journey.

  •  Apply as a Mentee
    If you have a systematic review protocol but need guidance to conduct and publish your review, this programme is for you. Get personalized support from experienced mentors to overcome challenges and achieve your research goals.
  •  Apply as a Mentor
    Share your expertise and help others navigate the complexities of systematic reviews. It’s a great way to give back to the research community while enhancing your professional profile.

 Key Details

Additional Information:

Have Questions?

Reach out to us at info@systematicreviewsnetwork.org

Don’t Miss Out!

Whether you’re seeking guidance or ready to mentor others, this programme is the perfect opportunity to grow your skills and contribute to the world of evidence-based research.

Apply today and join the thriving community at SRN!

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WHO comments on United States announcement of intent to withdraw
Global Health NewsNational Health NewsPublic HealthPublic Health NewsPublic Health UpdateWorld News

WHO comments on United States announcement of intent to withdraw

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

NEW YORK, 20 January 2025 – The United States President Trump signs Executive Order withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO comments on United States announcement of intent to withdraw
WHO comments on United States announcement of intent to withdraw

Geneva, 21 January 2025 – The World Health Organization regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organization.

WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world’s people, including Americans, by addressing the root causes of disease, building stronger health systems, and detecting, preventing and responding to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, often in dangerous places where others cannot go.

The United States was a founding member of WHO in 1948 and has participated in shaping and governing WHO’s work ever since, alongside 193 other Member States, including through its active participation in the World Health Assembly and Executive Board. For over seven decades, WHO and the USA have saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats. Together, we ended smallpox, and together we have brought polio to the brink of eradication. American institutions have contributed to and benefited from membership in WHO.

With the participation of the United States and other Member States, WHO has over the past 7 years implemented the largest set of reforms in its history, to transform our accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact in countries. This work continues.

We hope the United States will reconsider and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe.

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Procurement Improvement Guidelines - 2081
Drug and MedicineNational Plan, Policy & GuidelinesProvincial Plan, Policies and GuidelinesPublic Health ProgramsPublic Health Update

Procurement Improvement Guideline – 2081

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Procurement Improvement Guideline – 2081

The Ministry of Health and Population has released the Procurement Improvement Guidelines – 2081, aimed at enhancing the procurement and management of medicines, equipment, and related processes, in accordance with the ministerial decision dated 2081/09/28. The Procurement Improvement Guideline is primarily targeted for the Department of Health Services (DoHS), the Department of Drug Administration (DDA), Department of Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine (DoAA), academic institutions, and federal hospitals.

Contents

This guideline provides pointwise guidance on the following areas:

  1. Program preparation and budget allocation
  2. Procurement Unit formulation
  3. Documentation for procurement
  4. Equipment use and operation
  5. Repair and resale of equipment
  6. Utilization of IT for documentation through Information System
  7. Reporting, accountability, and transparency
  8. Monitoring and supervision

Download PDF

Download PDF

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Call for Abstracts for the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) 2025`
AbstractsCall for Proposal, EOI & RFPCall for Research ParticipantsConferencePublic Health OpportunitiesPublic Health Opportunity

Call for Abstracts for the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) 2025

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

The Call for Abstracts for the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) 2025 opens from January 15 to March 15, 2025. The ICFP 2025 theme, “Equity Through Action: Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for All,” calls for innovative solutions and concrete commitments to address health and systemic inequities worldwide. ICFP invites you to start preparing for the ICFP abstract submission period taking place early next year! 

Calling researchers, practitioners, policymakers, advocates, and youth leaders in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and family planning:

Scientific Program Tracks

  • ICFP 2025 Theme – Equity Through Action: Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for All Track focus: Exploration of how reproductive policies and programs can address persistent inequities, emphasizing decolonizing the sexual and reproductive health and rights ecosystem. Submissions will focus on advancing sexual and reproductive health strategies that tackle intersecting challenges/polycrises—poverty, conflict, climate change, and political threats to reproductive rights—through approaches grounded in equity, justice, and inclusivity. The track highlights innovative policies, practices, partnerships, program implementation, and advocacy efforts that drive transformative change, ensuring sexual and reproductive health services and rights are equitable and accessible to all individuals.
  • Environment and Climate Change Track focus: Examination of the importance of family planning and reproductive health for climate change resilience, enabling an adaptive environment to mitigate the effects of climate change, including food and water shortages, disease outbreaks, etc. This track also explores climate change’s impact on access to sexual and reproductive health products and services and the mitigation techniques being utilized to overcome these effects and support those displaced by disasters.
  • Population and Sustainable Development Track focus: Exploration of family planning’s contributions to achieving sustainable development goals, including the post-2030 agenda. It will address various aspects, including maternal and child health benefits, women’s empowerment and gender equality, security and resilience, economic development, and environmental advantages. The track will examine the consequences of protracted demographic transitions and post-transition dynamics on social, economic, and planetary health and inequities.
  • Social Norms and Behavior Change Track focus: Exploration of the impact of social and community influences that enable and limit reproductive health behaviors and service use. This includes conditions for the success of interventions and messages designed to create awareness and improve the demand for contraception to achieve people’s reproductive goals. The track consists of but is not limited to testing theories of social and behavior change, media engagement, community and faith-based approaches, implementation strategies, expanding access through new channels, communication strategies, and potential for scale-up.
  • Social Determinants of Reproductive Health Outcomes Across the Life Course Track focus: Examination of reproductive preferences and reproductive health needs throughout the life course, encompassing topics such as pregnancy prevention, fertility intentions, abortion and post-abortion care, infertility, and parenting. This encompasses how individual, partner/s and/or peers, family, community, and societal factors (religion, culture) contribute to the gap between fertility intentions and achievement, inequity, and reproductive justice and how addressing social determinants, intersectoral work, and social and community participation can contribute to reducing inequities in access to RH throughout the life course.
  • Gender and Power Dynamics Track focus: Exploration of the intersection of gender and power in shaping or limiting agency, autonomy, and decision-making power over sexual and reproductive choices. Topics encompass research and practices (programs/campaigns/etc.) aimed at empowering women and girls, male engagement, youth, and marginalized communities, including internally displaced persons and migrants, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, ethnic and racial minoritized populations, Indigenous Persons, those living in extreme poverty, and historically marginalized populations. This track also addresses issues of discrimination, reproductive coercion, and genderbased violence, with a focus on expanding inclusive approaches to support people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender-expansive identities.
  • Access, Integration, Quality, and Technology Track focus: Exploration of enablers and barriers and the conditions for success in increasing access and improving the quality of comprehensive reproductive health services (contraception, abortion and post-abortion care, and infertility). The track examines models of service delivery from clinical care and primary health care to self-care, including but not limited to task-sharing, client/provider interactions, community-based delivery approaches, integration with other health services (e.g., maternal and child health, vaccination, HIV), and mHealth/artificial intelligence solutions. It also includes innovative strategies to reduce inequities in sexual and reproductive health services by developing new family planning/reproductive health technologies (including male contraception), quality improvement strategies, and ensuring commodity security and logistics.
  • Markets, Financing, and Commodity Security Track focus: Examination of family planning markets, addressing key topics such as trends, innovations, and challenges in the funding landscape for family planning and other aspects of sexual and reproductive health. This includes contraception, abortion, post-abortion care, post-partum care, and infertility treatment. It will also focus on the development, resilience, integration, and structure of family planning markets and the roles of both private and public sectors. Additionally, the track will examine how universal health coverage contributes to advancing reproductive health equity.
  • Adolescents and Youth Track focus: Identification of enablers and barriers to promoting adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health and rights (AYSRHR). Key topics will encompass research and interventions (e.g., programs, campaigns, etc.) related to emerging sexual and reproductive health competencies among adolescents and youth (e.g., knowledge, attitudes, interpersonal skills, agency), reproductive health needs, and AYSRHR inequities. This track also includes exploring strategies and policy initiatives to promote youth sexual and reproductive health and rights (e.g., comprehensive sexuality education, school-based interventions, and reaching in- and out-of-school youth), enhance youth engagement, and foster innovations in AYSRHR programming (e.g., digital health, social media, etc.).
  • Humanitarian Settings and Crises Track focus: Examining the challenges and innovative solutions for delivering essential and comprehensive SRH services in humanitarian contexts, including natural disasters, epidemics, and armed conflicts. This track focuses on tailored and innovative solutions to provide essential and comprehensive SRH services in all types of conflict and crisis settings, including emergency preparedness and competencies needed to adapt to and preserve sexual and reproductive health and care during and after crises. This includes practical strategies and programs for refugees, internally displaced populations, host communities, and others affected by humanitarian crises and mitigation of and adaptation to the effects of climate change.
  • Faith and Religion Track focus: Exploring the role of religious leaders and faith-based organizations in family planning, including interfaith approaches. Key topics include the relationship between religion and social norms related to family planning, faith-based considerations in comprehensive sexuality education, religion, and family planning in conflict, post-conflict, and extremism, and faith-based organizations and partnerships for family planning.
  • Advances in Measurement and Analytics Track focus: Examining indicators and analytical strategies that enhance research, monitoring, and accountability. This track examines new sexual and reproductive health and rights indicators and their value. It also includes new data sources, artificial intelligence, and machine learning techniques for processing large datasets, modeling sexual and reproductive health behaviors, measuring inequities in reproductive health, and understanding their impact on population dynamics.
  • Sexuality and Sexual Health Track focus: Exploration of sexuality and sexual health across the life course, including sexual knowledge and attitudes, sexual identities, sexual relations, and sexual practices. It examines programs, strategies, and policies addressing sexual health inequities and promoting sexual well-being through education and SRH services. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of understanding and promoting positive sexual experiences (intimacy, pleasure, satisfaction), emphasizing consent, and protecting sexual rights, highlighting their importance in overall well-being and discussing their effective integration into comprehensive SRH services.
  • Overlooked Areas in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Track focus: Inclusion of cross-cutting and innovative new approaches to equitable sexual and reproductive health and rights. These may include multifaceted approaches, unique partnerships, work with champions, and the use of art, media, music, and/or theater to advance family planning and reproductive equity.

ICFP 2025 invites researchers, practitioners, policymakers, advocates, and young leaders to submit research, program, and advocacy abstracts in English, French, or Spanish that advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) by addressing inequities, highlighting innovations, and showing impact across regions and populations.

ICFP 2025 will take place in Bogotá, Colombia, from November 3–6, 2025, under the community-developed theme: “Equity Through Action: Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for All.” Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of global family planning and SRHR!

ICFP 2025 Abstract Submission Dates: 15 JANUARY – 15 MARCH 2025

ICFP 2025 Abstract Portal

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Call for Abstracts & Interactive Learning Sessions: 2nd SAFETYNET Scientific Conference
AbstractsCall for Proposal, EOI & RFPCall for Research ParticipantsConferencePublic Health Epidemiology & BiostatisticsPublic Health OpportunitiesPublic Health Opportunity

Call for Abstracts & Interactive Learning Sessions: 2nd SAFETYNET Scientific Conference

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

The 2nd SAFETYNET Scientific Conference will be held at the Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, September 22—26, 2025.

Call for Abstracts

Abstracts from current trainees and recent graduates (those who graduated or completed their training after January 2023) of applied or field epidemiology training programs (FETPs) of any tier (frontline, intermediate, advanced) in the Southeast Asia and Western Pacific regions may be submitted online at https://auth.oxfordabstracts.com/?redirect=/stages/77149/submitter from December 15, 2024 to February 15, 2025.

Abstracts on any epidemiological studies conducted between January 2023 and January 2025 are eligible for submission. All abstracts should be written in English. Each person is allowed only one abstract submission as the primary author.

Note: The FETP Director, Coordinator, Program Manager, Training Officer/Master Trainer, or Resident Advisor should submit all abstract submissions, whether of current trainees or recent graduates.

For more information, download the pdf with detailed instructions.

Call for Interactive Learning Sessions

We are inviting partners to sponsor and conduct interactive learning sessions (ILS) or workshops on September 22 (Monday) prior to the conference proper. You are invited to send an Expression of Interest (EOI) Form. Download the form attached to this page. Deadline is February 28, 2025.

Conference attendees will include FETP trainees, graduates, mentors, staff and resident advisors, and other public health professionals working as epidemiologists, veterinarians, physicians, nurses, laboratory scientists, and more. The networking opportunities we offer are invaluable in efforts to increase regional health collaboration and build the capacity of public health systems and health surveillance in countries in the Asia Pacific.

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