Page 5 – Public Health Update

World Mental Health Day 2025: Mental Health in Humanitarian Emergencies

World Mental Health Today: Latest Data

by Public Health Update October 11, 2025

Overview

World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year. The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. World Mental Health Day 2025 focuses on the urgent need to support the mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by humanitarian emergencies.

Latest Data

More than 1 billion people worldwide are living with a mental disorder.
Globally, suicide accounts for more than one in every 100 deaths, and for each death, there are around 20 suicide attempts.
Mental disorders account for one in twenty DALYs globally. They are also the second leading cause of YLDs, representing one in every six YLDs worldwide.
Depressive and anxiety disorders are major contributors to YLDs across all age groups (except 0–5 years), particularly among 15–29-year-olds.
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, affecting about 1 in 200 and 1 in 150 adults, respectively, remain major public health concerns.
An estimated US$1 trillion is lost each year in productivity due to depression and anxiety.
Only 9% of people with depression receive adequate treatment.
Without smart, accelerated, and coordinated action, hundreds of millions will continue to suffer unnecessarily, and the broader goals of sustainable development will remain out of reach.

Key messages

Mental health is essential for rebuilding lives
Integrating mental health strengthens emergency response
Investing in mental health is investing in recovery
Mental health care saves lives
Inclusive mental health care leads to stronger communities
Protect your mental health
Promoting mental well-being through various approaches
Protect the well-being of humanitarian workers.

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October 11, 2025 0 comments

Global Health News Health in Data Non- Communicable Diseases (NCDs)Public Health News Public Health Update Reports Tobacco Control

WHO global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000–2024 and projections 2025–2030

by Public Health Update October 8, 2025

written by Public Health Update

Overview

The WHO Global Report on Trends in the Prevalence of Tobacco Use 2000–2024 and Projections 2025–2030 presents WHO estimates of tobacco use prevalence among populations aged 15 years and older from 2000 to 2024, with trends projected to 2030. The estimates are provided at global, regional, and country levels.

Progress in reducing tobacco use is a key indicator for measuring countries’ efforts to implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The estimates are updated every two years and reported to the UN Statistical Division as WHO’s official estimates of Sustainable Development Goals indicator 3.a.1. This indicator is also used to report progress also towards the tobacco use reduction target under the Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2013–2020 and towards the WHO’s Fourteenth Global Programme of Work.

In addition, the report presents a global summary of use of different tobacco products and e-cigarettes by children aged 13–15 years from recent national school-based surveys.

Key findings

The number of tobacco users has dropped from 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024. Since 2010, the number of people using tobacco has dropped by 120 million – a 27% drop in relative terms. Yet, tobacco still hooks one in five adults worldwide, fuelling millions of preventable deaths every year.
WHO has estimated global e-cigarette use – and the numbers are alarming: more than 100 million people worldwide are now vaping. This includes: Adults: at least 86 million users, mostly in high-income countries and Adolescents: at least 15 million children (13–15 years) already using e-cigarettes.
In countries with data, children are on average nine times more likely than adults to vape.
The tobacco industry is introducing an incessant chain of new products and technologies for its aim to market tobacco addiction with not just cigarettes but also e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, heated tobacco products among others, which all harm people’s health, and more worryingly the health of new generations, youth and adolescents.
More women are quitting tobacco than men: While there has been a steady decline in tobacco use for both men and women across all age-groups during 2000–2024, women have been leading the charge to quit tobacco. They hit the global reduction target for 2025 five years early, reaching the 30% milestone back in 2020. Prevalence of tobacco use among women dropped from 11% in 2010 to just 6.6% in 2024, with the number of female tobacco users falling from 277 million in 2010 to 206 million in 2024.
By contrast, men are not expected to reach the goal until 2031. Today, more than four out of five tobacco users worldwide are men, with just under 1 billion men still using tobacco. While prevalence among men has fallen from 41.4% in 2010 to 32.5% in 2024, the pace of change is too slow.

Regional picture

South-East Asia: Once the world’s hotspot, prevalence among men nearly halved – from 70% in 2000 to 37% in 2024. The Region alone accounts for over half of the global decline.
Africa: Prevalence is the lowest of all regions at 9.5% in 2024, and the Region is on track to meet the 30% target. However, because of population growth, the absolute number of tobacco users continues to rise.
Americas: The Region has achieved a 36% relative reduction, with prevalence dropping to 14% in 2024, though some countries still lack sufficient data.
Europe: This is now the highest-prevalence Region globally, with 24.1% of adults using tobacco in 2024, with women in Europe having the highest global prevalence at 17.4%.
Eastern Mediterranean: Prevalence is 18%, with tobacco use continuing to rise in some countries.
Western Pacific: With 22.9% of adults using tobacco in 2024, down from 25.8% in 2010, the progress in this Region is the slowest. While women have low prevalence at 2.5%, men have the highest prevalence of all regions at 43.3%.

Actions needed

WHO is urging governments everywhere to step up tobacco control. This means fully implementing and enforcing the MPOWER package and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, closing loopholes that allow the tobacco and nicotine industries to target children, and regulating new nicotine products like e-cigarettes. It also means raising tobacco taxes, banning advertising, and expanding cessation services so that millions more people can quit.

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October 8, 2025 0 comments

Grants and Funding Opportunities International Jobs & Opportunities Opportunities by Region PhD Public Health Opportunities Public Health Opportunity

UiB PhD positions (8 positions) at the Faculty of Medicine

by Public Health Update October 3, 2025

written by Public Health Update

Overview

The University of Bergen is a renowned educational and research institution, organised into seven faculties and approximately 54 institutes and academic centres. Campus is located in the centre of Bergen with university areas at Nygårdshøyden, Haukeland, Marineholmen, Møllendalsveien and Årstad. At the Faculty of Medicine, four (4) open PhD positions are available along with four (4) positions for students at the Medical Student Research Programme starting 1 February 2026.

The successful candidates will be appointed full-time for a period of three (3) years or a maximum of four (4) months after completion of the PhD degree, should this be achieved by less than four years.

Part-time Option:

It is possible to combine a part-time (50 %) PhD position with another part-time (50 %) position, extending the total employment period to six (6) years. Applicants should indicate this preference in their application and ensure that both employers approve the part-time arrangement before the starting date.

The positions will be affiliated with a department at the faculty relevant for the project.

Four (4) positions are open PhD positions
The positions are available for applicants with a master`s degree relevant for the research at the faculty.

Four (4) PhD positions are designated for applicants that have participated in The Medical Student Research Program:

These positions are exclusively for participants who have completed the Medical Student Research Program. It is a requirement that you start in the position directly after the completion of your degree.
Candidates who graduate during autumn 2025 start on 1 February 2026. Candidates who graduate during spring 2026 start on 1 September 2026.

The successful candidates will be employed in a full-time (100%) position for a period of three (3) years, with the time required to complete the training component of the organized research training (PhD program) deducted, or until a maximum of four (4) months after the application period or upon completion of the PhD degree. The successful candidates will be required to work with the Medical Student Training Program for up to 20 hours per year. This work, which involves recruitment, public relations, and similar tasks, will be agreed upon with the Head of the Medical Student Research Program.

Evaluation of the applicants:

Applicants are evaluated based on the following criteria:

Applicant: The applicant’s competence, grades and relevant professional activity. Applicants must have obtained a master`s degree.
Project: The scientific value of the project and its feasibility within the framework of the PhD program and research fellowship.
Research environment: The research environment’s ability to develop the candidate, relevant publication activity
Visits to international institutions for periods of 6-12 months will generally be valued positively. The application should include a description of how the visit abroad is integrated and how it will add value to the project

For further information about the evaluation criteria please visit here

Qualifications and personal qualities:

The positions are open to applicants with a professional education or a Masters’ degree relevant for research areas at the faculty.
Please also see the requirements for English language qualifications

Organized research training (PhD programme):

A completed PhD degree is the purpose of the position. The candidate must be enrolled and complete the requirement in the PhD programme within the timeframe. The admission and final plan for the PhD programme, including a project plan outline for the training plan must be approved by the faculty no later than three months after starting the position.

The PhD position:

PhD positions are fixed-term positions. You cannot be employed in a PhD position for more than one fixed-term period at the same institution or have had similar employment at an institution in the region.

At the PhD programme the teaching language is in English

Offer:

Exciting development opportunities as part of your role in a strong professional environment
Salary NOK 570 000 (code 1017) in the state salary scale.
For applicants with at least one year of employment in a position as a General Practitioner or Dentist, salary NOK 585 000 (For applicants who are licensed as medical doctors or dentists, documentation of Norwegian authorization must be submitted with the application.)
Medical specialist starts on salary NOK 605 000 (For applicants with specialist training, a certificate of specialist approval from the Norwegian Directorate of Health must also be included.)
Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
Good welfare benefits

Your application must include the following numbered attachments:

Application letter which includes the name of the project, name of supervisor(s) both main and co-supervisor(s), research group and the department where the project will be performed. The application letter should mention your motivation for a PhD-education with this project. You may apply for both open and earmarked position. Please inform us what you apply for in the application letter.
Project description (max 6 pages), including a summary and references, using this template. Please include area of research, research problems/questions, methods and use of theory
CV (max 3 pages). Use this template
Witnessed (certified) copies of diplomas and transcripts of all academic degrees (original) with certified translation and transcript of grades to English or a Scandinavian language. Recognition of foreign higher education from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK – dir) concerning whether the education (bachelor and master) corresponds in scope and level to a Norwegian Master’s degree. Please see https://hkdir.no/en for more information. This will take some time and we recommend you to contact HK – dir as soon as you decide to apply for the position. If no review by the application deadline, please enclose a confirmation from HK – dir that they have received your application. Please note that the automatic recognition offered by HK-dir is not sufficient and will not be accepted as basis for admission to the PhD programme. Please also see the requirements for English language qualifications.
List of any scientific work (PDF) and publication with a brief overview of content and your own contribution for each of these
Any scientific work/publications
Statement from supervisors (max 1 page)
Main supervisor’s CV (max 4 pages) Use this template

A description of the main supervisor`s experience with supervision (master- and PhD) must be included. The document must also contain a list of PhD and postdoctoral candidates that the main supervisor is currently main supervisor/mentor for, and that are financed by The Faculty of Medicine. Please list the names of the candidates, the start date, and the expected end date for each candidate. If you are not currently main supervisor or mentor for candidates who are funded by the Faculty of Medicine, this should be clearly stated. A person cannot supervise or act as mentor for more than four (4) PhD and/or postdocs funded by The Faculty at the same time. Please see guidelines here

9. List of main supervisor’s publications over the last seven years

10. Review of research group (max 1 page)

11. Invitation letter for the candidate from a foreign institution (when a stay abroad is part of the project) where the content of the stay is stated

12. Other relevant enclosures

Please note that we will not process your application if requested documents or information is insufficient.

Relevant additional information (for example acceptance of submitted articles) can be forwarded until 30th of October 2025 to Selina Sia Hausberg

Also note that the course for PhD supervisors and Treatment of personal data in medical and health research are mandatory for all supervisors and mentors. These courses must be completed before the candidate can be admitted to the program.

Further information:

The main supervisor must hold a permanent position of at least 50 % at the Faculty of Medicine. Exceptions are made for persons in part-time position at the faculty, who holds a full position in Helse Vest, in NORCE or in the primary health service in Western Norway.

The main supervisor must be employed at the faculty throughout the whole PhD period. Deviations from the rule on appointment for the entire period can be accepted, but then one must explain in the application how the supervision is to be handled by another person employed by the Faculty of Medicine. One cannot be main supervisor if retired or become emeritus within the period of the PhD position.

Please note that only one application from each main supervisor will be processed within each category (PhD and postdoctoral fellow).

For more information regarding technical matters connected to the application process, please contact HR Adviser Selina Sia Hausberg (e-mail: selina.hausberg@uib.no, phone +47 55 58 61 42)

For more information on the positions, please contact the Dean for Research Silje Skrede (e-mail: silje.skrede@uib.no, phone:+4748 09 37 27).

University of Bergen must follow Norway’s export control regulations when processing applications for this position.

State employment shall reflect the multiplicity of the population at large to the highest possible degree. People with immigrant backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position.

The University of Bergen applies the principles of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions. Information about the applicant may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named in the list of applicants. The applicant must be notified if the request is not met.

Further information about our employment process can be found here.

Official information

October 3, 2025 0 comments

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World Lung Day 2025: “Healthy Lungs, Healthy Life”

by Public Health Update September 25, 2025

written by Public Health Update

Overview

World Lung Day (WLD) is observed annually on September 25. It is a day for lung health advocacy and action, an opportunity for us all to unite and promote better lung health globally. It was initiated by the Forum of the International Respiratory Society (FIRS) for lung health advocacy and action. The WLD is focused on improving and promoting better lung health globally. (Public Health Update)

Respiratory diseases impose an immense worldwide health burden. Globally, 4 million people die prematurely from chronic respiratory diseases, which include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, acute lower respiratory tract infections, tuberculosis, and lung cancer.

Key facts

Respiratory diseases continue to place a huge burden on global health (data: WHO & FIRS):

COPD – Affects 200 million people; causes 3.2 million deaths each year, the third-leading cause of death worldwide.
Asthma – One of the most common NCDs, affecting 262 million people globally.
Lung Cancer – In 2020, there were 2.2 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths. Responsible for 1 in 4 cancer deaths worldwide.
Pneumonia (Lower Respiratory Infections) – Causes 2.4 million deaths annually, mainly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). COVID-19 has further worsened pneumonia-related mortality.
Children Under 5 – Pneumonia remains the leading single cause of death outside the neonatal period.
Tuberculosis (TB) – In 2023, 1.25 million people died from TB, including 161,000 with HIV. TB has likely returned as the world’s leading infectious killer, overtaking COVID-19. It is also the leading cause of death among people with HIV and a major driver of antimicrobial resistance-related deaths.

Key messages

Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) affect the lungs and airways.
Common CRDs include COPD, asthma, occupational lung diseases, and pulmonary hypertension.
Major risk factors: tobacco smoke, air pollution, workplace chemicals/dust, and frequent childhood respiratory infections.
CRDs are not curable, but treatments can ease symptoms, open airways, and improve daily life.

Protect Your Lungs Every Day

Breathe Clean Air – Avoid polluted areas & support clean-air policies.
Be Smoke-Free – Quit smoking & avoid second-hand smoke.
Stay Active – Regular exercise boosts lung function.
Vaccinate – Protect against flu, pneumonia & COVID-19.
Act on Climate – Support actions reducing greenhouse gases.
Eat Well – A balanced diet supports respiratory health.

September 25, 2025 0 comments

Public Health

WHO South-East Asia Region announces winners of Public Health Champion Awards

by Public Health Update September 22, 2025

written by Public Health Update

New Delhi | 22 September 2025: The Female Community Health Volunteers of Nepal, disability inclusion champion Dr. Satendra Singh, and the Lepra Society, were today announced as winners of the newly instituted WHO South-East Asia Region’s Award for Public Health Champion.

The Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) are being recognized for their transformative role in improving maternal and child health, increasing immunization coverage, promoting nutrition, and managing disease outbreaks, even in Nepal’s most geographically and socially challenged regions.

The FCHVs efforts have significantly contributed to reducing maternal mortality from 901 per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 151 in 2021, and under-five mortality from 162 to 28 per 1,000 live births (NDHS 2022, UNICEF). Internationally recognized as a low-cost, high-impact model, the FCHV program is a replicable example of sustainable, gender-equitable, and community-led health systems strengthening.

Dr. Satendra Singh, Director-Professor of Physiology at the University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, Delhi, has been selected for the award in the individual category for championing disability inclusion in health systems and medical education.

Drawing from his own lived experience with disability, Dr Singh has spearheaded transformative advocacy that reframed disability from a medical limitation to a human rights issue, influencing policies, curricula, and institutional practices in India and across the world. Dr. Singh’s work exemplifies sustainable, inclusive public health innovation rooted in equity and empowerment.

The LEPRA Society, an NGO operating since 1989, has been selected as a Public Health Champion in the institution category. It has played a pivotal role in medical breakthroughs such as the development of Clofazimine to treat leprosy, the introduction of Multi-Drug Therapy, and the creation of custom-made footwear to prevent ulcers.

The LEPRA Society operates across nine states and 143 districts in India, providing services through 146 healthcare centers in underserved and hard-to-reach areas. It has expanded its work to address other health challenges like tuberculosis, HIV, lymphatic filariasis, and also COVID-19 during the pandemic. The LEPRA Society remains a person-centered healthcare provider that integrates innovation, research, and compassion to serve marginalized communities and improve public health.

WHO South-East Asia Regional Office announced the Award for Public Health Champion in June this year, to honor extraordinary efforts of individuals and institutions whose contributions have created a lasting impact in public health and resulted in tangible health gains for Member States or for the Region as a whole. Fifty nominations were received for the award from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Thailand.

The Champions will be felicitated at an event on the sidelines of the 78th session of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

WHO SEARO

September 22, 2025 0 comments

Global Health News International Health International Plan, Policy & Guidelines Public Health News Public Health Update

America First Global Health Strategy

by Public Health Update September 19, 2025

written by Public Health Update

Overview

The U.S. Department of State has released its America First Global Health Strategy, which outlines a comprehensive vision to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous while saving millions of lives around the world and preventing infectious disease outbreaks from reaching American shores. The strategy is built on three pillars.

Safer – Strengthen global disease surveillance, respond quickly to outbreaks, and protect U.S. borders.
Stronger – Use health assistance strategically through multi-year agreements to build resilient local systems, reduce dependency, and encourage co-investment.
More Prosperous – Safeguard the U.S. economy by preventing outbreaks, while promoting American health innovation and products worldwide.

The strategy aims to save lives, build resilient health systems, and keep America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

This strategy builds on the successes of past global health programs. Over the last 25 years, the United States global health programs have:

Prevented thousands of infectious disease outbreaks from reaching American shores.
Saved over 26 million lives through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and millions of additional lives through other global health programs.
Prevented 7.8 million babies from being born with HIV / AIDS.

However, it is highlighted that the global health programs have become inefficient and wasteful and created a culture of dependency among recipient countries.

Today, less than 40% of health foreign assistance goes to frontline supplies and health care workers.
- ~25% of funds are used to purchase commodities (e.g., diagnostics, drugs)
- ~15% of funds are used to employ over 270,000 frontline healthcare workers (e.g., mostly nurses and community health workers)
The remaining 60% of funds are spent on technical assistance, program management, and other forms of overhead costs.
Over the past 25 years, US health programs have created a culture of dependency among many recipient countries.

Future direction

This strategy aims to strengthen bilateral relationships with key countries by entering multi-year bilateral agreements that advance American interests, save lives, and enable economic growth:

The US global health foreign assistance program is not just aid – it is a strategic mechanism to further US bilateral interests around the world. Moving forward, we will utilize health foreign assistance to advance U.S. priorities and move countries toward resilient and durable local health systems.
The US Government will do this by entering multi-year bilateral agreements with recipient countries that lay out clear goals and action plans.
- Frontline Commodities & Healthcare Workers: Bilateral agreements will ensure that 100% of funding for all frontline commodity purchases and all frontline healthcare workers is maintained.
- Data Systems: Bilateral agreements will ensure there are data systems in place to monitor epidemiology data, service delivery data, and supply chain data.
- Technical Assistance, Program Management and Overhead: Bilateral agreements will work to rapidly transition U.S. technical assistance from supporting individual clinical sites to supporting governments in taking over key functions. This will include more direct government-to-government assistance as well as leveraging the private sector and faith-based organizations.
- Co-Investment: Bilateral agreements will require recipient governments to co-invest in these efforts and include performance benchmarks that must be met in order to release future U.S. health foreign assistance funding.
The US Government aims to complete bilateral agreements with recipient countries receiving the vast majority of U.S. health foreign assistance by December 31, 2025 with the goal of beginning to implement these new agreements by April 2026.

DOWNLOAD : America First Global Health Strategy

Official website

September 19, 2025 0 comments

Global Health News International Plan, Policy & Guidelines Reports

The 2025 Global Health 50/50 Report

by Public Health Update September 15, 2025

written by Public Health Update

Overview

The Global 50/50 is an independent research and advocacy initiative working to advance gender equality and health equity. Established in 2017 as Global Health 50/50, it combines academic rigour, policy insight, and advocacy to bridge evidence and action. Its work has influenced over 200 global health organisations, setting benchmarks for equality and accountability. Now expanding beyond health, Global 50/50’s vision spans three pillars—Global Health 50/50, Global Justice 50/50 (launching 2025), and Global Finance 50/50 (launching 2026)—to expose and address systemic gender inequalities across global systems.

The 2025 Global 50/50 Report

This eighth annual report reveals a marked downturn in the public availability of organisational commitments and policies for workplace fairness and equity. The fragile gains of previous years remind us that the road to social justice, including gender justice, is long, with inevitable setbacks.

Key points

This year’s Global Health 50/50 Report covers 199 organisations across 37 countries, representing 4M+ employees.
For the first time since monitoring began in 2017, the Report documents a regression across key gender, fairness, and equity indicators.
The downturn is most visible among organisations – both for-profit and nonprofit – with US federal grants or contracts, where compliance pressures from the current US administration have led many to withdraw or dilute their public commitments.
While recognising the challenges posed by the current climate, this moment of rupture can also provide us with an opportunity to reclaim, rethink and realise more sustainable and equitable institutions and systems in the future.

What ‘holding the line’ means will vary from organisation to organisation, but all of us within the global health sector have a role to play:

Workplace: Uphold and implement the core commitments of gender equality, fairness, and equity.
Leadership: Lead boldly and visibly.
Global Health Community: Reassert the core principles of fairness and equity as the global health landscape shifts.

Read the full Report here: https://global5050.org

September 15, 2025 0 comments

PH Important Day Public Health Public Health Epidemiology & Biostatistics Public Health Information Public Health Update

World Field Epidemiology Day 2025: Making Our Mark: Field Epidemiology in Action!

by Public Health Update September 7, 2025

written by Public Health Update

Overview

#DYK On September 7, 1854, John Snow presented his findings from the Broad Street cholera outbreak to local officials—prompting the removal of the contaminated water pump handle. This action not only stopped the outbreak but also changed the course of modern epidemiology.

On this important date, we observe “World Field Epidemiology Day” to recognise the contribution of field epidemiologists who continue this legacy—detecting, investigating, and controlling public health threats to safeguard communities worldwide.

World Field Epidemiology Day 2025

This year, the theme is “Making Our Mark: Field Epidemiology in Action” aims to recognise and raise awareness of the vital role of field epidemiologists in protecting the health of populations and advancing global health security, and to advocate for increased investment in field epidemiology training, research, and professionals.

Key messages

Field epidemiology is key to strengthening epidemiologic and surveillance capacity at all levels of the health system, mitigating public health threats, and leading to reduced mortality and case numbers, epidemic duration, and potential for spread.
Field epidemiology requires a systematic approach to solving problems, enabling effective outbreak management and emergency response.
Increased field epidemiology capacity allows for quicker outbreak response, making it possible to break chains of transmission, decrease the number of cases and deaths, and mitigate the socioeconomic consequences.
Increasing investment in field epidemiology training and technology is crucial to ensuring high-quality health information for strong decision-making and the development of evidence-informed policies.
Field epidemiologists help establish sustainable surveillance systems today to prevent complex health emergencies in the future.
Surveys and investigations conducted by field epidemiologists have led to improvements in public health service delivery: for example, improvement of sanitation systems and increased vaccination coverage.
Increasing investment in multidisciplinary field epidemiology training can have lasting and positive effects on the structure and coordination of health agencies.
To safeguard and promote the health of its citizens, every country must have an effective field epidemiology capacity.

Take-home message

Diseases know no borders—health threats anywhere are health threats everywhere.
Field epidemiology is critical to detect, investigate, and control health threats.
Investing in training and multidisciplinary capacity ensures faster outbreak response and better-prepared health systems.
Field epidemiologists are “in action” every day—addressing pandemics, climate change–driven threats, zoonoses, and more.

Read more: https://www.worldfieldepidemiologyday.org/

#WorldFieldEpidemiologyDay #WFED #Epidemiology #PublicHealth #GlobalHealth #OneHealth #Surveillance #FieldEpidemiology #CholeraOutbreak #JohnSnow

September 7, 2025 0 comments

WHO practical guide on using theories of change for health policy and planning

Health Systems International Plan, Policy & Guidelines Public Health Public Health Update Research & Publication

WHO practical guide on using theory of change for health policy and planning

by Public Health Update August 28, 2025

written by Public Health Update

Overview

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new technical guidance on “How to Develop an Evidence-Informed Theory of Change (ToC) for Health”, aimed at helping health professionals and policy-makers integrate evidence into program planning and policy-making.

This guide aims to support efforts to use evidence in a systematic and transparent way for developing and updating ToCs in the health sector. While ToCs are widely used for policy design, implementation and evaluation, there is a lack of structured approaches to using evidence to inform ToCs. This guide is an attempt to fill this gap. . This guide focuses on how to use evidence to develop ToCs.

Target audience

The target audience of this guide is health professionals, policy-makers, researchers, members of civil society, staff in international organizations such as WHO, and other stakeholders interested in promoting effective health policies through the use of ToCs and high-quality evidence. This guide can also be useful for project managers and planning, monitoring and evaluation officers in ministries of health and other ministries, as well as in civil society and nongovernmental organizations.

Why should I use this guide?

ToC frameworks can be applied to a range of objectives, such as designing and planning interventions, implementing interventions, monitoring and evaluation, promoting transparency, policy transfer and scaling up, as well as supporting institutional strategic plans. As such, ToCs are an important resource for evidence-informed health policies. By combining different types of evidence, a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the programme or intervention can be attained. The six-stage process for integrating evidence into ToCs presented in this guide offers a practical step-by-step approach to developing and updating ToCs, helping organizations to effectively plan, implement, monitor or evaluate policies, programmes, and interventions in the health sector. This guide aims to improve the capacity for developing and utilizing ToCs, ultimately empowering readers to devise more effective policies and interventions that significantly enhance the quality of people’s lives.

Key messages

Programmes are based on policies, which, in turn, are built on expectations. These expectations can be presented through a ToC.
Analysis should determine if and how these expectations can be met.
A ToC is a framework for depicting a sequence of causal steps that describe how an intervention, programme or strategic plan is expected to lead to outputs, outcomes and impact. It is presented as a diagram containing preconditions, expected results, rationales, assumptions, and indicators.
A ToC is built from a flexible, interactive and participatory process.
A ToC involves a continuous process of analysis and discussion, fostering critical questioning, incorporating diverse perspectives and helping to deal with uncertainties.
A ToC is a living product that must be constantly updated and adapted as the intervention process unfolds and more is learned about what needs to be done

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Disclaimer: The resources, documents, guidelines, and information on this blog have been collected from various sources and are intended for informational purposes only. Information published on or through this website and affiliated social media channels does not represent the intention, plan, or strategies of an organization that the initiator is associated with in a professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly indicated.
If you have any complaints, information, or suggestions about the content published on Public Health Update, please feel free to contact us at blog.publichealthupdate@gmail.com.
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August 28, 2025 0 comments

Education Fellowships, Studentship & Scholarships Grants and Funding Opportunities International Jobs & Opportunities Public Health Public Health Opportunities Public Health Opportunity

Call for Applications: Chevening Scholarships 2026-27

by Public Health Update August 25, 2025

written by Public Health Update

Overview

Chevening is the UK government’s international scholarship and fellowship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. It offers fully funded one-year master’s degree scholarships at UK universities to outstanding professionals with leadership potential from around the world.

The main purpose of Chevening is to:

Support future leaders by providing them with academic knowledge and skills.
Build global networks of professionals who will create positive change in their home countries.
Strengthen ties between the UK and partner countries.

Chevening scholars not only study in the UK but also gain opportunities to develop professionally, engage in cultural exchange, and form lasting connections with the UK and fellow scholars worldwide.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Chevening Scholarship you must:

Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory.
Commit to returning to your home country for at least two years after your scholarship ends.
Have at least 2,800 hours of work experience after graduating from your undergraduate degree. This is roughly equivalent to two years of full-time work, though it may have been completed over a different time period.
Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK master’s programme. You must have graduated at least two years before our application deadline, to demonstrate commitment to your goals.
Apply to three different and eligible  UK university courses. You must have received an unconditional offer from at least one of these course choices by the references and education documents deadline listed on the application timeline.

List of public health related courses and University

Aston University, Birmingham

Public Health MPH
Artificial Intelligence for Health MSc
Addiction and Mental Health MSc
Health Psychology MSc

Bangor University

Clinical and Health Psychology MSc
Advanced Clinical Practice (Allied Health Professional) MSc
Public Health and Health Promotion MSc

University of Bath

Health Psychology MSc

University of Bedfordshire

Microbiology in Public Health MSc
Public Health MSc
Health Psychology MSc
Food Security in Public Health MSc
School of Sport Science and Physical Activity
Behaviour Change and Health MSc

Birkbeck, University of London

Medical and Health Humanities MA
Health and Clinical Psychological SciencesMA MSc

University of Birmingham

Health Economics and Health Policy MSc
Health Research Methods MSc
Environmental Health MSc
Health, Safety and Environment Management MSc
Health Economics and Econometrics MSc
Health Data Science MSc
Public Health (Global Health) MPH
Public Health MPH
Philosophy, Mental Health and Psychology MSc
Mental Health (Youth/Interdisciplinary) MSc
Health Care Policy and Management MSc

Bournemouth University

Digital Health MSc
Public Health MSc

University of Bristol

Global Wildlife Health and Conservation MSc
Public Health MSc
Digital Health MSc
Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health MSc
Health Economics and Health Policy Analysis MSc
Medical Statistics and Health Data Science MSc
Global Health Policy MSc
Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health MSc
Law – Health, Law and Society LLM
Health Economics and Health Policy Analysis MSc

Bristol, UWE

Health Technology MSc
Environmental Health MSc
Public Health MSc
Health PsychologyMSc

Brunel University of London

Advanced Professional Practice (Cardiovascular Health) MSc
Advanced Professional Practice (Pelvic Health) MSc
Sport, Health and Exercise SciencesMSc

University of Cambridge

Health, Medicine and Society
Population Health Sciences

Canterbury Christ Church University

Global Public Health MSc
Applied Exercise and Health ScienceMSc

Cardiff University

Public Health MPH
Psychology of Mental Health MSc

University of Central Lancashire

Applied Public HealthMSc

University of Dundee

Nursing and Health (MSc) MSc
Psychology of Mental Health (MSc) MSc
Science & Health Communication (MSc)MSc
Public Health (Palliative Care Research) MPHMPH
Public Health MPHMPH

Durham University

Global and Planetary Health MSc
Master of Data Science (Health) MSc
Physical Activity, Health and Society MSc

University of East Anglia UEA

Medical and Health Humanities MA
Biology of Ageing and Lifelong Health MSc
Global Public Health MSc

University of East London

Global Public Health MSc

University of Essex

Health Research MSc
MSc Global Public Health Master of Science – MSc (PG)

University of Essex

Health Genomics MSc

University of Exeter

Environment and Human Health MSc
Health Data Science MSc
Health Research Methods MSc

University of Exeter

Public Health and Sport Sciences
Cultures and Environments of HealthMA
Master of Public Health (MPH)MSc
Paediatric Exercise and HealthMSc
Sport and Health SciencesMSc

University of Glasgow

Global Mental Health MSc
Public Health MPH
Health Care, Advanced Practice InMSc (MedSci)
Health Service Management MSc
Global Health MSc

University of Greenwich

Global Public Health MSc
MSc Global Health Management Master of Science – MSc (PG)

University of Huddersfield

Health Professional Education MSc
Master of Public Health MPH
Master of Public Health (Global) MPH
Health Professional Education MSc
Master of Public Health (Management and Leadership) MPH

University of Hull

MSc Health and Climate Change MSc
MSc Health Research MSc

Imperial College London

Global Health Management MSc
Health Data Analytics and Machine Learning MSc
Master of Public HealthMPH

University of Kent

Law (Law and Health)LLM

Kingston University

Advanced Therapeutics and Public Health MSc

Lancaster University

Global Medical and Health Humanities MA

Lancaster University

Health Data ScienceMSc

University of Leeds

Health Informatics with Data Science MSc
Cardiovascular Health and Disease MSc
Dental Public Health MSc
History of Health, Medicine and Society MA
Health Data Analytics MSc
International Health MSc
Public Health (International)MPH
Psychological Approaches to Health MSc

University of Leicester

Population Health Data ScienceMSc
Health Law LLMLLM

University of Liverpool

Health, Cultures and Societies MA
Clinical and Health Psychology MSc
Data Science and Analytics for Health MSc
Data Science for Health (Conversion) MSc
Master of Public Health MPH
Planetary and One Health MSc

London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London

Global Health Policy MSc
Health Data Science MSc
Health Policy, Planning And Financing (Double Degree with LSHTM)MSc
International Health PolicyMSc
International Health Policy (Health Economics)MSc
Health and International Development MSc

Loughborough University

Musculoskeletal Sport Science and Health MSc

Newcastle University

Advanced Data Science with Health MSc

Newcastle University

Global Public Health MSc
Public HealthMPH

Nottingham Trent University

Health Law LLM

Nottingham Trent University

Equine Performance, Health and Welfare MSc
Forensic Mental Health MSc
Psychological Well Being and Mental Health MSc

University of Nottingham

Master of Public Health (Health Research) MPH
Mental Health Research and Practice MSc

University of Nottingham

Research Methods (Health) MA

University of Nottingham

Health Psychology MSc
Master of Public Health MPH
Master of Public Health (Global Health) MPH

University of Plymouth

Health Data Science and StatisticsMSc

University of Plymouth

Health and Wellness Through Physiotherapy Master of Science – MSc (PG)

Queen Mary University of London

Psychology: Mental Health Sciences MSc
Global Public Health and Policy MSc
Public Mental HealthMaster of Science – MSc (PG)
Forensic Mental HealthMaster of Science – MSc (PG)
Health Care Research Methods MSc
Creative Arts and Mental Health MSc
Forensic Psychology and Mental Health MSc
Health Data in Practice MSc
Mental Health: Cultural Psychology and Psychiatry MSc
Mental Health: Psychological Therapies MSc

ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY

Public Health and Health Promotion MSc

UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS

Health Data ScienceMSc

UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD

Public Health MSc
Health and Global Environment MSc
Safety, Health and Environment MSc

SOAS UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

Medical Anthropology and Mental Health MA

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON 

Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care MSc
Public Health MPH MSc
Public Health Global Health MSc
Health Psychology MSc
Global HealthMSc

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH WALES 

Public Health MSc
Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (Health Visiting) MSc
Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) MA
Safety, Health and Environmental Management MSc
Sport, Health and Exercise Science MSc
Health and Public Service Management MSc

UNIVERSITY OF STAFFORDSHIRE

Health PsychologyMSc

UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING

Public Health MPH
Health Psychology MSc

UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE

Digital Health Systems MSc
Applied Statistics in Health Sciences MSc
Health History MSc
Health Analysis, Policy & Management MSc
Clinical Health Psychology MSc
Health & Social Policy MSc
Neuroscience & Mental Health MSc

UNIVERSITY OF SURREY 

Health Psychology MSc

University of Surrey

Clinical Psychology and Mental HealthMSc

University of Sussex

Paediatrics and Child Health MSc
Public Health Master of Science – MSc (PG)
Global Health MSc
Foundations of Clinical Psychology and Mental Health MSc

Swansea University

Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (Health Visiting) MSc
Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (School Nursing) MSc
Health Care Management MSc
Public Health and Health Promotion MSc
Health Data Science MSc
Health Informatics MSc
Clinical Psychology and Mental Health MSc
Advanced Health and Care Management (Value-Based) MSc
Advanced Management (Health Innovation and Transformation) MSc

University of Warwick

Diagnostics, Data and Digital Health MSc
Diagnostics, Data and Digital Health (Medical Diagnostics) MSc
Diagnostics, Data and Digital Health (Medical Imaging) MSc
Mental Health and Wellbeing MSc
Public Health MPH

University of Westminster, London

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health MSc
Global Public Health Nutrition MSc
Global Public Health with Data Science MSc
Health Psychology MSc

University of York

Health Economics MSc
Mental Health and Wellbeing in Education MSc
Health Research MSc
Public Health MPH
Neuroscience of Mental Health MSc
Psychology of Mental Health MSc

New update for this year

If you graduated after October 2023, you will not be eligible, as there wouldn’t have been sufficient time to complete the required 2800 hours and demonstrate the required commitment to your field before the application deadline.

Work experience gained after graduation can include:

Full-time employment
Part-time employment
Voluntary work
Paid or unpaid internships

New and updated essay questions, including a stronger focus on how your course and university choices connect to global priority areas, such as:

Promoting growth and prosperity
Building resilience in a climate-vulnerable world
Strengthening security and stability in a volatile world
Supporting development for more inclusive and effective societies

We’ve also reduced the word limit for essay responses from 500 to 300 words, to encourage you to share personal examples of your experience with greater clarity and focus.

Application timeline

7 October 2025: Applications close at 12:00 UTC/ GMT
From October 2025: Applications are sifted against eligibility criteria.
Mid-October 2025 to January 2026: Reading committee assessments: Independent reading committees assess all eligible applications.
Mid-February 2026: Applicants shortlisted for interviews: Once applications have been reviewed, British embassies and high commissions produce a shortlist.
March to April 2026: Interviews take place: Candidates from all over the world are interviewed by panels at British embassies and high commissions. Candidates invited for interview have until the end of the global interview period to upload their references to the online application system or submit them to their local Chevening team.
Mid-June 2026: Results: After months of preparation and trepidation, successful candidates will experience jubilation when interview results are announced from mid-June onwards.
9 July 2026: Offer deadline: If you are invited to interview and your interview is successful, you will be asked to submit your unconditional offer from a UK university. The deadline to receive and submit at least one unconditional UK university offer is 17:00 BST (UK time) on 9 July 2026.
September/October 2026: Studies begin in the UK: 2026-27 Chevening scholars commence their studies in the UK and enter into an international network that they’ll be a part of for the rest of their lives!

READ MORE AND APPLY (Official website)
Open for applications until 7 October 2025, at 12:00 (UTC)

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Overview

Latest Data

Overview

Key findings

Overview

Evaluation of the applicants:

Qualifications and personal qualities:

Organized research training (PhD programme):

Offer:

Your application must include the following numbered attachments:

Overview

Key facts

Key messages

Protect Your Lungs Every Day

Overview

Future direction

Overview

The 2025 Global 50/50 Report

Key points

Overview

World Field Epidemiology Day 2025

Key messages

Take-home message

Overview

Target audience

Why should I use this guide?

Overview

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Chevening Scholarship you must:

List of public health related courses and University

Recommended readings

Previous announcements

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