Australia Awards Fellowships
Public HealthGrants and Funding OpportunitiesInternational Jobs & OpportunitiesPublic Health OpportunitiesPublic Health Opportunity

Australia Awards Fellowships Round 18 

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Overview

Australia Awards are an Australian Government initiative bringing together prestigious international scholarships, Fellowships and short courses administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. Australia Awards managed by DFAT are provided as part of Australia’s development program.

The overall goal of DFAT’s Australia Awards is to support partner countries to progress their development goals and have positive relationships with Australia that advance mutual interests. Australia Awards support emerging leaders to undertake study, research and professional development activities that build skills, knowledge and people to people links with the aim of contributing to the long-term development needs of Australia’s partner countries.

The Awards strive to develop leadership potential and stimulate lasting change by empowering a global network of talented individuals through high-quality education experiences in Australia and overseas. Australia Awards Scholars and Fellows return home with new ideas, knowledge and networks, and the ability to make a significant contribution to their home countries as leaders in their field. Through the Awards, alumni develop links to Australia and Australians, helping to build positive relationships between individuals, organisations and businesses in Australia and partner countries.

The Australia Awards administered by DFAT include: Australia Awards Scholarships; Australia Awards Pacific Scholarships; Australia Awards Fellowships; and Australia Awards Short Courses.

Australia Awards Fellowships

Australia Awards Fellowships offer eligible Australian organisations, from all sectors, the opportunity to deepen and broaden their links with leaders and professionals in developing countries by hosting Fellows from overseas partner organisations. Australian organisations identify their relevant development expertise and submit a Fellowship proposal with an overall aim of:

  • strengthening partnerships and links between Australian organisations and partner organisations in developing countries, in support of Australia’s strategic development objectives; and
  • increasing the capability and professional development of selected Fellows to advance priority development issues bilaterally, sub-regionally and/or regionally.

The program is designed to complement Australia’s individual bilateral and regional development programs and long-term scholarships by offering future leaders and mid-career professionals who will be in a position to advance priority development and foreign affairs issues on their return home. Fellowship activities aim to provide high-quality training, exchange of expertise, skills and knowledge, and opportunities to enhance networks on issues of shared interest. Activities can include a combination of short-term study and/or training, research, professional attachments and networking experiences.

Funding of up to $30,000 per Fellow is offered on a competitive basis to Australian organisations to host Fellows from eligible countries for activities delivered both in Australia and offshore for between minimum 2 weeks and maximum 52 weeks, the majority (over 70%) of the Fellowship must be conducted in Australia. Australian organisations must demonstrate commitment to the program and ongoing collaboration by providing a co-contribution to the Fellowship costs.

Who Can Apply?

Australian organisations such as government institutions, business and non-government organisations are eligible to apply. Organisations must be legal entities with an Australian Business Number and must be able to demonstrate links with partner organisations in participating countries, and provide in-kind or financial contributions to support Fellowships. Individuals cannot apply.

Fellow Eligibility

Australian organisations must ensure that all nominated Fellows meet the following general eligibility requirements:

  • be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of commencing the Fellowship
  • not be a permanent resident or be applying for permanent residency in Australia or partner someone who is
  • be a citizen of an eligible country
  • not be current serving military personnel
  • be able to satisfy all requirements of the Department of Home Affairs for (DFAT sponsored) student visas subclass 500
  • be able to participate in the Fellowship.
  • Be able to travel without family members as DFAT will only fund and provide visa support letters for individual Fellows, not their family members
  • Fellows with a disability that requires assistance must travel with a carer
Participating Countries
Southeast Asia

Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam

South Asia and Middle East

Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iraq, Jordan, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories and Sri Lanka

Pacific

Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Wallis and Futuna

Africa

Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Europe

Ukraine

Priority Areas

Fellowship programs must align with the following six development priority areas:

  • Climate change and resilience (including green energy transition)
  • Health and health security
  • Gender equality and social inclusion
  • Digital economy (including cyber and critical technology engagement)
  • Maritime and the blue economy
  • Infrastructure and connectivity
How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online.

PLEASE NOTE: You have until 11.59pm (AEDT) on January 22, 2023 to submit your online application.

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted for assessment.

Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted for assessment.

OFFICIAL LINK

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Minimum Service Standards for Ayurveda Hospital, Health Centre & Aushadhalaya
Public HealthHealth SystemsNational Plan, Policy & GuidelinesQuality Improvement & Infection Prevention

Minimum Service Standards for Ayurveda Hospital, Health Centre & Aushadhalaya

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Overview

The Minimum Service Standards (MSS) for Ayurveda health institutions is the readiness tool that sets in minimum set of standards to be fulfilled by the Ayurveda Hospital, Health Centre & Aushadhalayaand to be able to provide the services that it claims to provide. The Ayurveda Hospital, Health Centre & Aushadhalaya can thrive to provide more than what has been enlisted in the MSS but it is crucial that they have first fulfilled the MSS requirements.

The MSS is complementary to the existing quality improvement tools in the sense that it will ensure inputs in place before checking on the processes and outputs. It does not detail out how the services are to be provided which is basically the scope of Standard Treatment Protocols.

During the development of the MSS for Ayurveda Hospitals, the framework was prepared with three basic components- governance and management, clinical service management and support service management. The development of MSS for Ayurveda Hospitals is based the guidance of the Department of Ayurveda and Alternative Medicines.

Minimum Service Standards (MSS) for Ayurveda Aushadhalaya

Download: Minimum Service Standards (MSS) for Ayurveda Aushadhalaya

Minimum Service Standards (MSS) for Ayurveda Health Centre-District Level

Download: Minimum Service Standards (MSS) for Ayurveda Health Centre-District Level

Minimum Service Standards (MSS) for Ayurveda Hospital Provincial Level

Download: Minimum Service Standards (MSS) for Ayurveda Hospital Provincial Level

Minimum Service Standards (MSS) for Ayurveda Hospital Central Level

Download: Minimum Service Standards (MSS) for Ayurveda Hospital Central Level

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Global Tuberculosis Report 2022
Public Health

Global Tuberculosis Report 2022

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Overview

The WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2022 provides a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of the TB epidemic, and of progress in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease, at global, regional and country levels. This is done in the context of global TB commitments, strategies and targets.

The 2022 edition of the report is as usual, based primarily on data gathered by WHO from national ministries of health in annual rounds of data collection. In 2022, 202 countries and territories with more than 99% of the world’s population and TB cases reported data.

Please note that direct comparisons between estimates of TB disease burden in the latest report and previous reports are not appropriate. The most recent time-series of estimates are published in this global TB report.

Highlights

  • TB case notifications: Big fall in 2020, partial recovery in 2021
  • Deaths caused by TB: Global increases in 2020 and 2021
  • Number of people developing TB: Global rise in 2021, years of decline reversed
  • TB deaths and incidence beyond 2021: Further worsening possible
  • Estimation of TB disease burden: New direct measurements needed

Top findings and messages in the 2022 report

  • The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a damaging impact on access to TB diagnosis and treatment and the burden of TB disease. Progress made in the years up to 2019 has slowed, stalled or reversed, and global TB targets are off track.
  • The most obvious and immediate impact was a large global drop in the reported number of people newly diagnosed with TB. From a peak of 7.1 million in 2019, this fell to 5.8 million in 2020 (–18%), back to the level last seen in 2012.
  • In 2021, there was a partial recovery, to 6.4 million (the level of 2016–2017). The three countries that accounted for most of the reduction in 2020 were India, Indonesia and the Philippines (67% of the global total).
  • They made partial recoveries in 2021, but still accounted for 60% of the global reduction compared with 2019. Other high TB burden countries with large relative year-to-year reductions (>20%) included Bangladesh (2020), Lesotho (2020 and 2021), Myanmar
  • (2020 and 2021), Mongolia (2021) and Viet Nam (2021).
  • Reductions in the reported number of people diagnosed with TB in 2020 and 2021 suggest that the number of people with undiagnosed and untreated TB has grown, resulting first in an increased number of TB deaths and more community transmission of infection and then, with some lag-time, increased numbers of people developing TB.
  • Globally, the estimated number of deaths from TB increased between 2019 and 2021, reversing years of decline between 2005 and 2019. In 2021, there were an estimated 1.4 million deaths among HIV-negative people (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 1.3–1.5 million) and 187 000 deaths (95% UI: 158 000–218 000) among HIV-positive people,a for a combined total of 1.6 million.
  • This was up from best estimates of 1.5 million in 2020 and 1.4 million in 2019, and back to the level of 2017. The net reduction from 2015 to 2021 was 5.9%, about one sixth of the way to the first milestone of the WHO End TB Strategy.
  • An estimated 10.6 million people (95% UI: 9.9–11 million) fell ill with TB in 2021, an increase of 4.5% from 10.1 million (95% UI: 9.5–10.7 million) in 2020. The TB incidence rate (new cases per 100 000 population per year) rose by 3.6% between 2020 and 2021, reversing declines of about 2% per year for most of the previous 2 decades. The net reduction from 2015 to 2021 was 10%, only halfway to the first milestone of the End TB Strategy.
  • The burden of drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) is also estimated to have increased between 2020 and 2021, with 450 000 (95% UI: 399 000–501 000) new cases of rifampicinresistantb TB (RR TB) in 2021.
  • Estimating TB disease burden during the COVID-19 pandemic is difficult and relies heavily on country- and region-specific dynamic models for low- and middleincome countries (LMICs). New national populationbased surveys of TB disease and up-to-date cause-ofdeath data from national vital registration systems of high quality and coverage are needed for more accurate estimation in the wake of the pandemic.
  • Other negative impacts on TB during the COVID-19 pandemic include a fall between 2019 and 2020 in the number of people provided with treatment for RR-TB and multidrug resistant TB (MDR-TB) (–17%, from 181 533 to 150 469, about 1 in 3 of those in need), with a partial recovery (+7.5%) to 161 746 in 2021; and a decline in global spending on essential TB services (from US$ 6.0 billion in 2019 to US$ 5.4 billion in 2021, less than half of what is needed).
  • There is a strong and enduring relationship between TB incidence rates per capita and indicators of development such as average income and undernourishment. Economic and financial barriers can affect access to health care for TB diagnosis and completion of TB treatment; about half of TB patients and their households face catastrophic total costsc due to TB disease. Progress towards universal health coverage (UHC), better levels of social protection and multisectoral action on broader TB determinants are all essential to reduce the burden of TB disease.

There are some positive findings and success stories.

  • Globally, the success rate for people treated for TB in 2020 was 86%, the same level as 2019, suggesting that the quality of care was maintained in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • In the WHO African Region, the impact of COVIDrelated disruptions on the reported number of people newly diagnosed with TB was limited. There was a relatively small decrease (–2.3%) from 2019–2020 and an increase in 2021.
  • Following large falls in 2020, the reported number of people newly diagnosed with TB in 2021 recovered to 2019 levels (or beyond) in five high TB burden countries: Bangladesh, the Congo, Pakistan, Sierra Leone and Uganda.
  • The global number of people provided with TB preventive treatment recovered in 2021, to close to 2019 levels, and the global target for provision of treatment to people living with HIV was surpassed.
  • Three high TB burden countries have reached or passed the first milestones of the End TB Strategy for both reductions in TB incidence and TB deaths: Kenya (in 2018), the United Republic of Tanzania (in 2019) and Zambia (in 2021). Ethiopia is very close.
  • Intensified efforts backed by increased funding are urgently required to mitigate and reverse the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB. The need for action has become even more pressing in the context of war in Ukraine, ongoing conflicts in other parts of the world, a global energy crisis and associated risks to food security, which are likely to worsen some of the broader determinants of TB.

Download Global TB Report

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Call for proposals
Implementation ResearchCall for Proposal, EOI & RFPGrants and Funding OpportunitiesInternational Jobs & OpportunitiesNon- Communicable Diseases (NCDs)Public Health OpportunitiesPublic Health OpportunityResearch & Project GrantsResearch & Project Grants

Call for proposals! Implementation research for the prevention and control of NCDs

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Overview

The World Health Organization (WHO) Noncommunicable Disease Department and the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research invite proposals for implementation research that addresses integrated service delivery for the prevention and management of NCDs in low- or middleincome countries (LMICs). This call is tailored to the needs of implementers in LMICs, to support their desire to conduct implementation research, to address implementation bottlenecks, and ultimately sustainably scale-up NCD care. The Principal Investigator (PI) must be a researcher based in a research institution in a LMIC. Priority will be given to countries engaged in existing capacity strengthening activities for NCD-related implementation research (Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Myanmar and Nepal). Other LMIC countries will be considered based on strength of proposal and funding opportunities.

This call is tailored to the needs of implementers in LMICs, to support their desire to conduct implementation research, to address implementation bottlenecks, and ultimately sustainably scale-up NCD care.

Scope: what areas are being considered?

Types of intervention:

  • Implementation of multiple interventions or service packages for priority NCDs (such as WHO PEN or HEARTS package);
  • Innovative (such as digital technology), municipal and communitybased solutions to address critical challenges and barriers of delivering NCD services;
  • Strengthening health systems and primary health care to provide NCD services;
  • Integrated services through people-centred primary health care approaches; Integration with other disease services (platform or programme) – such as mental health, HIV, TB, RMNCH, severe NCDs, or neglected tropic diseases – to maximize impact;
  • Effective models of care, including evolution and changing strategy to meet new priorities of the population and improve the performance of the health system; and
  • Projects targeting multiple sites/districts within one country, or including multiple countries.
    Project proposals should:
  • Contain an element of equity and resilience tailored to the essential health care needs of a post-COVID-19 environment;
  • Emphasize the engagement of research teams, service providers or clinical teams and local communities through implementation;
  • Show potential of generating policy to transform or change of health care practice; and
  • Include any technical assistance required to support the development of the research protocol or deliver the research project.

Timelines

The timeline for the activities for call for proposal is March 2023–March 2024. The eligible research teams from each country, once selected, have the option to receive mentoring and support through relevant partners in the WHO implementation research network.

Eligibility

The Principal Investigator (PI) must be a researcher based in a research institution in a low- or middle-income country. Priority will be given to countries engaged in existing capacity strengthening activities for NCDrelated implementation research (Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Myanmar, Nepal).

Other LMIC countries will be considered based on strength of proposal and funding opportunities. Teams must be gender balanced with women comprising at least 50% of the research team. Teams must have the ability to engage directly with and coproduce the research with national or subnational health policy-makers. Teams must, in their proposals, be able to demonstrate their plans for engaging with policy-makers.
Application process: Deadline: 30 November 2022, 23:59 CET

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The Global Hygiene Summit 2023
Public HealthConferencePublic Health Events

The Global Hygiene Summit 2023

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Overview

The world’s first Global Hygiene Summit intends to become the global meeting place for the diverse audiences involved in hygiene. Through the provision of greater context to this, currently, fragmentary field and through the development of clearly defined boundaries the Global Hygiene Summit will articulate the shape, scope and importance of the hygiene field, motivate multi-level and multi-disciplinary working by bridging epidemiology, behaviour and policy. In doing so it intends to gain consensus on how to effectively measure behavioural change (ROI), and economic impact and how to present this to engage policymakers. By establishing the need and basis for a holistic, co-ordinated approach the Global Hygiene Summit will create clarity around hygiene and the positive impact that could be gained in global health and societal outcomes. 

Established towards the end of 2020 with the mission of enabling and accelerating a portfolio of hygiene science to improve public health through better outcomes and behaviours the Reckitt Global Hygiene Institute (RGHI) will organize the world’s first Global Hygiene Summit in Singapore on 15th and 16th February 2023 and raise hygiene, and the role it plays in our health, up the public health agenda.

Summit Aims and Outputs

It will bring together scientists, politicians, the private sector and civil society to generate impact through the intersection between health and hygiene ~ which is vital to safeguarding the physical and economic wellbeing of populations worldwide, both amid COVID-19 and beyond.  

RGHI is focussed on plugging significant gaps in the health research space and improving access to information that will bridge epidemiology, public health, and behaviour change. The Global Hygiene Summit will align with this aim by informing the global health agenda stimulating discussion that could lead to the adoption of better and more sustainable hygienic practises globally.

In addition to these learnings, the Global Hygiene Summit 2023 will motivate the [Singapore] Declaration; a guide for structural change that will be brought about by co-discussion and global co-operation and set the agenda for future change.

Topics and Themes

The Global Hygiene Summit will consider three main topics:

  • What is Hygiene and what role can it play in improving public health?
  • The Global burden of preventable hygiene-related diseases
  • Synthesizing Lessons towards an Actionable Plan for Global Hygiene

These topics will be viewed, and debated through the perspective of the following themes:

  • Science
  • Practice
  • Policy

Delegate Registration

Registration for the Global Hygiene Summit 2023 is now open.

On registering you will be asked to create an account.

In addition to registering to attend the Summit, you will be able to choose breakout sessions, book accommodation, register for Partner Programme activities and request assistance with letters for visa applications.

Once registered, you will receive notifications when additional elements (such as confirmed breakout sessions or Partner Programme activities) become available to book.

The Global Hygiene Summit will have a limited number of opportunities for individuals wishing to be sponsored to attend the event.

Global Hygiene Summit 2023 Declaration
The Global Hygiene Summit intends to work towards actionable outcomes

To this end the Global Hygiene Summit 2023 will endorse the GHS Declaration; a guide for structural change, with commitments to improve hygiene behaviours and institute systems changes, which will be brought about by co-discussion and global co-operation and set the agenda for future change.

More Info: Conference Website

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WHO Internship Programme: For future leaders in public health
Public HealthInternational Jobs & OpportunitiesInternshipsOpportunities by RegionPublic Health OpportunitiesPublic Health Opportunity

WHO Internship Programme: For future leaders in public health

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Overview

A competent and dynamic health workforce at the heart of each health system is essential to advance global health goals. Countries need a pool of health professionals trained and exposed to the systems and processes in the health sector and who understand how stakeholders interact within the international health arena.

WHO, as the leader in global public health issues, is committed to building a diverse pool of future leaders in public health. WHO’s Internship Programme offers a wide range of opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain insight into the technical and administrative programmes of WHO and enrich their knowledge and experience in various areas, thereby contributing to the advancement of public health.

Objectives

  • Provide a framework for assigning eligible students from diverse academic backgrounds to WHO programmes where their educational experience can be enhanced through capacity building opportunities.
  • Provide an opportunity for WHO programmes to benefit from engagement from students specializing in various fields related to technical and administrative programmes of WHO.
  • WHO offers internships in technical areas and administrative programmes such as communication, external relations or human resources.

 Eligibility

Age: You are at least twenty years of age on the date of application.

Education: You are enrolled in a course of study at a university or equivalent institution leading to a formal qualification (undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate), in a public health, medical or social field related to the technical work of WHO, or in a management, administrative, communications, or external relations-related field. Applicants who have already completed a qualification may also qualify for consideration, if they apply to the internship within six months following the completion of the formal qualification. You have completed three years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution prior to starting (bachelor’s level or equivalent) the internship.

Languages: You are fluent at least in one of the working languages of the office of assignment.

Family relation: You are not related to a WHO staff member (e.g., son/daughter, brother/sister, or mother/father).

Nationality: You hold a valid passport of a WHO Member State.

Other: You have not previously participated in WHO’s Internship Programme.

Benefits

WHO provides all interns with medical and accident insurance coverage during the duration of the internship period. Insurance coverage before the start date of the internship and after the end date of the internship, including travel to and from the duty station location, is the sole personal and financial responsibility of the individual intern.  

As of January 2020, WHO provides living allowance to eligible selected interns who need financial support. All interns must complete a legal Declaration of Interests form. This form requires intern candidates to declare any relevant financial disclosures, including any financial support in the form of grants bursaries, scholarships, etc. Based on the information provided in this form, the  intern candidates’ eligibility to receive financial support from WHO will be assessed.  

Lunch vouchers may be provided at some duty stations.

How to apply?

We invite candidates from across the world to apply to the WHO Global Internship Programme.   

All applications must be made through the internship position vacancy notices posted on the WHO Careers site using the WHO online recruitment system (Stellis). There is no possibility to apply for an internship at WHO outside Stellis. More information on the recruitment process can be found in the FAQs section. 

Internship positions are available in various areas of work and in different organizational locations (regional offices, country offices or headquarters). As internship opportunities are posted on a continuous basis, with each containing different requirements and application deadlines, we encourage you to check the internship page regularly for new opportunities.

Official Information: WHO

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The Global status report on physical activity 2022
Public HealthInternational Plan, Policy & GuidelinesLife Style & Public Health NutritionNon- Communicable Diseases (NCDs)Research & Publication

WHO highlights high cost of physical inactivity in first-ever global report

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

The Global status report on physical activity 2022

19 October 2022 News release Geneva

Almost 500 million people will develop heart disease, obesity, diabetes or other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) attributable to physical inactivity, between 2020 and 2030, costing US$ 27 billion annually, if governments don’t take urgent action to encourage more physical activity among their populations.

The Global status report on physical activity 2022, published by the World Health Organization, measures the extent to which governments are implementing recommendations to increase physical activity across all ages and abilities.

Data from 194 countries show that overall, progress is slow and that countries need to accelerate the development and implementation of policies to increase levels of physical activity and thereby prevent disease and reduce burden on already overwhelmed health care systems.

  • Less than 50% of countries have a national physical activity policy, of which less than 40% are operational
  • Only 30% of countries have national physical activity guidelines for all age groups
  • While nearly all countries report a system for monitoring physical activity in adults, 75% of countries monitor physical activity among adolescents, and less than 30% monitor physical activity in children under 5 years
  • In policy areas that could encourage active and sustainable transport, only just over 40% of countries have road design standards that make walking and cycling safer.  

“We need more countries to scale up implementation of policies to support people to be more active through walking, cycling, sport, and other physical activity. The benefits are huge, not only for the physical and mental health of individuals, but also for societies, environments, and economies…” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, “We hope countries and partners will use this report to build more active, healthier, and fairer societies for all.”  

The economic burden of physical inactivity is significant and the cost of treating new cases of preventable non-communicable diseases (NCDs) will reach nearly US$ 300 billion by 2030, around US$ 27 billion annually.

Whilst national policies to tackle NCDs and physical inactivity have increased in recent years, currently 28% of policies are reported to be not funded or implemented. Considered a “best buy” for motivating populations to combat NCDs, the report showed that only just over 50% of countries ran a national communications campaign, or organised mass participation physical activity events in the last two years. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only stalled these initiatives, but it also affected other policy implementation which has widened inequities in access to and, opportunities for, engaging in physical activity for many communities.

To help countries increase physical activity, WHO’s Global action plan on physical activity 2018-2030 (GAPPA) sets out 20 policy recommendations – including policies to create safer roads to encourage more active transport, provide more programmes and opportunities for physical activity in key settings, such as childcare, schools, primary health care and the workplace. Today’s Global Status report assesses country progress against those recommendations, and shows that much more needs to be done.  One critical finding in the Global status report on physical activity is the existence of significant gaps in global data to track progress on important policy actions – such as provision of public open space, provision of walking and cycling infrastructure, provision of sport and physical education in schools. The report also calls for weaknesses in some existing data to also be addressed.   

“We are missing globally approved indicators to measure access to parks, cycle lanes, foot paths – even though we know that data do exist in some countries. Consequently, we cannot report or track the global provision of infrastructure that will facilitate increases in physical activity, “said Fiona Bull, Head of WHO Physical Activity Unit.  “It can be a vicious circle, no indicator and no data leads to no tracking and no accountability, and then too often, to no policy and no investment. What gets measured gets done, and we have some way to go to comprehensively and robustly track national actions on physical activity.”

The report calls for countries to prioritize physical activity as key to improving health and tackling NCDs, integrate physical activity into all relevant policies, and develop tools, guidance and training to improve implementation.

“It is good for public health and makes economic sense to promote more physical activity for everyone,” said Dr Ruediger Krech, Director Department of Health Promotion, WHO. “We need to facilitate inclusive programmes for physical activity for all and ensure people have easier access to them.  This report issues a clear call to all countries for stronger and accelerated action by all relevant stakeholders working better together to achieve the global target of a 15% reduction in the prevalence of physical inactivity by 2030.”

Data for the report are drawn from the WHO Noncommunicable Disease Country Capacity Survey (2019 and 2022) and the WHO Global status report on road safety (2018).

The cost of inaction on physical inactivity to healthcare systems manuscript at Preprints with The Lancet (peer-reviewed version forthcoming in The Lancet Global Health)

Download report

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One health joint plan of action (‎2022‒2026)‎: working together for the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment
One HealthGlobal Health NewsNational Health NewsPublic Health NewsPublic Health Update

One Health Joint Plan of Action launched to address health threats to humans, animals, plants and environment

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

17 October 2022, News release, Geneva, Nairobi, Paris, Rome

Today, a new One Health Joint Plan of Action was launched by the Quadripartite – the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, founded as OIE).

This first joint plan on One Health aims to create a framework to integrate systems and capacity so that we can collectively better prevent, predict, detect, and respond to health threats. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to improve the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment, while contributing to sustainable development.

The One Health Joint Plan of Action, developed through a participatory process, provides a set of activities that aim to strengthen collaboration, communication, capacity building, and coordination equally across all sectors responsible for addressing health concerns at the human-animal-plant-environment interface.

The One Health Joint Plan of Action (OH JPA)      

The five-year plan (2022-2026) focuses on supporting and expanding capacities in six areas: One Health capacities for health systems, emerging and re-emerging zoonotic epidemics, endemic zoonotic, neglected tropical and vector-borne diseases, food safety risks, antimicrobial resistance and the environment. 

This technical document is informed by evidence, best practices, and existing guidance. It covers a set of actions which endeavour to advance One Health at global, regional and national levels. These actions notably include the development of an upcoming implementation guidance for countries, international partners, and non-State actors such as civil society organizations, professional associations, academia and research institutions.

The plan sets out operational objectives, which include: providing a framework for collective and coordinated action to mainstream the One Health approach at all levels; providing upstream policy and legislative advice and technical assistance to help set national targets and priorities; and promoting multinational, multi-sector, multidisciplinary collaboration, learning and exchange of knowledge, solutions and technologies. It also fosters the values of cooperation and shared responsibility, multisectoral action and partnership, gender equity, and inclusiveness.

Why One Health?

One Health is the main approach for addressing the complex health challenges facing our society, such as ecosystem degradation, food system failures, infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

“Using a One Health lens that brings all relevant sectors together is critical to tackle global health threats, like monkeypox, COVID-19 and Ebola.” WOAH Director General Dr Monique Eloit highlights the need for enhanced disease prevention capacity in all sectors. “It all starts with ensuring the health of animals. Animal health is our health, it is everyone’s health.”

FAO Director-General QU Dongyu adds, “One Health should start from proper land management and stopping deforestation, which will help people and their animals in the surrounding environment. We need all sectors working closely together to identify and implement adaptation and mitigation measures.”    

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen says that “Everyone has the right to a clean and healthy environment – the foundation of all life on Earth. The current pandemic unequivocally demonstrates that the degradation of nature is driving up health risks across the board.” Efforts by just one sector or specialty cannot prevent or eliminate infectious disease and other complex threats to One Health. She continued: “Vulnerable populations of all species, including the most poor and marginalized humans, bear the heaviest costs. The Joint Plan of Action will drive down health risks through an integrated approach to human, animal and environment health.”

 “It’s clear that a One Health approach must be central to our shared work to strengthen the world’s defences against epidemics and pandemics such as COVID-19. That’s why One Health is one of the guiding principles of the new international agreement for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, which our Member States are now negotiating.” WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

Building on existing structures and agreements, mechanisms for coordinated financing are under development to support the plan’s implementation. The Quadripartite will join forces to leverage the needed resources in support of the common approach to address critical health threats and promote the health of people, animals, plants and the environment.

Download: One health joint plan of action (‎2022‒2026)‎: working together for the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment

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Global Handwashing Day
Public HealthPH Important DayPublic Health Events

Global Handwashing Day 2022: Unite for Universal Hand Hygiene

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Overview

October 15 is Global Handwashing Day, a global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives. Global handwashing day is an opportunity to design, test, and replicate creative ways to encourage people to wash their hands with soap at critical times.

Global Handwashing Day

Global Handwashing Day 2022: Unite for Universal Hand Hygiene

The 2022 Global Handwashing Day theme is “Unite for Universal Hand Hygiene.” 

Messages

  • Handwashing with soap is an easy, effective, and affordable do-it-yourself protection that prevents infections and saves lives.
  • #UNITEFORUNIVERSALHANDHYGIENE to promote national hand hygiene efforts, including the development of a costed hand hygiene roadmap.
  • #UNITEFORUNIVERSALHANDHYGIENE to increase hand hygiene financing by investing in programs that are hygiene sensitive and lead to lasting hand hygiene habits.
  • #UNITEFORUNIVERSALHANDHYGIENE to support affordable, accessible, and desirable hand hygiene solutions for everyone, everywhere.
  • #UNITEFORUNIVERSALHANDHYGIENE to prioritize hand hygiene in institutional and public settings, including schools, healthcare facilities, workplaces, and other public settings.
  • #UNITEFORUNIVERSALHANDHYGIENE to fill hand hygiene evidence gaps, focusing on hand hygiene costs and return on investment to drive more investment.
  • #UNITEFORUNIVERSALHANDHYGIENE to advocate for hand hygiene as an essential element of health and development.

Source of info: Global Handwashing Partnership

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World Sight Day (WSD)
Public HealthActivitiesPH Important DayPublic Health Update

World Sight Day 2022: LoveYourEyes

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Overview

The World Sight Day (WSD) is an international day of awareness held every October (on the second Thursday) to focus attention on the global issue of eye health. World Sight Day is coordinated by the The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and supported by almost 200 IAPB Member Organisations globally.

WSD is the focal advocacy and PR event for IAPB and its members and partners each year, highlighting the fact that at least 1 billion people have a vision impairment that could have been prevented or has yet to be addressed.

Objective

  • Raise public awareness of blindness and vision impairment as major international public health issues.
  • Influence Governments/Ministers of Health to participate in and designate funds for national blindness prevention
    programmes.
  • Educate target audiences about blindness prevention.

World Sight Day is our opportunity to:

  1. Help everyone understand the magnitude of the problem.
  2. Communicate that avoidable vision loss is a global challenge that we have the solutions for.
  3. Encourage everyone who can, to prioritise their own eye health.

World Sight Day 2022: LoveYourEyes

LoveYourEyes is a campaign that allows us all to promote eye health, the scale of the issue we face and the steps we can take to address it.

Vision Facts

  • Good vision improves health and well-being at all ages.
  • Majority of the eye diseases can be treated or their progression can be slowed significantly, if detected early.
  • Children with a vision impairment are up to five times less likely to be in formal education and often achieve poorer outcomes.
  • It is estimated that 40% of children are blind from eye conditions that could be managed if the child had access or prevented if the child had access to eye care services.
  • Globally, over 90 million children and adolescents have vision impairment or blindness.
  • Of the 1.1 billion people with vision loss, over 50% are female. Women are 40% less likely to utilise eye care services than men.
  • In some parts of the world, if girls are blind or significantly vision impaired it is almost impossible for them to access education.
  • 1.1 billion people experience vision loss primarily because they do not have access to eye health services when they need them, where they need them.
  • Over 90% of those with uncorrected vision loss live in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Unaddressed poor vision results in $411 billion in lost productivity each year.

Source of Info: WHO and IAPB.

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