Building Cross-Sectoral Digital Advocacy Partnership for Integrated Oral Health- Non-Communicable Disease Management
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1
World Federation of Public Health Associations, Geneva, Switzerland
2
Farleigh Dickinson University, Vancouver, Canada
3
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
4
Seoul National University, Kenya, Kenya
5
Kampala University, Kampala, Uganda
6
NCD Alliance, Geneva, Switzerland
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including oral diseases, are the leading cause of death globally, with prevalence continuing to rise.1 Public health advocacy for NCD policy change is often conducted in isolation, limiting its reach and reducing opportunities for multi-sectoral collaboration and systemic health systems change. Digital advocacy enables advocacy efforts to reach wider audiences, mobilise communities, amplify marginalised voices, and influence policy and practice through interactive content.2 However, these outcomes require meticulous planning and strong cross sectoral collaboration and communication. In 2025, the Oral Health (OH) and NCD Working groups of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) launched a digital advocacy partnership in the form of a podcast to address the growing global burden of NCDs. To enhance this initiative, the team proposes an interactive workshop at the 2026 World Congress on Public Health to engage diverse stakeholders and strengthen digital health advocacy through cross-sector collaboration for integrated OH-NCD management.3,4
METHODS:
The proposed workshop will involve 4-5 groups, composed of participants from different disciplines (e.g., public health professionals, policy advocates, health organisation leaders, medical practitioners). A framework will be presented to guide the groups in developing a cross-sectoral digital advocacy plan for OH-NCD management, that can be adapted to different country contexts. Each group will present their plans and receive feedback, insights and expert perspectives to refine strategies and consider implementation challenges. Expected Outcomes -A complete digital collaboration plan for OH-NCD management that is adaptable to different country contexts. -Practical tips for digital cross-sectoral collaboration and network building. -Transition from isolated NCD advocacy efforts to systemic, partnership-driven approaches.
CONCLUSIONS:
This workshop will equip participants with foundational skills, frameworks, and partnerships to design and implement cross-sectoral digital advocacy initiatives for integrated OH-NCD management. By fostering collaboration across disciplines, it aims to promote sustainable, systematic, and impactful advocacy.