Public Health Association advocacy for Women, Children, and Youth
1
Women Children and Youth Working Group, World Federation of Public Health Associations, Geneva, Switzerland
2
Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
3
National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia
4
Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and International Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
5
School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
6
School of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
7
Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
8
Institute of Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
9
Drosophila Research and Training Centre, Ibadan, Nigeria
10
Eat Right Society, Abuja, Nigeria
11
Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences,, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
12
Young WFPHA Working Group, World Federation of Public Health Associations, Geneva, Switzerland
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Advocacy by public health associations and professionals is needed to improve the health of women, children, and young people and to promote investments in a healthier and resilient future. Gender equality and women's empowerment are essential to improving maternal and child outcomes, strengthening families and communities and advancing overall social and economic development. The WFPHA working group for Women, Children and Youth has developed a range of policies, including on Youth Mental Health(1), Call to Action Regarding Climate Action and MNCAH Populations(2), Breastfeeding Resolution(3) and Children and Young People’s Health and Rights.(4) There is a need for public health associations globally to increase advocacy for women, children and youth. Only eight Public Health Associations (PHAs) out of 130 globally and one Regional PHA have policies that relate to women, children and youth.(5)
METHODS:
Drawing on the conference theme, this workshop will explore ‘Health Without Borders: Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability for women, children, and youth’. We will explore overcoming challenges and what has worked across borders. Speakers will include a young speaker via the Young WFPHA group and global leaders representing women, children, and youth. Following the presentations, this workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to discuss the development of policies in their country associations on a range of topics including preconception, pregnancy, early childhood development, nutrition, youth health and climate change.
RESULTS:
It is anticipated that this workshop will provide a catalyst for public health associations to develop polices related to women, children, and youth. By sharing successful cross-border experiences, the workshop will strengthen PHAs' capacity to address gaps in advocacy and policy.
CONCLUSIONS:
Global action on women, children and youth health prioritises ending preventable deaths, tackling emerging diseases and injuries, promoting holistic development, amplifying youth voice, and strengthening equitable, resilient health systems through multisectoral collaboration and innovation.
Advocacy by public health associations and professionals is needed to improve the health of women, children, and young people and to promote investments in a healthier and resilient future. Gender equality and women's empowerment are essential to improving maternal and child outcomes, strengthening families and communities and advancing overall social and economic development. The WFPHA working group for Women, Children and Youth has developed a range of policies, including on Youth Mental Health(1), Call to Action Regarding Climate Action and MNCAH Populations(2), Breastfeeding Resolution(3) and Children and Young People’s Health and Rights.(4) There is a need for public health associations globally to increase advocacy for women, children and youth. Only eight Public Health Associations (PHAs) out of 130 globally and one Regional PHA have policies that relate to women, children and youth.(5)
METHODS:
Drawing on the conference theme, this workshop will explore ‘Health Without Borders: Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability for women, children, and youth’. We will explore overcoming challenges and what has worked across borders. Speakers will include a young speaker via the Young WFPHA group and global leaders representing women, children, and youth. Following the presentations, this workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to discuss the development of policies in their country associations on a range of topics including preconception, pregnancy, early childhood development, nutrition, youth health and climate change.
RESULTS:
It is anticipated that this workshop will provide a catalyst for public health associations to develop polices related to women, children, and youth. By sharing successful cross-border experiences, the workshop will strengthen PHAs' capacity to address gaps in advocacy and policy.
CONCLUSIONS:
Global action on women, children and youth health prioritises ending preventable deaths, tackling emerging diseases and injuries, promoting holistic development, amplifying youth voice, and strengthening equitable, resilient health systems through multisectoral collaboration and innovation.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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