13.01.2026
Happy New Year! We hope everyone has had a restful break and you are ready to dive into 2026 - ASPHER’s 60th anniversary year! For our new year resolutions, the ASPHER office is aiming to bring you a weekly newsflash to keep you up to date on everything that is happening! Please reach out to the secretariat to learn more, get involved, and share your news. ASPHER 60TH ANNIVERSARY & MILAN2026 ASPHER 1st European Congress on Public Health Education and Training - Milan2026 Abstracts Submission and Registration are open for the ASPHER 1st European Congress on Public Health Education and Training! Make sure to be there! Submit your abstract and Register here! ASPHER 60th Anniversary Book - call for contributions As part of the 60th Anniversary year celebrations in Milan and under Prof Henrique Barros Presidency Agenda we will be presenting a special anniversary book with Member reflections on public health in their countries and the roles schools of public health have played. We’ve already received many expressions of interest - please be in touch with the secretariat to showcase your school’s perspective and the local/country context! Contact community@aspher.org to register your interest. MEMBER NEWS Let the ASPHER community know what is happening at your school! Send your news and events to lore.leighton@aspher.org. Center-School of Public Health at the Faculty of Medicine, Sts. Cyril and Methodius University: Public Health Forum - Celebrating 20 Years of Membership in ASPHER The Center–School of Public Health at the Faculty of Medicine, University Sts Cyril and Methodius in Skopje hosted a Public Health Forum on December 15, 2025, in the amphitheater of the Faculty of Medicine, marking the 20th anniversary of its membership in ASPHER. Participants adopted the Public Health Declaration 2026–2035, outlining key principles and priorities for the next decade for both the Teaching-Scientific Council for Public Health and the Center–School of Public Health. Read more here. Faculty of Public Health, Al-Quds University: FPH-Gaza branch has resumed the educational process and successfully held its first in-person exam The Faculty of Public Health - Gaza branch of Al-Quds University conducted the in-person Biostatistics exam at our temporary rented site, following the destruction of our previous building. This marks the first on-campus exam since the outbreak of the war on the Gaza Strip, reflecting our determination to sustain education and revive face-to-face learning despite ongoing challenges. The exam was supervised by Professor Bassam Abu Hamad, Director General of Programs at the Gaza Branch, with close follow-up from both academic and administrative staff. Read more here. Angela Boškin Faculty of Health Care: 19th international scientific conference: Stable and accessible healthcare systems in times of resource scarcity - call for abstracts We are pleased to invite you to submit abstracts (deadline 27 January) and later scientific papers in the fields of health and social care for the 19th international scientific conference: Stable and accessible healthcare systems in times of resource scarcity. The conference will be held in Bled, Slovenia on June 4th, 2026 to develop discussions on creating and consolidating conditions for the stability and accessibility of health systems in times of resource scarcity. Read more here. NEW AND NOTEWORTHY ASPHER Survey consultation on Climate & Health needs for sub-national policymakers As part of a capacity building project with the European Climate and Health Observatory, ASPHER has developed a survey to analyse gaps and training needs in climate-health topics among decision makers responsible for climate change adaptation at the sub-national level.If you have local municipal and regional contacts, we need your help - we have a ready to go dissemination message. Time is of the essence to spread this widely and quickly! Contact lore.leighton@aspher.org if you can help out. Call for European Climate and Health Community of Practice (CoP) Facilitation Lead and faculty member participants GNAPH and GCCHE are teaming up to develop CoPs in Climate Change and Health Education for the Regional Public Health Schools' Associations. ASPHER is calling for applicants for a CoP Facilitation lead for Europe and expressions of interest from faculty and teaching staff from ASPHER member institutions wishing to take part in the European CoP. Learn more here and contact lore.leighton@aspher.org to register your interest. Riegelman GNAPH Fellowship: (Deadline 9 January 2026) GNAPH is seeking a part-time, early-career professional to function as a Riegelman GNAPH Fellow for one year to help shape and advance GNAPH’s plan of action. This fully remote, paid position offers an opportunity to work with academic public health experts across regions to advance a unique and multifaceted agenda. Learn more and apply here.
08.01.2026
Another eventful year has passed – before the new year we’d like to send our greetings to members with highlights from 2025 while also looking ahead to what is in store for 2026! Deans’ & Directors’ Retreat 2025 & 2026 / 1st European Congress on Education and Training in Public Health The Annual Deans’ & Directors’ Retreat is always the high point of the ASPHER calendar and we were pleased to meet up with members this year in Berlin with tremendous thanks everyone who attended and participated, and to our wonderful hosts at the Berlin School of Public Health. The 2025 General Assembly witnessed the election of Prof Mary Codd, University College Dublin as future President of ASPHER. She will take the lead in July 2026, which coincides nicely with the Irish EU Presidency – we’ll be seeking for synergies! Alongside Mary, we welcomed two new Members of the Board: Prof Oleg Lozan, School of Public Health Management, Republic of Moldova, and Prof Judit Simon, Medical University of Vienna, Austria; and Prof Polychronis Kostoulas, University of Thessaly, Greece is back for a second term. The Deans’ & Directors’ Retreat has been growing each year – listening to ASPHER members’ concerns, President Henrique Barros saw a unique opportunity under his Presidency Agenda and building on the momentum of ASPHER’s 60th Anniversary to fill a gap in the Europe-level discussions on strengthening the capacity and quality of public health education and training. ASPHER is thrilled to launch the 1st European Congress on Education and Training in Public Health in Milan from 15-18 July 2026. Hosted by four Lombardy Region ASPHER Members, the Congress will incorporate the 2026 ASPHER Deans’ & Directors’ Retreat and celebrate ASPHER’s 60th Anniversary. The event will follow on the Milan Winter Olympics, in the heart of this green city on the Polytechnic of Milan campus – offering an authentic public health experience underscoring the field’s inherent multidisciplinarity, cross-sectorality, and interprofessionality! Registration and Call for Abstracts for Milan 2026 are already open at https://milan2026.aspher.org. ASSETS 2025 & 2026 The Annual ASSETS Public Health Mentoring Summer School moved to Croatia in 2025, warmly hosted by former ASPHER Executive Board Member Mirjana Kujundžić Tiljak, Director – Andrija Štampar School of Public Health, University of Zagreb School of Medicine. We congratulate Mirjana on being re-elected for another term as Director and are grateful to Andrija Štampar SPH’s continuing commitment to engage with ASPHER’s next generation agenda as host of ASSETS 2026 – building on past experience and grow the format to make ASSETS more relevant and unforgettable than ever! The opportunity for a select group of early career public health professionals to spend an intensive week with dedicated ASSETS faculty mentors and guests in Zagreb will be available during the week of 06 July 2026 — bridging the gap between EuroPubHealth+ programme graduation week in Rennes and the ASPHER Milan 2026 Congress. Stay posted for more! Public Health Diplomacy Agenda for an Age of Populism Teaming up with ASPPH our sister organisation in North America, ASPHER has launched an ambitious agenda in Public Health Diplomacy. The agenda builds on work initiated by Dean Ashish Joshi at University of Memphis with ASPHER Executive Board Member Ramune Kalediene, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, leading for ASPHER. Following up on the initiative’s introduction during the Berlin D&D;, ASPHER together with ASPPH held a series of events during this year’s European Health Forum Gastein in October, including a High-level Stakeholder Lunch Session, Young Forum Gastein Skills Building Session and a Conference Fishbowl Session (watch the recording here). This was the first time that schools of public health hosted a session at EHFG – showcasing how much we can accomplish when we join forces! Prof Martin McKee, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, was integral to the EHFG success as moderator of the main session and driver in contributing to the background Policy Brief that served to kick off the discussions during the EHFG events. The Brief is now published as An Agenda for Public Health Diplomacy in an Age of Populism offering a roadmap forward with nine ways to revitalise and future-proof public health diplomacy. A linked call for papers on the topic of Public Health Diplomacy in a Complex World is open in the journal Public Health Reviews – consider submitting your work! Watch that space and aspher.org for more to come! In outcomes from EHFG, we will be working with ASPHER member schools to initiate Public Health Diplomacy living laboratories to build capacity in Europe. After taking part in the session, EUPHA and IANPHI are stepping up to be a part of this important initiative – with schools, institutes and national networks combining forces. It is great to bring the Public Health community together when we are operating in an increasingly divided world. Setbacks for Public Health in 2025 We cannot send this message without acknowledging certain setbacks for Public Health in Europe and Globally in 2025. Dealing with these challenges has made the agenda on Public Health Diplomacy even more critical as we must make use of all channels to ensure that Public Health keeps a seat at the table with the World’s power brokers. The most visible on a global scope were the decision of the United States to withdraw from the WHO and cuts to global programmes such as USAID. ASPHER responded with a briefing paper on WHO’s Role in a Changing World, and joint action with EUPHA and WHO Europe to organise a webinar and EPH Helsinki Roundtable on protecting public health through global cooperation and advocacy. On the European level, Health NGO’s received a major blow when the European Commission suspended operating grants funding for civil society organisations holding Framework Partnership Agreements (FPAs) under the EU4Health Work Programme 2025–2026. Cuts of the operating grant funds were confirmed in July with release of the 2025 Work Programme. ASPHER is amongst the organisations affected, having secured an FPA under the call and a formal complaint has been filed to the European Ombudsman. Despite this, ASPHER has remained resilient having established an operational format which is not overly dependent on European Operating Funds. Through leadership from the Presidency to the operation level, ASPHER has built a strategy over the past years to prioritise a diversity of funding opportunities. This is thanks first and foremost to the indispensable contributions and engagement of our Members. You are ASPHER’s foundation! ASPHER 60th Anniversary in 2026! ASPHER will be turning 60 next year and we will be celebrating to showcase everything that schools of public health contribute to the health of Europe and the World! We are working on digitalising ASPHER historical archives, here is a teaser for a look back at the early years of the Association. Despite the challenges discussed above, ASPHER is resolute to boost organisational development and member communication as we build momentum towards the ASPHER 1st European Congress on Education and Training in Public Health! – see our previous message for more details including registration and call for abstracts. A key element will be the ASPHER 2030 Strategy, which we expect to adopt at the General Assembly in Milan. The Strategy will be grounded in feedback and evidence from the ASPHER member consultation conducted earlier this year — if by chance you missed responding to the consultation reach out to the Secretariat so we can still collect your input. Under Prof Henrique Barros’s Presidency Agenda, we will be asking Members for reflections on the history of Public Health in their countries and the part that schools of public health played in it. We’ll make this into a special anniversary book publication. We hope you will take the opportunity to showcase your local context – contact the Secretariat to participate! In 2026, we will be working to make the most of our strengthened partnerships. We continue to collaborate with WHO Europe on public health workforce professionalisation under the MoU signed in 2024. Public Mental Health is high on the WHO priorities – let us know if you want to get involved! ASPHER always works closely with EUPHA on multiple fronts, the collaboration was formalised with the signing of an MoU during the Berlin D&D.; Look for more exciting developments on this when we are back in January. Meanwhile, strong efforts continue at APHEA with the Agency’s revitalised leadership, opening up new possibilities for synergies and benefits to meet evolving education and training needs in public health. It is truly exciting to see APHEA steadily realizing its potential from global through regional to local relevance with system thinking and collaborative approaches! Increasing attention is given to the area of Migration and Public Health in line with the current Presidency priorities, the initiation of the new Migration Task Force and talks to formalise our partnership with IOM through an MoU. ASPHER’s Climate and Health agenda is going strong as recently communicated, with ongoing partnerships with ECHO and GCCHE. Under our current contract with the European Environment Agency, ASPHER is charged with analysing capacity building needs on climate change and health for local decision makers – please reach out to us if you have direct contacts in your cities and regions. And on the global level we are going strong through committed work together with ASPHER’s sister public health schools’ organisations under GNAPH! We look forward to celebrating 60 years of ASPHER with them when we head to the 18th World Congress on Public Health in South Africa in September under the GNAPH banner! Let’s get inspired to make 2026 better than ever as we celebrate 60 years of ASPHER together, building on our past for a brighter and healthier future! Member and Partner Opportunities Riegelman GNAPH Fellowship: (Deadline 9 January 2026) GNAPH is seeking a part-time, early-career professional to function as a Riegelman GNAPH Fellow for one year to help shape and advance GNAPH’s plan of action. This fully remote, paid position offers an opportunity to work with academic public health experts across regions to advance a unique and multifaceted agenda. Call for European Climate and Health Community of Practice (CoP) Facilitation Lead and faculty member participants: GNAPH and the GCCHE are teaming up to develop CoPs in Climate Change and Health Education for the Regional Public Health Schools' Associations. ASPHER is calling for applicants for a CoP Facilitation lead for Europe and expressions of interest from faculty and teaching staff from ASPHER institutions wishing to take part in the European CoP. Contact us to register your interest. 4th Annual RE-AIM Public Health IDEAS Hackathon: ASPHER Associate Member, the University of Memphis School of Public Health, has developed the RE-AIM Public Health IDEAS Hackathon series to sensitize youth to address public health challenges of the 21st century. The hackathon is open to all high school and public health students around the world. Learn more and register free here. ASPHER working groups and task forces expand member engagement with and contributions to the ASPHER agenda and it is expected they will continue to make an impact going forward. Contact the Secretariat for more information and to join in! Members, let us know what you are up to! Please be in touch with any activities or events where ASPHER could give a boost – let’s join together to make our 60 years shine! Reach out to lore.leighton@aspher.org to get engaged in ASPHER activities and to share your news for 2026 through ASPHER Channels! This season is a good moment to pause and reflect on the strength of our community. Thank you to all ASPHER Members and Partners for your ongoing engagement, collaboration and dedication to public health education and practice. Season's greetings, and best wishes for the year ahead. All the best, ASPHER Secretariat
08.01.2026
We are pleased to invite you to submit abstracts and later scientific papers in the fields of health and social care for: The 19th international scientific conference Stable and accessible healthcare systems in times of resource scarcity The conference will be held in Bled, Slovenia on June 4th, 2026 to develop discussions on creating and consolidating conditions for the stability and accessibility of health systems in times of resource scarcity. The focus will be on finding ways to create and maintain conditions that ensure long-term stability, efficiency and accessibility of health services, especially in times when limited financial, human and/or material resources are available. Participants will analyse different strategies, innovative approaches and good practices that can help health systems survive periods of scarcity while adapting to new social, economic and technological circumstances. MAIN TOPICS Leadership and management Quality and clinical practice Research and development ABSTRACT DEADLINE: 27 January 2026 PARTICIPATION FEE: Active and other participants: 150 € The participation fee includes lectures, lunch, snacks during breaks, a participation certificate, and proceedings of lecture. Additional information here. Welcome! Dr Sanela Pivač, Associate Professor Dean
08.01.2026
The Center–School of Public Health at the Faculty of Medicine, University Sts Cyril and Methodius in Skopje hosted a Public Health Forum on December 15, 2025, in the amphitheater of the Faculty of Medicine, marking the 20th anniversary of its membership in ASPHER. Attendance The event gathered around 100 participants, including representatives from the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia, the Ministry of Health, deans and vice-deans of the Faculty of Medicine in Skopje, professors, members of the Teaching-Scientific Council for Public Health, MPH and PhD in public health scholars, postgraduate and doctoral students, and other distinguished guests. Opening Remarks The Forum was opened by Vice-Dean for International Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Rubens Jovanović, on behalf of the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, together with government representative Mr. Verče Micevska. Former deans also addressed the audience: Prof. Dr. Nikola Jankulovski (former Rector of University Sts Cyril and Methodius), Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Sonja Topuzovska, and Prof. Dr. Magdalena Žanteva Naumoska. Panel Discussions Public Health – Expectations, Achievements, and Challenges Moderated by Prof. Dr. Fimka Tozija, President of the Teaching-Scientific Council for Public Health and Coordinator of the Center–School of Public Health. She presented the Center's beginnings and achievements over the past 20 years. Panelists included former coordinators: Prof. Dr. Jovanka Karadžinska Bislimovska, Prof. Dr. Dragan Gjorgjev, and Prof. Dr. Mome Spasovski. Science in Practice for Public Health – International Experiences Moderated by Prof. Dr. Igor Spiroski. Panelists included Senior Researcher Dr. Danče Gudeva Nikovska, Assistant Lecturer Sanja Sazdovska, and Dr. Sci. Brankica Mladenović. Declaration Guided by European and global principles of health protection, equity, solidarity, responsibility, sustainable development, and human rights, participants adopted the Public Health Declaration 2026–2035, outlining key principles and priorities for the next decade for both the Teaching-Scientific Council for Public Health and the Center–School of Public Health.
06.01.2026
The Faculty of Public Health - Gaza branch of Al-Quds University conducted the in-person Biostatistics exam at our temporary rented site, following the destruction of our previous building. This marks the first on-campus exam since the outbreak of the war on the Gaza Strip, reflecting our determination to sustain education and revive face-to-face learning despite ongoing challenges. The exam was supervised by Professor Bassam Abu Hamad, Director General of Programs at the Gaza Branch, with close follow-up from both academic and administrative staff. The session was marked by a high level of organization and commitment, while carefully considering the exceptional circumstances that our students are facing. Professor Abu Hamad emphasized that the return to in-person examinations represents an important milestone in the faculty's academic journey. He described it as a message of hope and resilience, reaffirming the continuation of the academic mission and our commitment to serving students. He also expressed appreciation for the dedication of the staff and the cooperation of the students in making this day a success. On the occasion of the first day of in-person classes, the faculty warmly welcomed students back, reiterating the University's commitment to providing a supportive and motivating learning environment.
19.12.2025
The Global Network for Academic Public Health (GNAPH) is recruiting a one-year, part-time Riegelman GNAPH Fellow (approx. 1 day/week, fully remote) to help shape and advance our global plan of action. This is a unique opportunity for an early-career public health professional—a recent graduate (within five years) of a Master's or higher-level program at a GNAPH member institution—to work across regions with leaders in academic public health. The Fellow will help coordinate GNAPH's priorities (including the COPE Program and a young professionals' network), support the Secretariat, and contribute to identifying funding and sustaining GNAPH's work. To apply, please submit your CV/resume and a brief statement (max 300 words) on how you would contribute to this role and advance GNAPH's mission by January 9, 2026 via our online application here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6VNPLCN.
10.12.2025
ASPHER Scientific Session in Poznan, Poland On November 24, as part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Faculty of Health Sciences, an international pre-conference session titled “The preparation of healthcare professionals to operate in a context of increasing migration-related challenges” took place. The event was organized under the auspices of ASPHER (The Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region) by the team of the Laboratory of International Health (at the Department of Preventive Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences). The meeting gathered researchers and public health practitioners from the United Kingdom, Portugal, Ukraine, Belgium, and Poland. Among representatives of Polish medical universities were, among others: Prof. Magdalena Kozela (Deputy Director of the Institute of Public Health, Jagiellonian University – Collegium Medicum; IZP UJCM) and Dr. Tomasz Bochenek (IZP UJCM, ASPHER Board Member), Prof. Łukasz Balwicki (Medical University of Gdańsk, National Consultant in Public Health). Special guests included: Prof. Henrique Barros (University of Porto), President of the ASPHER Board, Prof. John Middleton, President of The Global Network for Academic Public Health, Prof. Olga Andriichuk (Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University), Prof. Anatoli Hrynzovskyi (Bohomolets National Medical University), Robert Otok, Director of the ASPHER Office. The session was opened by Dr. Ewelina Chawłowska, Head of the Department of Preventive Medicine, who welcomed participants gathered in Hall C of the University Congress and Teaching Center, as well as those joining online (mainly representatives of universities from Ukraine and Portugal). Prof. Henrique Barros introduced the topic of migration in the context of public health, highlighting the competencies that graduates of public health programs and other medical professionals should possess. He also presented examples of ASPHER working groups implementing projects that support the development of science and teaching at the international level. Dr. Tomasz Bochenek discussed the current migration situation in Europe, with particular emphasis on Poland. Prof. John Middleton provided a global perspective on training requirements for future public health professionals. Dr. Mateusz Cofta presented a Polish example of academic engagement – the elective course “Refugee and Migrant Health in Practice”, conducted since 2012 at the Poznan University of Medical Sciences. The course, which uses high-fidelity simulation methods, is unique in Poland, as confirmed by the strong interest expressed by academic communities during the session. In the second part of the meeting, a discussion took place with active participation from all invited guests from Poland and abroad. The importance of scientific collaboration and the creation of joint initiatives to improve educational programs in public health was emphasized. The session highlighted the need for further academic development based on ASPHER networks. The university’s commitment to international collaboration was reflected in the initiative to establish an ASPHER working group focused on refugee and migrant health, proposed by the Kraków-Poznań team (Dr. Tomasz Bochenek, Dr. Ewelina Chawłowska, and Dr. Mateusz Cofta). The first meeting of the group, held in October this year, brought together 20 academics from Tanzania, the USA, the UK, Italy, Ukraine, and Poland.
13.11.2025
Today marks HealthDay at COP30 Brazil, a pivotal moment for climate and health. ASPHER’s Climate & Health Task Force is present on the ground, represented by Balazs Adam, ensuring that the voice of public health education is heard where global decisions are made. At the same time, ASPHER is actively engaged at the EUPHA - European Public Health Association EPH Conference in Helsinki, dedicated this year to sustainable health and wellbeing. This unique alignment underscores the growing recognition that health must stand at the centre of climate action: locally, regionally, and globally. In the lead-up to COP30, ASPHER has published its position paper: “Educate, Commit, Act: ASPHER’s Response to the Climate–Health Crisis at COP30” In this paper, we call for a sharper mandate for COP30 and present seven essential commitments to advance climateandhealth action across policy, #education, systems strengthening, equity, research, and accountability. ASPHER continues to work continuously to strengthen climate change, One Health, Planetary Health, and environmental-health education across the European Region. These efforts are made possible through strong collaboration with our valued partners: European Environment Agency, WHO Regional Office for Europe, EUPHA, Lancet Countdown Europe, APHEA, and many others. We invite all public health institutions, professionals, and learners to join us in this collective effort. 👉 Read and share our position paper here Together, let us educate, mobilise, and act: for people, for planet, and for a healthier future.
06.11.2025
"Protecting Science – Protecting Health" is the motto of the 2026 SSPH+ Annual Meeting, hosted by the University of Fribourg on June 23-24, 2026. This theme highlights the essential role of scientific integrity, collaboration, and transparency in safeguarding both public trust and population health. It invites us to reflect on how protecting the foundations of science ultimately protects the well-being of societies. As in previous years, we invite you to propose topics for plenary or parallel sessions. Please submit your proposal using the template to mdavidovic@ssphplus.ch by November 30, 2025. We especially encourage early-career researchers to submit their proposals and contribute their perspectives and innovative ideas. Following the submission deadline, we will finalize a diverse and engaging program that reflects the breadth of public health research and education within the SSPH+ community. The Annual Meeting starts at 12:30 on 23 June 2026 (with apero/dinner in the evening) and ends on 24 June 2025 at 12:30. We look forward to receiving your inputs! Best regards, on behalf of the SSPH+ Directorate
05.11.2025
The Institute of Public Health (IPH) at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, is seeking a full-time faculty member to contribute to its academic, research, and community engagement initiatives. The applicant is expected to hold a medical degree, a specialty certification (Public Health consultant/specialist), should have public health practice, as well as academic and research experience. The role focuses on public health, epidemiology, disease prevention and management, infectious disease control, injury prevention and safety promotion, surveillance, immunizations, emergency preparedness, health promotion and policy, and occupation and environmental health. We are looking for a candidate with strong training, experience, and a proven track record in addressing public health challenges at local, national, and global levels. The successful candidate will play a key role in: Teaching & Training in public health disciplines. Research & Publications in priority health areas. Public Health Policy & Program Development to enhance community health outcomes. Community & Stakeholder Engagement with government and non-governmental organizations. Consultancy & Capacity Building to strengthen public health systems. Application closing date: 31/12/2025 Further details and link to the application platform can be found here.
21.10.2025
Join our ASPHER-EUPHA-WHO unique interactive workshop at EPH 2025 Helsinki, Finland titled: Protecting public health through global cooperation and advocacy defending WHO: forum theatre Time: Thursday, 13 November, 16:45 - 17:45 Workshop abstract You have just accepted an appointment as Head of National Public Health Association in your country. As your staff briefs you on your new realm, you realise that your country’s government is considering to follow the US and to withdraw its membership in the WHO. How would you consider to act? To advocate and protect public health? Description: In light of growing populist and nationalist movements questioning the legitimacy of international health institutions, this workshop offers an immersive experience that blends theatre and strategic thinking. Participants will explore the political, societal, and ethical tensions surrounding national withdrawal from WHO through forum theatre and roleplay, in a simulated parliamentary setting. A. Setting the Stage The session opens with an introduction to WHO, adapted from our “Strengthening Public Health Advocacy” webinar (April 2025). It highlights WHO’s critical roles—from setti ng global standards and supporting health systems to coordinating pandemic responses and driving equity. We will screen provocative video clips such as the Israeli Parliament hearing where a public health expert is shouted down, to illustrate how emotionally charged and politicised the health space has become. B. Forum Theatre Simulation 1. Role Assignment As participants enter, they receive a colour-coded role card representing one of three groups: o Pro-WHO / Pro-Public Health (Green): you are a member of parliament committed to international cooperation o Undecided / Politically Ambivalent (Yellow): you are a parliamentarian who is open but uncertain. You can be politically ambivalent, pragmatic, or distracted. o Anti-WHO / Pro-Sovereignty (Red): you are a member of parliament who believes in national sovereignty. You receive money from harmful industry to defend their commercial interest through lobbies or personal interest. Each card outlines their position, a few arguments, and questions to raise. Participants read it silently and prepare their stance. 2. Opening Performance Two former politicians, Charlotte Marchandise and Ricardo Mexia, perform a short scene as parliamentarians debating WHO membership—one defending continued membership, the other calling for withdrawal. The tone is lively and confrontational. 3. First Parliamentary Vote Participants vote on whether to stay or leave WHO based on their assigned role. 4. Interactive Debate Participants are invited to take the floor, improvise, replace an actor, or defend their stance. Audience reaction is encouraged to recreate the mood of real parliamentary debate. 5. Second Vote After interventions, a second vote takes place. Has the room shifted? C. Conclusion with panelists We close with a panel debrief formed of the speaker, parliamentarians, and one of the authors of the EUPHA-ASPHER WHO advocacy toolkit, and reflections on how to tak e these advocacy lessons into national and local settings. We call on participants to act, disseminate, and stand up for multilateralism in health.
20.10.2025
Your ASPHER Secretariat is not only working for public health as our regular workday, but we also make efforts to improve health in our local community outside of the office! Here in Brussels, my family helps organise regular bike rides with Kidical Mass. Kidical Mass is an initiative aimed at promoting an inclusive and accessible cycling culture for young people and their families, with key missions focused on getting them on the bike, supervised learning to cycle in the city, social cohesion at the municipal level, and strengthening cycling culture and sustainable development. In collaboration with citizens, associations, and local authorities, Kidical Mass supports (future) cyclists at every stage of their journey: learning to ride from a young age, traveling safely and confidently, adopting cycling in everyday life, and inspiring those around them to do the same. Kidical Mass rides are an opportunity for children to practise riding on public roads and cycling paths, taking advantage of visibility and safety in numbers. They create awareness of children's mobility rights and promote the idea that kids should be able to go by bike to school or to their leisure activities, calling for safer cycling infrastructure. The Brussels Kidical Mass started in 2020 and organises festive cycling events for children to encourage more children (and parents) to get around by bike. Accompanied by music along the way, we cycle to the children's rhythm and respect the traffic rules. Our approach is inclusive and supportive with over 5500 participants in Brussels Kidicals in 2024. We find tailor-made solutions for children in need or with disabilities and we help children/parents without a bike find their own for a small budget or even for free. By being visible on the streets of Brussels, the Kidical Mass promotes a more child-friendly city in a fun way while reiterating our demands: respect for the 30 km/h zone, secure school areas, the creation of family-friendly bike parking (longtails, cargo bikes), and more separate bike lanes. Kidical Mass rides take place in cities around the world so look out for your local event or consider setting up your own Kidical if your city is not yet involved. Kidical Mass grew out of the Critical Mass movement which is a form of direct action in which people travel as a group on bicycles at a set location and time to call for proper and thoughtful design in the safety of all road users, including those who would prefer to walk and cycle, instead of prioritising motor traffic above all else. Do you have a fun or interesting activity contributing to public health – either as part of your work or leisure? Why don’t you tell us about it with your own blog here at ASPHER! Register as a user and start posting! Lore Leighton ASPHER Secretariat
