News Releases
WORLD CANCER DAY
On the 5th February,2024 the West African Institute of Public Health (WAIPH) participated in the Project Prink Blue Symposium titled "Economy, Tax, and Cancer Control: The Exit of Pharmaceutical Firms from Nigeria." This symposium served as a platform for stakeholders and policymakers to deliberate on the pressing issue of cancer within our society.
Cancer remains the leading cause of death worldwide, posing significant challenges in developing nations where access to affordable treatment is limited. Notably, breast, cervical, and prostate cancers disproportionately affect women and girls, exacerbating the urgency of addressing this issue. Survivors often face financial hardship due to the exorbitant costs associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The symposium emphasised the importance of preventive measures and early detection in combating cancer. Regular screenings were highlighted as crucial for improving survival rates. Dr. Salma Anas Ibrahim, the Special Advisor to the President on Health, underscored the potential of leveraging local resources and expertise to replicate Nigeria's successful strategies in managing and controlling HIV/AIDS.
By addressing the economic aspects of cancer control and harnessing local capabilities, stakeholders aim to enhance access to affordable cancer care and mitigate the socioeconomic impact of the disease. Through collaborative efforts and policy advocacy, the symposium sought to pave the way for effective strategies in combating cancer and improving health outcomes in Nigeria and beyond.
2023 Academy of Public Health’s Induction Ceremony BrochureThe West African Institute of Public Health (WAIPH), which is the leading regional nonstate health development organisation working in enabling environment, professional development, research, standards, consulting and advisory services., as well as programme implementation is the Keeper of the Regional Charter of Public Health in West Africa. The Academy of Public Health (APH) is the faculty of the Institute, which is a membership-based body that focuses on building a strong network of highly skilled and competent public health practitioners in the region and beyond.
2023 Academy of Public Health’s Distinguished Fellowship Award Recipients Announced
Abuja — The selection committee of the Academy of Public Health, the flagship body of the West African Institute of Public Health, awards the Distinguished Fellowship of the Academy of Public Health (DFAPH) , the highest fellowship rank in the Roll of Fellows of the Academy eight (8) eminent persons; Pape Amadou Gaye , Leslie Mancuso, Wondimagegnehu Alemu, Joy Phumaphi, Oyewale Tomori, Rose Gana Fomban Leke, Michel Sidibé and Uche Veronica Amazigo.
They will join a list of other eminent awardees, namely: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Akinwumi Adesina, Winnie Byanyima, Leslie Greenslade, Helen Clark, Joanne Liu, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Mauricio Cardenas, Aya Chebbi, Mark Dybul, Michel Kazatchkine. The others include Precious Matsoso, David Miliband, Thoraya Obaid, Preeti Sudan, Ernesto Zedillo and Zhong Nanshan.
The eminent personalities for the Distinguished Fellowship of the Academy of Public Health (DFAPH) were nominated by the selection committee of the APH, with inputs from the young professionals in public health across Africa, for their leadership and impact in working towards ensuring equity, better health and wellbeing for all. They will be recognised for their great work.
A brief on each of the nominees to the Fellows’ Roll is as follows:
Pape Amadou Gaye is a notable figure in the field of international development and humanitarian assistance. A President Emeritus of IntraHealth with a distinguished career spanning several decades, Gaye has held leadership positions in renowned organizations, including IntraHealth International. He is recognized for his unwavering commitment to improving global health outcomes, particularly in underserved regions. His visionary leadership and advocacy efforts have contributed significantly to the advancement of healthcare access, workforce development, and healthcare quality. Pape Amadou Gaye's impactful work continues to inspire positive change and make a lasting difference in the world of global health and development.
Leslie Mancuso is the CEO of Jhpiego, an organisation dedicated to improving healthcare for women and families worldwide. With a background in nursing and global health, Mancuso has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing healthcare solutions in resource-constrained settings. She has spearheaded numerous initiatives to strengthen maternal and child health services, enhance healthcare workforce capacity, and combat infectious diseases. Mancuso's commitment to delivering quality healthcare in underserved communities has garnered recognition and made Jhpiego a pivotal force in global health, impacting countless lives through innovative and sustainable interventions.
Wondimagegnehu (Wondi) Alemu is an esteemed Adjunct Professor and former senior World Health Organization (WHO) official. With a wealth of experience in global health, Alemu has made significant contributions to the field, especially in Africa. His tenure at WHO involved vital roles at national, regional and global levels that shaped international health policies, particularly in combating infectious diseases and strengthening healthcare systems in low-resource settings. As an Adjunct Professor, Alemu continues to share his expertise, inspiring future generations of public health leaders and fostering innovation in the pursuit of global health equity and sustainable development.
Joy Phumaphi is a prominent figure in global health and development. With extensive experience, including serving as Botswana's Minister of Health, she has been a strong advocate for healthcare access, women's rights and malaria elimination. Ms. Phumaphi has held key roles in international organizations like the World Bank and the United Nations. Her dedication to improving healthcare systems, particularly in Africa, has earned her numerous accolades and made her a respected leader in the field. Joy Phumaphi continues to champion health equity and gender equality on a global scale.
Oyewale Tomori is a distinguished figure in the field of infectious diseases and virology. With a distinguished career spanning decades that includes WHO, he has made significant contributions to research, education, and public health initiatives in Africa. Professor Tomori has played a pivotal role in combatting infectious diseases like Ebola and Lassa fever, providing expertise and leadership in various global health organizations. His dedication to strengthening healthcare systems and infectious disease control measures in Africa has earned him recognition as a prominent leader in the field of virology and public health on the continent.
Rose Gana Fomban Leke is a highly respected Cameroonian malariologist and Emeritus Professor of Immunology and Parasitology at the University of Yaounde I. With a distinguished career in global health and research, Dr. Leke has made significant contributions to the field of malaria research. Her groundbreaking work encompasses a wide range of topics in immunology, parasitology, and global health, and she has been recognized as a prominent leader in these areas. Dr. Leke's dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and advocating for women in science has left a lasting impact on the field of medicine.
Michel Sidibé is a distinguished advocate for a people-centered approach to health and social justice. He served as the second Executive Director of UNAIDS for over a decade, contributing significantly to global AIDS response efforts. Mr. Sidibé's leadership and speeches have been instrumental in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and promoting access to quality healthcare. His commitment to combatting the epidemic and advancing the UN's mission for the 21st century has made him a prominent figure in global health and development.
Uche Veronica Amazigo is a distinguished professor of Medical Parasitology and a renowned public health specialist. She holds the honor of being a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science. Throughout her illustrious career, Professor Amazigo has made valuable contributions in the fields of health, parasitology, and social inclusion and development. Her expertise has been instrumental in the control of neglected tropical diseases, particularly onchocerciasis (river blindness). Her leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact on global public health, making her a highly respected figure in her field.
The Distinguished Fellowship recipients lead the Fellows’ Roll for their exceptional leadership and service to humanity in making a difference in the lives of people and inspiring young leaders to also excel in their public health work. The awards committee composed of public health professionals and development experts selected the top nominees by young professionals in public health across Africa.
The Distinguished Fellowship of the Academy of Public Health (with post nominal scripts “DFAPH” ) was established by the Academy of Public Health in 2016 as a special fellowship Award for outstanding leaders making impact in public health, especially in ways that will positively impact on health systems in Africa and beyond.
The West African Institute of Public Health, which is the leading regional nonstate health development organisation working in enabling environment, professional development, research, standards, consulting and advisory services., as well as programme implementation. The Academy of Public Health is the faculty of the Institute, which is a membership-based body that focuses on building a strong network of highly skilled and competent public health practitioners. The Institute is also the keeper of the regional charter of public health.
Award recipients are formally being notified of their awards and the date for the Induction Ceremony, a hybrid event, is Thursday November 2, 2023 in Abuja, the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory.
On September 20, 2023, Dr Francis Ohanyido, Director-General of the West African Institute of Public Health (WAIPH), had the opportunity to meet Timi Omole, Executive Director
of the International Association of Public Health Logisticians (IAPHL), and they look towards collaborating in future
The International Association of Public Health Logisticians was established in 2007 to promote the professionalization of the field of public health logistics through education and information sharing. The association supports logisticians worldwide by providing a forum for members
to network, exchange ideas, and improve skills. Members come from over 150 countries, a variety of professional backgrounds, and represent all levels of the supply chain.
THISDAY LIVE
Climate Summit: WAIPH Urges Participants to Address Impact on Human Health, Economic Dev in Africa
Rebecca Ejifoma
The DG of the West African Institute of Public Health (WAIPH), Dr Francis Ohanyido, has urged Africa Climate Summit (ACS) and Africa Climate Week 2023 (ACW) participants to address climate change’s impact on human health and economic development in sub-Saharan Africa.
He implored attendees to collectively work towards formulating and implementing strategies and policies that mitigate and halt the detrimental effects of climate change.
“Africa is uniquely vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, with tens of millions of Africans already experiencing negative health impacts,” he emphasised.
These include heat stress, extreme weather events, and increased transmission of infectious diseases, as reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
According to Ohanyido, the dire situation is further exacerbated by increased climate-linked emergencies, with 25 per cent more climate-related events recorded in the region between 2011 and 2021.
He quoted recent research showing that climate change poses significant challenges to primary healthcare services in Africa, leading to malnutrition, infectious diseases, heat-related conditions, injuries, and more.
The DG noted that the effects of climate change in SSA are far-reaching, encompassing not only human health but also economic development and growth.
Continue reading…...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Commemorating World Patient Safety Day 2023: There are no ‘Minor Issues’ in Patient Safety and Wellbeing
Press Release
Abuja, 15th September, 2023 – Dr. Francis Ohanyido, Director-General of the West African Institute of Public Health (WAIPH), extends his warmest greetings to all on the occasion of World Patient Safety Day 2023 (#WPSD2023). This annual event, observed worldwide on September
17th, serves as a crucial platform to raise awareness about patient safety and the significance of responsive healthcare systems, especially for those at the bottom of the social pyramid, inclusive of underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
This year's theme, "Engaging patients for patient safety," underscores the vital role that patients play in ensuring their own safety within healthcare settings. It also prods us to realise that there is a
significant role of health literacy, whether at the individual, family or community level, to elevate the engagement to a partnership- defined process between a provider and the patient. As we commemorate this
important day, it is essential to recognise that issues or factors are that are sometimes not given priority, are equally important in the journey to entrench a patient safety culture. Issues such as poor access
to clean water at primary healthcare facilities in low- and medium-income countries, can have a profound impact on patient safety and overall wellbeing.
Dr. Ohanyido emphasises that patient safety is not a privilege but a fundamental human right. He applauds the ongoing efforts of the Government of Nigeria through its Federal Ministry of Health in developing a National Patient Safety and
Care Quality Policy and Implementation Strategy. Such initiatives are crucial steps toward improving the quality of healthcare services, particularly at the grassroots level..
Scholarly articles have consistently highlighted the intersection between patient safety and staff well-being, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to healthcare. Burnout and poor well-being among healthcare staff have been associated with adverse patient safety outcomes,
making it imperative to prioritise the welfare of those on the frontlines of healthcare delivery.
As we commemorate World Patient Safety Day, let us reflect on the critical importance of responsive healthcare systems, the active involvement of patients, and the well-being of healthcare staff. Dr. Ohanyido encourages healthcare institutions, policymakers, and the public to engage in discussions and
actions that promote patient safety and ensure that no one is left behind in our pursuit of quality healthcare.
…
For more information and resources on patient safety and well-being, please visit https://www.who.int/news- room/fact-sheets/detail/patient-safety
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
Programmes & Communications, West African Institute of Public Health
folagbemi@publichealth-edu.org, +2348099005502, +2349099005502.
About the Academy of Public Health:
The Academy of Public Health, a division of the West African Institute of Public Health (WAIPH), is committed to advancing public health knowledge through membership, capacity development, research, network and practice
across the West African region. The Academy provides comprehensive training programmes, promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocates for evidence-based policies to address public health challenges.
For more information about WAIPH, please visit: www.publichealth-edu.org
Vision FM News Abuja
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Director-General of the West African Institute of Public Health (WAIPH) Urges Participants of Africa Climate Summit and Africa Climate Week 2023 to Address Climate Change Impact on Human Health
and Economic Development in Sub-Saharan Africa
Abuja, 4th September, 2023 – The Director-General of the West African Institute of Public Health (WAIPH), Dr Francis Ohanyido, has issued a passionate call to action to all
participants of the Africa Climate Summit (ACS) and Africa Climate Week 2023 (ACW) in Nairobi. The director-general has implored attendees to collectively work towards formulating and
implementing strategies and policies that mitigate and halt the detrimental effects of climate change on human health, economic development, and growth in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
Africa is uniquely vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, with tens of millions of Africans already experiencing negative health impacts. These include heat stress, extreme
weather events, and increased transmission of infectious diseases, as reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The dire situation is further exacerbated by an increase in
climate-linked emergencies, with 25% more climate-related events recorded in the region between 2011 and 2021.
Recent research has also shown that climate change poses significant challenges to primary healthcare services in Africa, leading to malnutrition, infectious diseases, heat- related conditions,
injuries, and more. The effects of climate change in SSA are far- reaching, encompassing not only human health but also economic development and growth.
As the Africa Climate Summit and Africa Climate Week 2023 convene policymakers, practitioners, business leaders, and civil society representatives in Nairobi, the urgency of addressing these issues
cannot be overstated. The government of Kenya is hosting both events from September 4th to 8th, with the Africa Climate Summit scheduled for September 4th to 6th. This represents a critical opportunity
to chart a new course for climate action in Africa.
Dr Ohanyido ,emphasizes that Africa should not have to choose between climate action and development. It is imperative to pursue a greener developmental path while recognizing the historical connection
between economic growth and carbon emissions. Furthermore, Africa plays a pivotal role in global climate efforts, boasting invaluable green assets and renewable energy potential. These factors underscore
the importance of Africa's voice and participation in shaping the global response to climate change.The West African Institute of Public Health stands in solidarity with all participants of the Africa Climate
Summit and Africa Climate Week 2023, urging them to prioritize the health and well-being of Africa's people, as well as the sustainable development of the continent.
Director-General encourages active dialogue, collaboration, and the development of innovative solutions during these events and beyond, to ensure that Africa's future is one where climate change no longer threatens
the health and prosperity of its people.
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
Ms. Fisola Olagbemi, folagbemi@publichealth-edu.org
About WAIPH:
The West African Institute of Public Health (WAIPH) is a leading regional nonstate and nonprofit institution committed to promoting public health in West Africa. WAIPH conducts research, training, and advocacy to address public health challenges and strengthens health systems as well as promotes sustainable development in the region.
For more information about WAIPH, please visit: www.publichealth-edu.org
Commencement of YPPH 2023: Academy of Public Health Welcomes Young Professionals in Public Health
Abuja, 19th June, 2023 - The Academy of Public Health, a division of the West African Institute of Public Health (WAIPH), is pleased to announce the commencement of the Young Professionals in Public Health (YPPH) programme on 23rd June 2023. The induction ceremony will mark the beginning of a transformative journey for 296 young and emerging public health workers, selected from a pool of over 5000 applicants.
The YPPH programme, an award-winning initiative, aims to develop the competencies of young professionals in public health, fostering their leadership skills grounded in equity, systems design, and the vision of the Africa We Want. This programme represents a significant step toward growing health literacy champions, localising innovative ideas, and decolonising global health practices.
The finalists, hailing from 26 countries, reflect the programme's commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The majority of participants come from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroun, India, and Uganda, showcasing the global reach and impact of the YPPH initiative. Notably, despite the ongoing Sudanese Crisis, the programme proudly welcomes three finalists from Sudan. This year also marks the debut of France, Turkey, United States and Yemen on the YPPH list, further expanding the programme's international footprint.
Gender disaggregation of the approved cohort reveals a balanced representation, with 152 males (51%) and 144 females (49%). The Academy of Public Health acknowledges the importance of gender equity and recognizes the unique perspectives and contributions that individuals from diverse backgrounds bring to public health.
The induction ceremony will be graced by esteemed personalities, including the Director-General of WAIPH, Dr. Francis Ohanyido (Chief Host), and the President of the Academy of Public Health, Dr. Ferhat Khan (Host). Their leadership and expertise will guide the young professionals as they embark on their journey toward becoming equity-minded and systems design grounded leaders.
The Academy of Public Health is thrilled to welcome the 2023 YPPH participants and looks forward to empowering them to address the pressing public health challenges of our time. The YPPH programme embodies the spirit of Africa's New Public Health Order and the Africa We Want, fostering young leaders who will shape a healthier and more equitable future for all.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ms Fisola Olagbemi
Programmes & Communications,
West African Institute of Public Health
folagbemi@publichealth-edu.org
+2348099005502, +2349099005502.
About the Academy of Public Health:
The Academy of Public Health, a division of the West African Institute of Public Health (WAIPH), is committed to advancing public health knowledge through membership, capacity development, research, network and practice across the West African region. The Academy provides comprehensive training programs, promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocates for evidence-based policies to address public health challenges.
2022 Academy of Public Health’s Induction Ceremony BrochureThe West African Institute of Public Health (WAIPH), which is the leading regional nonstate health development organisation working in enabling environment, professional development, research, standards, consulting and advisory services., as well as programme implementation is the Keeper of the Regional Charter of Public Health in West Africa. The Academy of Public Health (APH) is the faculty of the Institute, which is a membership-based body that focuses on building a strong network of highly skilled and competent public health practitioners in the region and beyond.
2022 Academy of Public Health’s Distinguished Fellowship Award Recipients AnnouncedThe selection committee of the Academy of Public Health, the flagship body of the West African Institute of Public Health, awards the Distinguished Fellowship of the Academy of Public Health (DFAPH), the highest fellowship rank in the Roll of Fellows of the Academy to The Independent Panel for Pandemic Prevention and Response , that consists of thirteen (13) eminent persons; Rt. Hon. Helen Clark, HE Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Mauricio Cardenas, Aya Chebbi, Mark Dybul, Michel Kazatchkine. The others include Joanne Liu, Precious Matsoso, David Miliband, Thoraya Obaid, Preeti Sudan, Ernesto Zedillo and Zhong Nanshan.