 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Gerry Dafoe, Canadian Public Health Association, 1565 Carling Ave., Suite 406, Ottawa, ON K1Z 8R1, Canada, 613-725-3769, gdafoe@cpha.ca
Purpose: The presentation will review the Canadian experience in global health programs and challenge the APHA to find ways to expand its international work in partnership with public health associations in other parts of the world.
Background: The American and the Canadian Public Health Associations have shared an interest and involvement in international health for many years. As active member associations of the World Federation of Public Health Associations, both have actively contributed to the Federation’s leadership and operational functions.. Both have endeavored to promote the principles of the Alma Ata conference of 1978 and to build a strong collective voice for public health internationally. CPHA, however, though a smaller health NGO, has been more successful than APHA in realizing an extensive international program. Since 1982, CPHA has provided technical assistance and implemented public health activities and projects in over 60 countries. Its two longest-running programs, funded by the Canadian government, are the Strengthening of Public Health Associations Program (SOPHA) and the Canadian International Immunization Initiative (CIII). Also, in partnership with such agencies as UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO and other international organizations, CPHA has major international projects in a number of countries in the following fields: family and reproductive health, aboriginal women’s health, and HIV/AIDS. In recognition of its contribution to global health, the World Health Organization in 1993 awarded CPHA’s with its Sasakawa Prize.
Throughout the years, CPHA has tried to build the capacity of partner public health associations in developing countries and countries in transition so that they can eventually run their own activities and become active on public health issues both nationally and internationally. This has helped mobilize a force for global action and advocacy on public health issues.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.