Geneva, Switzerland — Professor Raman Bedi, Emeritus Professor, King's College London and Honorary Professor at the University of the Western Cape, has been inaugurated as President of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), becoming the first dentist to hold the office in the Federation's history.
Based in Geneva and in official relations with the World Health Organization, the WFPHA represents more than 140 national public health associations worldwide, making it the principal global voice for the public health profession. Professor Bedi assumes a two-year mandate, working alongside CEO Professor Bettina Borisch and COO Dr Marta Lomazzi.
In his acceptance speech, Professor Bedi set out four work streams that will define his presidency, framed around the conviction that "global public health matters, that the health of our societies and our planet is a collective responsibility, and that our greatest obligation is to those who are most vulnerable."
The first priority is strengthening member organisations, including a bi-monthly newsletter and new travel grants to bring young public health professionals to key international gatherings. The second is supporting the World Congresses on Public Health, ensuring they are well planned, properly resourced and financially sustainable. The third is the creation of an open-access WFPHA academic journal, free to all members, with up to 20 percent of articles published at no cost to authors from the Global South. The fourth is building a genuine Global Public Health Alliance, working more closely with the Global Network of Academic Schools of Public Health and the International Network of Institutes of Public Health.
Reflecting his own background, Professor Bedi also signalled his intention to raise the profile of the link between oral health and systemic health — an agenda he believes has been overlooked in mainstream public health for too long.
Acknowledging the volatile global landscape of conflict, climate crises, emerging pandemics and widening inequalities, he told members that while "events" may challenge any leader's plans, they cannot alter the Federation's purpose. "That conviction is our compass, however turbulent the waters," he said. "The journey begins now. I am honoured to take it with you."
About the WFPHA The World Federation of Public Health Associations is the international, non-governmental organisation representing the global public health profession. In official relations with the WHO and headquartered in Geneva, it brings together more than 140 national public health associations.
Based in Geneva and in official relations with the World Health Organization, the WFPHA represents more than 140 national public health associations worldwide, making it the principal global voice for the public health profession. Professor Bedi assumes a two-year mandate, working alongside CEO Professor Bettina Borisch and COO Dr Marta Lomazzi.
In his acceptance speech, Professor Bedi set out four work streams that will define his presidency, framed around the conviction that "global public health matters, that the health of our societies and our planet is a collective responsibility, and that our greatest obligation is to those who are most vulnerable."
The first priority is strengthening member organisations, including a bi-monthly newsletter and new travel grants to bring young public health professionals to key international gatherings. The second is supporting the World Congresses on Public Health, ensuring they are well planned, properly resourced and financially sustainable. The third is the creation of an open-access WFPHA academic journal, free to all members, with up to 20 percent of articles published at no cost to authors from the Global South. The fourth is building a genuine Global Public Health Alliance, working more closely with the Global Network of Academic Schools of Public Health and the International Network of Institutes of Public Health.
Reflecting his own background, Professor Bedi also signalled his intention to raise the profile of the link between oral health and systemic health — an agenda he believes has been overlooked in mainstream public health for too long.
Acknowledging the volatile global landscape of conflict, climate crises, emerging pandemics and widening inequalities, he told members that while "events" may challenge any leader's plans, they cannot alter the Federation's purpose. "That conviction is our compass, however turbulent the waters," he said. "The journey begins now. I am honoured to take it with you."
About the WFPHA The World Federation of Public Health Associations is the international, non-governmental organisation representing the global public health profession. In official relations with the WHO and headquartered in Geneva, it brings together more than 140 national public health associations.
