Global Public Health Policies for Women, Children, and Youth: Bridging the Gap

This article synthesizes key findings from a global study of 130 Public Health Associations (PHAs) and outlines actionable steps to drive meaningful change.

Why women, children, and youth health matters in public policy

According to a 2022 United Nations report, disparities persist between low- and middle-income countries and high-income countries, affecting these groups’ access to education, healthcare, and economic stability. Marginalized populations, which include ethnic minorities and those in rural or impoverished urban areas, often experience the most significant barriers to maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services.

That’s where public health policies addressing these inequities come in. Public Health Associations (PHAs) advocate for systemic change, working to reduce health disparities and improve community well-being. 

Yet, a significant gap exists. Few PHAs have dedicated policies or workgroups focused on the health of women, children, and youth.

Key findings: a global policy gap

Our study analyzed 130 Public Health Associations (PHAs) across 203 countries, assessing their policies on women, children, and youth. Here’s what we found:

1. Limited policy development

• Only eight countries (6.2%) and one regional PHA had published policies on women, children, and youth health.
• Sixty policies were identified globally, with the U.S. (n=20) and Australia (n=18) accounting for 63%.
• Other countries with policies included Israel (n=8), Spain (n=3), Malaysia (n=4), Canada (n=3), the U.K. (n=1), and Switzerland (n=1).

2. Few dedicated workgroups

• Just ten PHAs (7.7%) had a women, children, and youth workgroup.
• Only half had an established policy mechanism (Switzerland, Australia, Malaysia, U.S., and Georgia). 

3. Regional disparities

• Despite significant health challenges in these regions, no policies were found from South America or Africa.
• The European Public Health Association (EUPHA) was the only regional body with dedicated policies.

4. Indigenous, rural, and marginalized young people face the greatest risks

• Indigenous children experience higher infant mortality, malnutrition, and overrepresentation in justice systems.
• Climate change, vaccine inequity, and mental health crises disproportionately affect young people in low-resource settings. 

The role of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA)

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), representing over 5 million public health professionals, has been a leader in advocating for women, children, and youth through its dedicated working group. 

Key policies include:

• Children and Young People’s Health and Rights
• Oral Health is an Integral Part of Maternal and Child Health
• Reducing Maternal Mortality as a Human Right
• Reducing Maternal Mortality Ration (MMR) in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC) through Increasing Skilled Birth Attendants
• A Human Rights Approach to Preventing and Responding to Violence Against Women and Girls

However, most national PHAs lack comparable frameworks. The WFPHA can bridge this gap by:

• Supporting PHAs in policy adoption
• Providing training on policy development
• Supporting regional collaborations
• Amplifying marginalized voices in decision-making

A Roadmap for Change: 5 Critical Steps

1. Create Women, Children, and Youth Workgroups – Every PHA should have a dedicated team for women, children, and youth health.
2. Adopt & adapt WFPHA policies – Global frameworks must be localized to address regional needs.
3. Center marginalized communities – Prioritize Indigenous, refugee, and rural communities in policy design.
4. Strengthen healthcare access – Ensure vaccinations, mental health services, sexual health, and maternal care reach those most at risk.
5. Engage young people in policy-making – Children and young people must co-design programs that affect their lives.

The time to act is now

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) obligates nations to uphold children’s health and wellbeing. Yet, without stronger policies and investment, millions will continue to fall through the cracks.

Public health leaders, policymakers, and advocates must unite to:

• Hold governments accountable to international commitments
• Demand equitable funding for maternal, child, and youth health programs
• Elevate grassroots solutions from affected communities.

We can build a healthier, more just future for the next generations by addressing these gaps today.

Reference

Robards F, Myers H, Klein Walker D. (2024). Global Public Health Association Policies Related to Women, Children and Youth. Journal of Public Health Policy, 45, 807–813.