Public Health in Emergencies and Disasters Working Group Chair Interview: Dr. Duha Shellah

From conflicts to climate change, the need for resilient health systems and equitable access to care has never been more urgent. Dr. Duha Shellah, the newly appointed Chair of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) Public Health in Emergencies and Disasters Working Group, is at the forefront of this global challenge. A Palestinian physician, scientist, and youth activist, Dr. Shellah brings a wealth of experience, passion, and vision to her role. 

In a recent interview with WFPHA, she shared her journey, motivations, and plans for the working group’s future. Here’s a glimpse into her inspiring story and the impactful work she aims to lead.  

Introduce yourself. 

Duha Shellah: I’m Dr. Duha Shellah, a Palestinian physician, scientist, medical journalist, and youth activist. I’m deeply committed to advancing research, global health, and youth leadership. I’m the founder and chairwoman of The Researchist Organization, which promotes a research culture and supports early-career researchers and scientists in Palestine and the region. I also serve as the Vice Chair of the WHO Youth Council in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, leading the Youth in Emergencies Working Group. Additionally, I’m the Research Lead and EMR Delegate at the Young Council of the World Federation of Public Health Associations and chair of Women in Global Health’s Palestine chapter.  

I also coordinate the Medical and Health Sciences Division at the Palestine Academy for Science and Technology. I currently work at Juzoor for Health and Social Development, a prominent public health institution in Palestine focusing on social determinants of health. Internationally, I was recognized as one of the 41 Emerging Voices for Global Health in 2024 and was honored to be named among the 21 Outstanding Young Physicians Under 40 at the Inter Academy Partnership Young Physician Leaders Program in 2022.  

As the Chair of the Public Health in Emergencies and Disasters Working Group under WFPHA, I aim to build on the significant contributions of my predecessors, Dr. Chadia Wannous and Prof. Colette Cunningham. I focus on enhancing emergency preparedness, promoting health equity, and strengthening responses to crises, particularly in conflict-affected regions. This vision aligns with WFPHA’s mission to protect people and the planet, prevent diseases, and promote health, peace, and well-being.  

What motivated you to pursue a career in the public health sector?  

Duha Shellah: My motivation to pursue a career in public health arose from witnessing the devastating impact of occupation and conflict on public health. In Palestine, my home country, severe health disparities—compounded by environmental crises and limited access to healthcare—underscore the urgent need for a resilient health system. This experience galvanized my commitment to public health to address these interconnected challenges. I aim to tackle what WFPHA calls a “syndemic” by focusing on emergency preparedness and long-term health equity. I hope to contribute to a future where health systems can withstand crises while ensuring fair access to care for all.  

How long have you been associated with the WFPHA?  

Duha Shellah: I’ve been actively involved with WFPHA since May 2023, initially through the Young WFPHA, where I serve as the EMR Delegate and Research Lead. I also represent Young WFPHA at the 1st Regional Youth Council of WHO as the Vice Chair of the WHO EMRO Youth Council. Being associated with Young WFPHA since 2023 has allowed me to collaborate on research initiatives and advocacy efforts as a young professional. We’ve worked on projects focusing on emergency preparedness, health equity, and conflict-affected regions. This experience provided a solid foundation for my current role as Chair of the Public Health in Emergencies and Disasters Working Group.  

What’s your vision for the working group?  

Duha Shellah: My vision for the working group focuses on developing comprehensive training modules on emergency preparedness and response. We will organize webinars and workshops to disseminate best practices, exchange experiences, and build capacity among public health professionals globally. We also plan to publish policy briefs and research to support evidence-based decision-making.  

I aim to expand these efforts by fostering stronger partnerships with key stakeholders such as WHO, IFRC, and UNICEF. We will prioritize integrating public health into national, regional, and international disaster management plans, mainly focusing on conflict zones. The vision is to enhance the resilience of health systems globally, aligning with WFPHA’s mission to protect people and the planet while promoting peace and well-being.  

How do the working group’s activities align with the support and implementation of the WFPHA strategic plan? 

Duha Shellah: The planned activities for the working group directly support WFPHA’s strategic goals. For Goal 1, advocating for peace and sustainable health equity, the working group will advocate for policies that ensure equitable healthcare access during emergencies. For Goal 2, promoting system change and decolonizing public health, we’ll emphasize locally driven solutions and inclusive policies to address structural inequalities. For Goal 3, strengthening global health governance, collaborations with international organizations will promote a more democratic and resilient global health governance system. For Goal 4, advancing public health knowledge and practice, the working group will contribute to advancing public health practice and education globally through research and capacity building.  

In what ways is being part of the WFPHA going to help advance the activities of the Working Group?

Duha Shellah: WFPHA’s extensive network has been invaluable in amplifying our advocacy efforts and expanding our reach. By collaborating with organizations like WFPHA, other UN agencies, and regional public health associations, we will disseminate best practices, exchange experiences more broadly, and influence policy at national and international levels. This network will also facilitate access to resources and expertise, significantly enhancing our training, research initiatives, and peace collaborations. These efforts align with the WFPHA’s mission to promote peace, health, and well-being.  

How will the Working Group contribute to the development of emergency preparedness plans at an international level?  

Duha Shellah: We’re committed to developing and disseminating policy briefs that advocate integrating public health into national and international disaster management frameworks. We will research the impact of conflicts and climate crises on public health to inform evidence-based emergency preparedness strategies. Additionally, we will engage with key international stakeholders to standardize emergency response protocols. Our approach emphasizes addressing the root causes of health disparities, including conflict and environmental degradation, in line with the WFPHA’s mission.  

Any last comments?  

Duha Shellah: Emergencies and disasters magnify inequities, leaving the most vulnerable to bear the heaviest burdens. True resilience is not just about response—it’s about justice, dignity, and ensuring that every community has equitable access to health and protection regardless of their circumstances. As a Palestinian physician and activist in this role as Chair of the Public Health in Emergencies and Disasters Working Group, I am committed to championing a people-centered approach that prioritizes the unheard, safeguards frontline workers, and builds sustainable health systems rooted in equity. Thank you.  

Conclusion: A Leader for a Healthier, More Equitable Future  

Dr. Duha Shellah’s journey and vision are a testament to the power of resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to equity. Her work with the WFPHA Public Health in Emergencies and Disasters Working Group promises to bring transformative change, particularly for communities in conflict zones and those most vulnerable to crises. By prioritizing preparedness, equity, and collaboration, Dr. Shellah is paving the way for a future where health systems are resilient but also just and inclusive. Her leadership reminds us that hope and action can create a healthier, more equitable world for all in the face of adversity.

Nicotine Poses a Serious Threat to Public Health: Why it Needs Strict UN Control

Nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco, is a growing public health crisis. With the rise of e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and flavored products targeting children, urgent action is needed. Dr. David Chalom, a senior consultant in orthopedic surgery, argues that nicotine must be reviewed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and placed under strict international control by the UN to protect future generations.  

The Dangers of Tobacco and Nicotine

1. Tobacco: A leading cause of preventable death  

Tobacco is the leading cause of non-communicable diseases worldwide. Two-thirds of long-term smokers die from smoking-related illnesses. Unfortunately, tobacco use persists because of nicotine addiction.

2. Nicotine: A potent neurotoxin and highly addictive drug

Originally used as an insecticide, nicotine is toxic to humans. It’s also more addictive than cocaine and amphetamines, leading to lifelong dependency. Other issues with nicotine include:

– Impairing brain development in youth (up to age 25), increasing risks of: 

       – Mental health disorders  

       – Addiction to other drugs (alcohol, narcotics)  

       – Poor cognitive function 

– Damaging blood vessels, reducing oxygen supply to organs, leading to

        – Increased risk of stroke and heart disease  

        – Poor healing and tissue degeneration

– Harming fertility, pregnancy, and infants, increasing risks of:

          – Miscarriage  

          – Low birth weight  

          – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)  

The Rise of New Nicotine Products Targeting Youth

The tobacco industry exploits regulatory loopholes by introducing flavored nicotine products designed to attract children:  

– E-cigarettes (vapes)  

– Nicotine pouches (“white snus”)  

– Nicotine candies (jelly beans, gummies, lollipops)  

– Lip balms, mints, and Tic-Tacs laced with nicotine  

Alarming Trends in Sweden (2012-2024 Data)

The Swedish Council for Information on Alcohol and Other Drugs (C.A.N.) did a nationwide school investigation between 2012 and 2024 on 9th graders and 2nd-year high schoolers. It found that 9th graders and high school students are increasingly using:

  – E-cigarettes  

  – Nicotine pouches  

  – Snus

All of this is problematic. While these youths are considered “non-smoking,” they become addicted to nicotine, later transitioning to cigarettes.  

What Experts and International Conventions Say

1. European Respiratory Society (ERS)

No evidence supports claims that nicotine products help smokers quit. Most e-cigarette users continue smoking traditional cigarettes. Thus, nicotine remains harmful and addictive.  

2. WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)  

Governments must work to:  

– Eliminate tobacco and nicotine use  

– Protect children from addiction  

– Reduce secondhand smoke exposure  

3. UN Conventions
   

Consider two UN Conventions: the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961/1972) and the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971). These treaties allow scheduling substances that pose serious public health risks.  

Why Nicotine Must Be Reviewed by the WHO and Controlled by the UN

Nicotine meets all criteria for strict international control: 

– Highly addictive  

– Widely abused, especially by youth  

– Minimal therapeutic value

– Serious public health threat  

Call to Action: Steps Toward a Nicotine-Free Generation by 2030

Nicotine isn’t just an addiction; it’s a public health emergency. With flavored products targeting children and the rising outh addiction rates, immediate action is needed. The WHO must review nicotine, and the UN must impose strict controls to protect future generations.

Yet, from the individual to the state level, everyone has a role to play:

– Governments: Notify the UN Secretary-General to review nicotine.  

– NGOs & Health Organizations: Petition the WHO to assess nicotine’s risks.  

– Public Awareness: Get educated on nicotine’s dangers, especially for youth.  

Together, we can all work towards a nicotine-free generation by 2023.

Do you have questions for David? Then don’t hesitate to write him at david.chalom.a@gmail.com

Reimagining Global Health Strategies: Reinforcing Gender Equity in Dentistry for a Healthier Future

Reimagining global health strategies requires confronting persistent inequities that shape health outcomes, particularly in dentistry and gender equity. Gender equity is not only a fundamental human right but also a strategic imperative for improving population health, strengthening health systems, and achieving sustainable development. Yet, in fields such as dentistry, gender equity remains overshadowed by longstanding structural and cultural norms.

According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, gender equity in healthcare refers to treating individuals according to their unique needs and contexts, considering how power and privilege affect opportunity. This principle is tied to the core value of fairness and is critical to building inclusive, ethical, and sustainable systems that reflect the diversity of health providers and their communities. Harmful gender stereotypes, alongside racism, ageism, and socioeconomic inequities, compound existing barriers to oral healthcare access and professional advancement for women and gender-diverse individuals. 

Why Gender Equity Matters in Dentistry

Neglecting gender equity in dentistry perpetuates significant inequities across research, clinical practice, and leadership. Despite progress in gender diversity in dental schools, systemic transformation remains elusive. Structural barriers and cultural norms continue to shape career trajectories, specialization choices, and professional development. 

• Access to equitable oral health care: Women and gender-diverse individuals face unique challenges in accessing oral healthcare, shaped by systemic, social, economic, and personal barriers. Poor maternal oral health extends beyond mothers, significantly affecting children’s well-being. Additionally, gender-diverse individuals remain underrepresented in digital innovations like virtual oral healthcare, which exacerbates existing disparities in quality healthcare access.
  
  
• Education and gender myths in dentistry: Though more women enter dental programs, a persistent gender equity myth falsely assumes that inclusivity has already been achieved. Invisible gender-based discrimination often goes unaddressed, leaving affected individuals isolated without institutional support.
  
• Clinical practice and workplace culture: Masculinist work cultures, sexism, harassment, and gender stereotypes remain a reality in dentistry, impacting job satisfaction and career advancement for women and gender-diverse individuals. These barriers contribute to vertical and horizontal segregation in dentistry.
  
• Research disparities: Women face significant gaps in authorship, funding access, and scientific recognition. Men dominate highly cited publications and editorial boards, perpetuating systemic barriers in dental research equity.
  
  
• Glass ceiling in dental leadership: Outdated gender norms and patriarchal structures limit leadership opportunities. Men disproportionately hold high-ranking academic roles (e.g., deans, department heads). At the same time, women remain often overrepresented in lower-ranking faculty positions, which are exacerbated by unequal pay and exclusion from decision-making.

Global challenges such as population aging, COVID-19, and climate change demand that dental health strategies be reimaged through a gender-equity lens, promoting sustainable and inclusive oral healthcare systems.

Pathways to Achieve Gender Equity in Dentistry

Addressing gender equity challenges in dentistry requires coordinated systemic efforts to restructure the profession. A gender-equitable future fosters better care, innovation, and responsive systems.

1. Structural Change & Policy Reform

• Collect and publish gender-disaggregated data to inform policy and clinical decision-making.
• Evaluate DEIAB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging) initiatives regularly.
• Diversify career advancement and promotion criteria.

2. Mentorship & Leadership Development

• Establish mentorship programs for women and gender-diverse professionals.
• Create leadership training for underrepresented groups.
• Showcase diverse role models to inspire the next generation.

3. Inclusive Education & Clinical Training

• Integrate gender equity and intersectionality into dental curricula.
• Train faculty and students to address gender-specific oral health needs.
• Promote inclusive, patient-centered clinical practices.
  

4. Gender-Inclusive Innovation & Sustainability

• Ensure equitable access to digital dentistry tools.
• Include gender-diverse perspectives in healthcare innovation.
• Embed gender equity in sustainable dentistry, acknowledging climate change’s disproportionate impact on women in low-resource settings.

A Call to Action: Building an Equitable Future in Dentistry

Gender equity in dentistry is more than a matter of fairness. It is necessary for building a healthier, more inclusive, and resilient profession. Aligning efforts with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development can advance social justice. Achieving equity requires collective action from institutions, policymakers, educators, and providers. By dismantling structural discrimination and fostering inclusivity, we can close the gender gap and ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender or background, thrive in dental education, practice, and leadership.

Dr. Pascaline Kengne Talla wrote this article on behalf of the WFPHA’s Oral Health Working Group 

Public Mental Health Working Group Co-Chairs Interview: Professor Jutta Lindert and Dr. Jonathan Campion