Month: March 2026

31
Mar
2026
Putting community engagement at the heart of action: WHO global curriculum guide for community health workers

Putting community engagement at the heart of action: WHO global curriculum guide for community health workers

The WHO has published a global reference guide for the training of community health workers. This competency-based curriculum provides a comprehensive framework for designing or adapting training programmes, incorporating core modules (home visits, community mobilisation, data collection, ethics) and specific modules (maternal and child health, chronic diseases, mental health, WASH, emergencies), with a view to strengthening the quality of primary care and universal health coverage.

This guide, designed for government departments, training institutions and frontline teams, helps to clarify the roles of community health professionals, to integrate scientific knowledge, professional expertise and the experiential knowledge of communities, and to address the social and economic determinants of health with a view to promoting health and reducing inequalities.

The guide is freely available on the WHO website.

Posted by Didier in News
31
Mar
2026
Capacity building in planetary health: two international summer schools in Utrecht

Capacity building in planetary health: two international summer schools in Utrecht

In July 2026, Utrecht University is organising two complementary summer schools dedicated to planetary health, bringing together academics, professionals, and change-makers, fostering a sense of responsibility and agency to address the pressing challenges posed by the planetary health crisis. In the face of accelerating climate crises and environmental degradation, understanding the deep interconnections between human health and planetary well-being is more critical than ever.

Foundations of Planetary Health

The first course “Foundations of Planetary Health” (13-17 July 2026) highlights how the Planetary Health crisis extends far beyond climate change alone: it represents a broader environmental and systems-level challenge that intensifies ongoing public health issues and is driven by social inequities, unequal access to resources, and disparities in political power. In this course, participants will build a foundational understanding of the key concepts, frameworks, and justice-oriented perspectives that shape the field of planetary health. 

The course combines theoretical input, case studies and practical workshops, including discussions on climate disinformation, mental health and local responses to environmental challenges. A field trip will also provide a practical illustration of the challenges involved in ecological restoration and regional adaptation.

Transforming Systems for Planetary Health

This advanced course “Transforming Systems for Planetary Health” (20-24 July 2026) dives deep into the structural forces shaping our planet’s health – power dynamics, decoloniality, the exposome, and the economic and governance structures driving the planetary crisis. Participants will develop perspectives on how to contribute to equitable and sustainable systems transformation. It’s designed for individuals with a background in planetary health, sustainability, or systems thinking who are ready to explore these topics more critically.

Practical information

The summer schools are organized by Utrecht University, supported by the UNESCO Chair Global Health & Education, and UU Planetary Health Education Hub.

Posted by Didier in News
19
Mar
2026
24 – 26 September 2026 : STRONGER TOGETHER – For Better Health among Children, Adolescents and Young Adults

24 – 26 September 2026 : STRONGER TOGETHER – For Better Health among Children, Adolescents and Young Adults

The Joint International Paediatric, School and Adolescent Medicine and Health Congress “STRONGER TOGETHER – For Better Health among Children, Adolescents and Young Adults” will be held from 24 – 26 September 2026 in Portorož, Slovenia. This event will bring together experts from across Europe who are dedicated to supporting young people in their transition from childhood to adulthood.

This congress is being organized collaboratively by four leading associations in the fields of pediatric, school, and adolescent health:

  • ZZP (Slovenian Paediatric Association of the Slovenian Medical Association)
  • EUSUHM (European Union for School and University Health and Medicine)
  • IAAH (International Association for Adolescent Health)
  • SSSAM (Slovenian Association for School, Student and Adolescent Medicine of the Slovenian Medical Association)

Scientific program

The scientific program will address current issues in physical and mental health, prevention, health promotion, and the social determinants affecting youth development.

The congress will also provide an excellent opportunity for networking, sharing experiences, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration among professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Topics related to pediatrics, school, adolescent and student medicine and health

  • Preventive Medicine:
    screening programs, health education, public health campaigns, preventive health examinations, health promotion, vaccination, risk factors, environmental impacts on health
  • Sports Medicine:
    healthy athletic development, health risks for athletes, injury prevention, monitoring of physical performance, sports nutrition, rest and recovery
  • Chronic Diseases:
    challenges and support programs in the management of chronic patients, transition of care, modern approaches and therapies, monitoring of chronic patients
  • Sexual Health:
    education for healthy sexuality, contraception, sexual identity, sexually transmitted diseases
  • Emergency Medicine:
    2025 resuscitation guidelines
  • Mental Health:
    mental health care, recognition of mental health problems, support services, sources of help
  • Open Topics:
    development of school, student, and adolescent health care, health system policies, health-related behaviors in adolescents, other relevant topics

Abstract submission and more information

Abstract submission is open until 31 March 2026.

For more information visit the conference website.

Posted by Didier in News
12
Mar
2026
La Trobe University and UNESCO Chair GHE join forces to reduce health and social inequities

La Trobe University and UNESCO Chair GHE join forces to reduce health and social inequities

La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia, has become the newest member of the UNESCO Chair Global Health & Education community following the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Clermont Auvergne Foundation, host institution of the UNESCO Chair. The agreement was signed on 22 January 2026 at La Trobe’s Bundoora campus by Professor Coral Warr, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, and witnessed by Professor Didier Jourdan, chair holder of the UNESCO Chair Global Health & Education.

Through this partnership, La Trobe joins a global network of universities, institutions and practitioners committed to promoting health, equity and quality education for children and young people in their everyday environments. La Trobe’s contribution will be led by Distinguished Professor Richard Osborne and the Global Health and Equity Development Hub, internationally recognised for its pioneering work in health literacy, including the Ophelia (Optimising Health Literacy and Access) process and tools to identify and respond to diverse health literacy needs.

The new collaboration will focus on co-producing knowledge, building capacities of education and health professionals, and sharing evidence-informed practices that reduce health and social inequities, particularly in rural and Indigenous communities. Planned activities include joint workshops, case studies, and the co-design of locally relevant interventions and policies at the intersection of health literacy, education and equity.

By joining the UNESCO Chair Global Health & Education, La Trobe University strengthens the Chair’s multidisciplinary and international community and reinforces its ambition to support institutions and professionals in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to health, education and the reduction of inequalities.

Posted by Didier in News
12
Mar
2026
Combating gender-based violence in schools: international webinar and launch of a new training programme

Combating gender-based violence in schools: international webinar and launch of a new training programme

School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV) affects millions of students around the world every year. It not only compromises the safety and well-being of children and adolescents, but also hinders their access to inclusive and equitable education.

In this context, UNESCO, the United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI) and UNICEF are organising an international webinar on 18 March 2026 dedicated to preventing and responding to gender-based violence in schools. This event will also mark the global launch of a new online training module on SRGBV, accessible via UNICEF’s AGORA learning platform.

The webinar will bring together government representatives from South Africa, Jamaica and Laos, as well as young leaders, teachers and civil society organisations involved in preventing violence in and around schools. Discussions will highlight concrete solutions for strengthening educational policies, teaching practices and mechanisms for protecting students.

The new online course offers a set of evidence-based resources, including practical tools, feedback and contributions from adolescents, feminist activists, institutional actors and public officials. The aim is to support education systems in developing effective strategies for preventing and addressing gender-based violence.

This webinar is an opportunity to share international experiences and identify levers for action to create safer, more inclusive and gender-equitable school environments.

Practical information

Date: 18 March 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. (Paris time)
Simultaneous interpretation: English, French, Spanish and Hindi
Registration: registration link

Posted by Didier in News