[Re: https://www.hifa.org/dgroups-rss/1-who-invitation-together-science-and-h... ]
Dear HIFA colleagues,
A week ago I flagged an important WHO Information and Engagement Session (7 October) on a new initiative that is launching 10 November, and encouraged HIFA members to participate as the remit is closely related to HIFA. Below is an overview. I would love to open a discussion here on HIFA about the issues raised. Please comment by email to: hifa@hifaforums.org
It was an excellent session with plenty of opportunity for participants to contribute, and to be able to do so direct via video (rather than typing into Q&A).
The organisers also recorded the session and there is a shareable link to this: https://who.zoom.us/rec/share/xhSE3Bc7YxCerSjCHkCxVuNgwTFlcx2lo1dO8okSAW...
Passcode: !ZH@gR6g
'The session focused on introducing the emerging movement and gathering perspectives on how civil society, young people and other non-State actors can engage with, support and amplify efforts to advance health through science. Discussions explored the role of science and evidence in participants' work, challenges related to trust in science and access to evidence, and opportunities for collaboration moving forward. A special thank you to WHO CSO Commission Co-Chair Wafa Al Madhagi for moderating the session, and to our speakers: Viviana Martinez-Bianchi from WONCA, Amal Ireifij from the Royal Health Awareness Society, and Nihal Said from the International Planned Parenthood Federation, for sharing their valuable experiences and insights and to WHO’s Science Division.'
Standing Together for Science is presented as 'A global movement to shape the science that better serves society and advances health for all... Bringing together diverse actors and voices, Championing a common purpose, firmly rooted in science'
It seeks to bring together scientists and researchers, information communicators, policymakers, people with lived experience, and health workers.
The movement will 'provide a platform for connection and large-scale knowledge sharing enabling exchange of resources, convening of events, and stronger links across actors'
It will:
*Advance a high-quality and trustworthy scientific process
*Promote the co-development of science with society
*Ensure that scientific advances translate into better health and well-being
*Strengthen dialogue with policymakers to support timely, evidence-based decision making
*Ensure policies are informed by robust data, scientific knowledge and the lived realities of communities
*Improve how health information is developed, shared, and understood
*Address and prevent harms caused by misinformation and disinformation
The movement will be launched globally on 10 November, with events in Paris, Geneva and the US.
You are invited to learn more and contribte to the launch by email to: together@who.int
There was a moderated discussion around the following questions:
1. How do you bring science, evidence and WHO guidance into your work?
2. What challenges are you seeing around trust in science, access to evidence, and science communication?
3. How could Together for Science and Health add value and support or amplify existing civil society and community efforts?
With thanks and best wishes, Neil
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org