Kolkata to host 14th World Congress on Public Health

KOLKATA: After 33 years, Kolkata will host the 14th World Congress on Public Health jointly organised by the World Federation of Public Health Associations and the Indian Public Health Association starting tomorrow.

The last time the city hosted the World Congress on Public Health was in 1981.

With Brazil as the partner nation, around 60 other countries along with 2,000 delegates including representatives from the WHO-SEARO, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation would participate in the five-day long health meet focused on regional and national health challenges, strategies and policy recommendations.

Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, UNICEF, UNFPA, IRDC, Path, WaterAid and JUSCO Tata Steel would also take part in the Congress with a focus on 'Healthy People and Healthy Environment', co-chair of the 14th WCPH International Organising Committee (IOC) J Chauvin said during a press meet here today.

The Congress would have plenaries, workshops and exhibitions on public health, he said.

WFPHA president and co-chair of the WCPH scientific committee Mengistu Asnake and Indian Public Health Association's national president Dr J Ravi Kumar were also present.

The Congress, held every three years, was last held in 2012 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.