Pre-conference workshop on Tobacco Dependence treatment skills
The pre-conference on tobacco dependence treatment skills workshop showcased different studies providing evidence of cessation studies and integration into different Public Health areas such as HIV, pregnancy and TB (special groups) as well as motivational activities that support cessation programs. The presentations on effectiveness of cessation programs underscored the need to be included into the national tobacco control programs.
Opening Session
The opening session was a moderated panel discussion on Leadership for a lasting legacy. The panel included Mr. Jim Chauvin, President, World Federation of Public Health Associations, Ms. Previous Malebona Matsoso, Director General, National Department of Health, SA and Dr. Mollent Okech from the Kenya Medical Training College. The three panellists emphasised the importance of leadership in Public Health.
Mr. Chauvin stated that for public health to create leaders that can have a lasting legacy, they need to be trained to be identified by the public and should be recognised rather than waiting for crisis to recognise them. Today there is an urgent need for public health leaders in HIV, Malaria, TB and tobacco control. He likened Public Health leaders of today to the titanic Captain who was advised and didn’t listen. The leaders today are not tackling critical issues but looking for quick fix solutions for example some leaders ignored the role of treatment and prevention in HIV hence exacerbating the problem
Similarly Ms. Precious Malebona Matsoso emphasised the need for positive leadership, leadership that can create and sustain partnerships, leadership that nurtures behaviour, leadership that is transformational, uses different approaches and more so that puts public health as a pivot for universal health coverage. In addition, leaders need to lead and sometimes accept to be led.
Dr. Okech highlighted the importance of training Public Health officials in leadership and management. The three panellists shared the following characteristics of leaders namely; vision, confidence and trust, accountability and transparency, know when and how to act, think laterally, engage people, speak truth to power, context and community, mentor and Activist. Lastly a plan for action for public health leaders was shared including; building on the power of communities, strengthen public health human resources development, define what we mean by public health, advocate for universal health coverage, advocate for responsible transparent, accountable and open governance, support independent and valid evidence and knowledge generation and their application and harness information technology.