IANPHI Executive Board's Conclusions of the 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting

'Fiocruz Declaration'

We, directors and representatives of the members of the International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI), gathered virtually on December 1-2, 2020 at our Annual Meeting, an event hosted by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, declare: 

1. The deep concern of IANPHI' 110 member institutes from 95 countries with the present and future impacts of COVID-19. The pandemic has inflicted immense global suffering and resulted in more than 1.5 million human lives lost and more than 10 million infected individuals. We praise the quality and courage of all health professionals tackling the disease across the world working in all areas of health care, from primary health to the most specialised intensive care services, public health laboratories, research and crisis management.
2. The COVID-19 pandemic’s disproportionate impact on marginalised groups has shone light on the widespread pre-existing social and territorial inequalities between and within countries. National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) must work with multi-sectoral partners to address social determinants of health during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. NPHIs have a crucial role to play in controlling the pandemic and mitigating its consequences by providing scientific advice and delivering public health services that support COVID-19 responses.
4. Our support of the World Health Organization (WHO), as a fully engaged and resourced entity within the multilateral framework of the United Nations system, to provide the necessary international leadership to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. The importance of developing a global public health workforce with the diverse skills to comprehensively strengthen health systems and services, manage health emergencies and strengthen NPHI performance.
6. The scientific excellence and independence of NPHIs, which are the foundations for quality research and technical innovations, are key to effective, efficient and ethical public health responses to tackle COVID-19.
7. International cooperation and dialogue between NPHIs provide valuable exchange of strategic and technical information to protect populations and promote healthier lives across the world. IANPHI will support its members by sharing the lessons learned from responses to COVID-19.
8. IANPHI will renew its Strategic Vision which will focus our work towards developing a global community of NPHIs whose trusted scientific advisors work together to improve the public's health and build a more equitable world.
9. The membership's congratulations to IANPHI's new President, Prof. Duncan Selbie, and gratitude for the leadership of Prof. Dr. André van der Zande as IANPHI's President.
10. IANPHI's gratitude to the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation for the excellent conditions provided for the successful 2020 virtual annual meeting and aim to unite members in Rio de Janeiro in 2021.