Putting the "Public" in Public Health at the World Health Assembly

Vital Strategies invites you to join us at the World Health Assembly in Geneva for a fireside chat and in-person networking event, Putting the "Public" in Public Health.

People are struggling to know who to trust when it comes to their health. Misinformation spreads faster than facts, leaving families confused, scared, and vulnerable. The breakdown in trust isn't just about science—it's about real people facing real consequences. We want the public to listen to us but are we doing a good enough job of listening to the public?

This fireside chat will explore how we shift from broadcasting information to building relationships—and why it's time to put the public back in public health. From mass media campaigns to Instagram and WhatsApp, there’s no shortage of ways to reach and engage with the public. By connecting with communities through honest, empathetic dialogue, we can rebuild trust, empower individuals, and drive change where it matters most. Join our esteemed speakers to learn how innovative and candid communication can transform lives and restore faith in our public health systems.

Featuring:

• Dr. Mary-Ann Etiebet, President and CEO, Vital Strategies
• Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director, Nigeria Health Watch
• Borjana Pervan, Chief Operating Officer, World Heart Federation
• Femi Oke, Moderator, Journalist, Broadcaster, and Podcaster

Dr. Mary-Ann Etiebet is a recognized leader in global health and health equity. Currently, she serves as the President and CEO of Vital Strategies where she leads a team of over 400 individuals working in 80+ countries to ensure that everyone, everywhere, is protected by equitable and effective public health systems. Today, more than 3.3 billion people worldwide are covered by public health policies that Vital Strategies helped achieve. Previously, Dr. Etiebet directed Merck for Mothers, a $650 million global health initiative, that expanded access to quality maternal healthcare for more than 50 million women across 70 countries. Later, as Merck’s Associate Vice President for Health Equity, she led the development of the company’s health equity strategy and advanced partnerships to improve healthcare access for underserved communities. Dr. Etiebet’s career began in academia and public health in infectious disease, including her work with HIV/AIDS programs in Nigeria, impacting over 70,000 people. A Yale-trained M.D. and MBA, she actively serves on the boards of Save the Children, the Center for Global Development, in addition to her advisory roles with major global health organizations.

Vivianne Ihekweazu is the Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, a health communication and advocacy organisation advancing equitable access to healthcare in Nigeria. She leads the organisation’s strategic direction and oversees the design and implementation of health communication and advocacy campaigns for governments, non-profits, and development partners.Her work spans nutrition, maternal and child health, immunisation, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and health security. She played a key role in Nigeria’s COVID-19 emergency communications, supporting the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). With over 20 years of experience, Vivianne previously worked with leading communications and research agencies across Europe and Africa in the development and media sectors.She holds an MBA from the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science, an MSc in Development Economics from the University of Sussex, and an MSc in Global Health Policy from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. She is also an African Public Health Leaders Fellow at the Centre for Universal Health, Chatham House.

Borjana Pervan is a journalist and communications leader who likes to ask questions, seek solutions, and communicate reasons for action. While working as a broadcast and print reporter in her country of origin, Bulgaria, she uncovered a major international human trafficking ring. Before joining the World Heart Federation, she worked in advertising and more recently led the global communications teams of two international organisations, aiming to improve the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. At WHF Borjana leads the effort to empower the global cardiovascular community to speak with a strong voice and inspire change.

Femi Oke is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, podcaster, professional moderator and co-founder of the diverse moderators' bureau "Moderate The Panel." Femi's broadcast credits include BBC television and radio, Sky TV, all the U.K. terrestrial commercial television networks, CNN, Al Jazeera, and national public radio in the United States. As a sought after moderator Femi has presided over major global events including European Development Days for the European Commission, the UN Secretary-General's SDG Action Weekend and the UNDP's Annual Human Development Report. Based in Washington, D.C where she hosted the live interactive news and current affairs show “The Stream” on Al Jazeera English for a decade, Femi is currently leading the talented team at "Moderate The Panel" and facilitating events around the world.

About Vital Strategies

Vital Strategies believes every person should be protected by an equitable and effective public health system. We partner with governments, communities and organizations around the world to reimagine public health so that health is supported in all the places we live, work and play. The result is millions of people living longer, healthier lives.

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