This week the leaders of the Panamanian Social Work and Public Health professional associations met to discuss the policy and practice gaps between health and social services. Both national associations recognize that there cannot be public health without social well-being, nor social wellbeing without public health. Yet in Panama and worldwide each of these services are separated by government policies and outdated international trends resulting in significant health and social challenges for the majority of people.
The discussion in Panama is a part of a worldwide rethink on how policies can be evolved and reshaped to bring all people confidence, health and security. The global professional bodies for public health and social work will also highlight the need for change this April in World Health Week commencing a worldwide discussion on what policies are needed as we emerge out of the pandemic.
Photo: IFSW Global President, Dr. Silvana Martínez, Mgtra. Kenya Batista President of the Association of Social Workers of Panama, the president of the Panamanian Association of Public Health, Dr. Carlos Gálvez and Dr. Rory Truell – IFSW Secretary-General