ASPHER Statement: A new Public Health Curriculum for a ‘new normal’

Abstract

The constant state of change that epitomizes our existence inevitably results in new phenomena that impact on individuals, professions and society. In the context of public health (PH), the ‘new normal’ of our time has been, and is being, shaped by demographic and socioeconomic shifts, scientific and technological developments, political strife, upheaval and migration, climate change and environmental degradation, food and water insecurity and the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the ’new normal’ refers a constant state of risk necessitating a state of ‘preparedness’ for change which cannot be fully contained or overcome, but which calls for recognition and regulation [ ]. The Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER) recognizes this ‘new normal’ for PH and the challenges it poses for PH education, training and practice. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated an evolving series of health crises in an increasingly unstable world. It highlighted issues of trust in science and expertise among the public in general, governments, politicians and health care workers. It capitalized on rapid developments and dissemination of information, and exposed the potential of mis and disinformation. It emphasized the need for competent leadership and informed decision-making, and it highlighted the growing inequities of our time. Any acceptance of this ‘new normal’ as being inevitable or hopeless must be addressed, and its potential for positive change must be embraced. In many respects, addressing the pandemic was basic PH, comprising epidemiology, surveillance, contact tracing, implementing interventions of isolation and vaccination. These must be maintained and strengthened as essential PH services [2]. However, expertise and skills above what have been traditional tenets of PH are also required affirming ASPHER’s endorsement of a multi-disciplinary approach, particularly for preparedness. While current PH education may be constrained by conventional instructional approaches and challenges in the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical applications, essential competencies for an informed PH workforce are evolving. For these reasons ASPHER, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, has undertaken to review a Core Curriculum for PH to address the ‘new normal’ and to underpin the attainment of necessary competencies by PH graduates. This is the theme of this year’s ASPHER-member conference, the 2023 ASPHER Deans’ & Directors’ Retreat.