📣 New Announcement 📣
IFACONF2025 Expert Advisors
The International Federation on Ageing is proud to introduce the esteemed group of expert advisors who are playing a pivotal role in shaping the agenda and discussions for the IFA 17th Global Conference on Ageing. These leaders in their respective fields bring unparalleled knowledge and experience, ensuring that the conference not only addresses the most pressing issues related to ageing but also sets the stage for innovative solutions.
From global health and human rights to economic inclusion and digital innovation, our expert advisors are the driving force behind the #IFACONF2025 that will take place from 9th to 12th September 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. Their insights and guidance are crucial as we work towards actionable outcomes that will impact ageing communities worldwide.
For detailed information on the conference, visit www.ifaconf.ngo.
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Registrations are now open!
Join global thought leaders, researchers, and practitioners at the IFA 17th Global Conference on Ageing, taking place from 9th to 12th September 2025 in partnership with North West University. This year's theme, "YEBO/YES! Action on Ageing: Evidence/Policy/Practice," will explore cutting-edge approaches across nine vital themes, including Healthy Ageing, Digital Technologies, and Human Rights.
Secure your spot today to be part of this pivotal event that will shape the future of ageing policy and practice worldwide. Register now and be a voice for change!
Lets be part of something greater!
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Abstract submissions are now open!
Submit your abstract for the IFA 17th Global Conference on Ageing, themed "YEBO/YES! Action on Ageing: Evidence/Policy/Practice," to be held from 9th to 12th September 2025 in partnership with North West University.
This prestigious event offers a platform to showcase innovative research and practical solutions across nine key themes, including Immunization for all ages, Long-term care, Age-friendly environments, and more.
Don't miss the opportunity to contribute to the global dialogue on ageing and make a lasting impact!
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Join the IFA Webinar: Tackling the Threat of AMR
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing global public health challenges of our time, threatening the efficacy of modern medicine and the sustainability of effective public health responses. In Canada and across the globe, the rise in AMR poses significant risks, especially among older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions.
To address these challenges, the International Federation on Ageing is hosting a webinar titled "Tackling the Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance". This webinar will feature expert presentations on the risks and current strategies to tackle AMR, with a specific focus on the role of nongovernmental organizations. It will delve into the impact of AMR, highlighting the risk among older individuals, considering older adults living in the community and those in long-term care (LTC) settings.
Date: 20 November 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. EST
Location: Zoom Webinar
The webinar will feature 3 expert presentations, followed by participation in a moderated question and answer period and panel discussion. Registration is open to all, with a particular emphasis on engaging diverse civil society groups, including ageing organizations, patient groups, and organizations serving at-risk or marginalized communities.
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Respiratory Syncytial Virus - RSV | |
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Respiratory syncytial virus, more commonly known as RSV, is a highly contagious virus that primarily impacts the respiratory system.
As Canada braces for a potentially challenging “tripledemic” season with rising cases of RSV, COVID-19, and influenza this fall and winter, the need for proactive health strategies is greater than ever.
Prioritizing vaccination efforts is crucial to easing the strain on healthcare systems and protecting communities.
To help you and your organization stay informed about RSV and effective prevention measures, check out the IFA’s factsheet and infographic.
Stay prepared and educate yourself today!
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Understanding COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in Canada
The COVID-19 pandemic brought a new level of public awareness of the devastating consequences of infectious diseases and the life-saving power of vaccines. Despite the well-described individual and population health benefits of COVID-19 vaccination, public uptake of these vaccines is decreasing. This trend is particularly concerning for older adults and those with chronic medical conditions.
The IFA conducted an online survey in August 2024, which gathered responses from older Canadians (50+) regarding their perceptions of COVID-19 and vaccination practices. The survey findings reveal key insights into shifting public attitudes and vaccine behaviors, including decreasing trust in information sources, a lack of awareness about current vaccine recommendations, and concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness.
The findings of this survey can help inform strategies and interventions from Canadian public health authorities and professional organizations, to stress the importance of vaccination and vaccine literacy for these populations this respiratory disease season.
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Announcing the 3rd English Edition of the AFE ECHO Programme!
Missed out on participating in the last 3 editions of the Age-friendly Environments (AFE) ECHO Programme? The International Federation on Ageing and WHO are excited to share that the 3rd English edition of the AFE ECHO Programme will be held from 15 October to 10 December! With the support of GNAFCC Affiliates from the governments of New Zealand, Western Australia, and Queensland along with colleagues at the WHO’s Western Pacific Regional Office and La Trobe University, the IFA and WHO look forward to engaging with another cohort of age-friendly champions.
Next session is hapenning this Monday, 11 November, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Join us!
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Check out The Shingles Atlas for Adult Vaccination (SAAV) to help support shingles vaccination policy in your country!
The IFA’s advocacy tool, the Shingles Atlas for Adult Vaccination (SAAV) now spans 36 countries with up-to-date information on the status of shingles at the country level. The SAAV has been developed for policy makers and key stakeholders to influence and shape shingles vaccination policy at the national level.
This advocacy tool is a vast repository of information that looks at national vaccine recommendations processes, shingles vaccine recommendations and schedules, adult shingles vaccine funding, vaccine coverage rates, monitoring mechanisms for vaccination coverage, prevalence rate on burden of shingles, shingles vaccination pathways, and barriers to shingles vaccination.
Additional insights on the SAAV and shingles disease and vaccination are provided in the recently released executive summary. The executive summary delves into overarching findings of this advocacy tool, including a look at countries that either include or do not include policies and programs on shingles vaccination. Please also take a look at the international webinar held earlier this year on the SAAV, and the graphic explainer video, which helps users understand how to use the SAAV.
Let us work together to change shingles vaccination policies nationally and protect older adults from shingles disease.
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Call for input! Have you or someone you know had hMPV?
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a virus that causes respiratory tract infections, belonging to the same family of viruses as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Like many other respiratory viruses, hMPV can pose severe health risks to older people and those with underlying conditions, resulting in hospitalization, loss of function, morbidity or mortality.
To capture the impact of hMPV on people at risk, their families, and communities and raise awareness, the IFA is looking for individuals who have had hMPV or live with an underlying health condition that puts them at risk of the debilitating symptoms of hMPV and who may be interested in being interviewed about their experience.
Interested in learning more? Contact Ms. Abbira Nadarajah with your expression of interest: Anadarajah@ifa.ngo
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Sign up here to receive weekly invitations to join the IFA’s Global Café, hosted every Friday at 7:00 a.m. EST. Have topics or speakers you would like to see on the IFA Global Café? Feel welcome to contact Senior Policy and Project Coordinator Mitali Mistry (mmistry@ifa.ngo) with your recommendations! | |
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IFA Global Café Archive
If you were unable to attend any of the IFA Global Café sessions, we have great news for you! All past sessions, along with valuable resources and materials, are now accessible on our website. Whether you're interested in exploring specific topics or simply want to catch up on the insightful discussions, you can conveniently view the recorded sessions at your leisure.
We invite you to visit our website to experience the wealth of knowledge and expertise shared by our distinguished speakers and panelists. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with the thought-provoking content from the IFA Global Café series.
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Stay up-to-date: Follow the IFA on Twitter today! | | | | |
