A recent WHO webinar and Pennsylvania's Equity in Early Childhood Champion Awards highlight efforts to advance health and educational equity. The WHO event focused on social protection's role in health equity, featuring experts discussing strategies and challenges. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania continues to recognize contributions to equity in early childhood settings, with nominations now open for its annual awards.
Efforts to enhance equity in health and education are gaining momentum globally and locally. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently hosted a webinar to discuss the impact of social protection on health equity, while Pennsylvania has opened applications for its Equity in Early Childhood Champion Awards, celebrating achievements in early childhood education equity.
The WHO Global Knowledge Network for Health Equity organized a webinar to explore how social protection initiatives can advance health equity. The event featured discussions on the links between social protection and health equity, strategies for leveraging social protection measures, and the challenges and opportunities in implementing these initiatives. Experts and country partners, including representatives from the International Labour Organization and health specialists from South Africa and Chile, shared their insights and experiences [1].
Pennsylvania is accepting nominations for its fourth annual Equity in Early Childhood Champion Awards. These awards recognize individuals and programs in early childhood settings that have demonstrated a commitment to equity by supporting diversity, inclusion, and justice. The awards align with the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s position on advancing equity in early childhood education. The nomination process highlights the state’s dedication to acknowledging and promoting equity in educational practices [2].
Both the WHO's initiative on social protection for health equity and Pennsylvania's Equity in Early Childhood Champion Awards underscore a growing recognition of the importance of equity in health and education. By addressing systemic barriers and promoting inclusive practices, these efforts aim to create more equitable societies.
"The role of social protection in achieving population health equity cannot be overstated." - Dr Wanga Zembe