2nd Edition of the Public Health and Midwifery World Conference 2026

Abstract

Abstract: The public health workforce is facing a critical decline driven by workforce burnout, pandemic fatigue, insufficient funding, and a wave of retirements accelerated by the COVID-19 crisis. Recent public health graduates have very little to no practical experience in the field, leading to delays in field immersion or not entering at all. Agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have highlighted persistent staffing shortages that threaten the capacity of local and state health departments to respond to emerging health threats, chronic disease burdens, and health inequities. Without strategic intervention, these shortages risk weakening national preparedness, widening disparities, and undermining community trust in public health systems.
One sustainable solution is the expansion of structured public health education and training programs on college campuses. By pairing public health principles with practical, hands-on experiences, institutions of higher education can cultivate a robust pipeline of future professionals. Such programs will bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world practice. These applied experiences not only strengthen workforce readiness but also foster early professional identity formation and long-term commitment to public service.
Additionally, targeted recruitment strategies that prioritize students from underrepresented and rural communities can help diversify the workforce and address geographic shortages. Certificate programs, accelerated bachelor-to-master pathways, and paid field placements can reduce financial barriers and increase accessibility. Embedding leadership development, emergency preparedness training, and interdisciplinary collaboration into campus programs ensures graduates are equipped with both technical competencies and adaptive skills.
Investing in campus-based public health training programs represents a proactive, scalable strategy to rebuild and modernize the workforce. By strengthening academic–practice partnerships and expanding equitable access to public health education, colleges and universities can play a central role in stabilizing workforce capacity and safeguarding population health for future generations.