
Task Force for Global Health experts including Task Force President and CEO Dr. Patrick O’Carroll, former Task Force President Dr. Mark Rosenberg, Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Network (TEPHINET) Director Dr. Carl Reddy, and the Center for Vaccine Equity’s Senior Deputy Director Lisa Hayes spoke at sessions focused on the Becoming Better Ancestors: 9 Lessons to Change The World series at American Public Health Association (APHA) 2023 Annual Meeting and Expo in Atlanta from November 13-15.
Additionally, The Task Force had a booth this year to talk about our work with partners around the world to eliminate diseases, ensure access to vaccines, and strengthen health systems.

This premier public health event promises exciting opportunities to engage with public health experts and advocates, fostering both personal and professional growth. The theme of this year’s APHA is “Creating the Healthiest Nation: Overcoming Social and Ethical Challenges.”
Here is a detailed run-down of our sessions focusing on the “9 Lessons” at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta from November 13-15:
Monday, Nov. 13, 10:30 AM – 12 PM Becoming Better Ancestors: Empowering Changemakers with the 9 Lessons Framework | |
The session aims to educate and empower changemakers and other participants by teaching them the 9 Lessons derived from the victory over smallpox: 1) This is a cause and effect world; 2) Know, share and act on the truth; 3) Coalitions are essential; 4) Avoid certainty; 5) Build in evaluation and continuous improvement; 6) Respect the culture, culture matters; 7) Seek strong leadership and management; 8) Mobilize political will; 9) Move towards global health equity. This is a powerful yet simple framework for successfully working on almost any public health problem. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the lessons and their practical applications in their efforts to drive positive change. They will be equipped with valuable knowledge and strategies to drive impactful change in their communities, leveraging the lessons from one of humanity’s most significant public health achievements. | |
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Monday, November 13, 1:30-2:15 p.m. ET
GWCC Technology conversation arena
(next to Booth 401)
Demystifying AI and Generative AI with Real-World Public Health Use Cases
Lura Daussat, PHII Director of Practice Support
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 10:30 AM – 12 PM: Teaching the 9 Lessons: Training Trainers and Leaders for the 9 Lessons Framework | |
The session aims to equip trainers and leaders of organizations to effectively use, share and teach the Becoming Better Ancestors’ 9 Lessons framework. Participants will learn how to train and mentor changemakers in leveraging the powerful lessons derived from the eradication of smallpox. Tools to enhance learning will be introduced. By the end of the session, attendees will be well-prepared to leverage the lessons from the eradication of smallpox and make meaningful contributions in their communities. | |
Speakers:
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Tuesday, November 14, 10:30-12:00 p.m. ET
GWCC A405
Rethinking the Well Child Visit as a Population Health Tool
Rebecca T. Leeb, CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects & Developmental Disabilities
PHII partner on Using Data to Improve CAMH: The Opening Playbook. Leeb will be presenting a slide on the playbook (related to child and youth mental health).
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 10:30 AM – 12 PM: Institutionalizing the 9 Lessons: Recruiting and Supporting Organizations to Teach and Apply the 9 Lessons | |
The session aims to engage and recruit organizations, foundations, companies, universities, and training organizations to become advocates and champions of the 9 Lessons. The session will focus on sharing the importance of, applying and institutionalizing these lessons in various domains. By the end of the session, participants will have the knowledge, inspiration, and support necessary to integrate these lessons into their organizational practices, fostering a culture of positive change and creating lasting impact. | |
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