Populations around the world are rapidly ageing. Ageing presents both challenges and opportunities. Ageing is the progressive accumulation of changes with time that are associated with or responsible for the ever-increasing susceptibility to disease and death which accompanies advancing age. These time-related changes are attributed to the ageing process. Societies that adapt to this changing demographic and invest in Healthy Ageing can enable individuals to live both longer and healthier lives and for societies to reap the dividends. Current public-health approaches to population ageing have clearly been ineffective. A new framework for global action is required. This review offers a framework for all sectors focus on common goals so that action can be coordinated and balanced. It also explores what health might mean to an older person and how public-health strategy might be framed to foster it. Throughout this review it is emphasized that all aspects of an older person’s environment need to work together in an integrated way if healthy ageing is to be achieved. Finally, the review identifies the key steps that need to be taken next.

Today, there are nearly 70 million child brides worldwide. Every 2 seconds a young girl is forced into marriage. Be part of the generation that changes that. This review, recommendations and practice bulletin on child marriage are an introduction to various global projects and programs, for ending child marriage, for the healthcare providers. The silence on the plight of child brides must end. Tackling child marriage is a daunting but possible task, requiring political-will and proactive multi-faceted strategies at the international, national and community levels. Families, community leaders and the broader community are also essential in helping change norms and expectations about what is possible for girls and women. With international networks The Women’s Health and Education Center (WHEC) will continue its work to prevent child marriages worldwide. Ending child marriage is indeed a mandatory task if we are to make progress in global efforts to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These standards also act as an accountability measure: governments have to report to the committee that oversee them about how they are implementing the standards. They can be used to hold governments accountable for failure to implement and enforce their obligations related to child marriage under these conventions. Setting the minimum age of marriage at 18 years provides an objective rather than subjective standard of maturity, which safeguards a child from being married when they are not physically, mentally or emotionally ready. Why allow children to marry at an age when for example, they do not have the right to vote or enter into other contracts recognized in law? The most widely accepted definition for a child is 18 years, in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. A minimum age of 18 years will also help to ensure that children are able to give their free and full consent to marry and have the minimum level of maturity needed before marrying.

WHEC Global Health Line (WGHL) through its Learning and Innovation Network for Knowledge and Solutions aims to catalyze collaborative networks – cutting across disciplines, sectors, and borders – that seek science and technology-based solutions to development challenges.

Preparing the next generation of healthcare providers in the international arena, deepening their knowledge and improving the skill set for a career in global health and global governance is urgently needed. Programs are needed for healthcare providers to provide them with academic training and practical knowledge to assist them in providing national and international health care. Join the efforts – we welcome everyone.