Advocating for communication for all at WHO International conference in the Philippines

At the 74th WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, Distinguished Professor Sharynne McLeod from Charles Sturt University played a pivotal role in advocating for the global recognition and support of communication disabilities.

Representing Charles Sturt and the International Association of Communication Sciences and Disorders (IALP), she highlighted the widespread, often invisible nature of communication disabilities and the absence of biological causes in many cases. Professor McLeod proposed strategic solutions, using the successful establishment of speech-language pathology programs in Vietnam as a model for other nations. Her contributions emphasise the importance of developing a robust global SLP workforce, showcasing Charles Sturt’s commitment to advancing health, education and communication rights worldwide.