International Health Situation

In the realm of global health, Germany is taking a proactive stance. The country supports the creation of an international pandemic treaty and a financially robust World Health Organization (WHO), recognising the importance of a united front in addressing global health challenges.

The Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung, a German political foundation, plays a significant role in shaping discussions on major global health issues. By connecting actors from politics, industry, science, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations, the foundation fosters a collaborative environment for tackling complex health problems.

According to the WHO, the ten greatest threats to health include air pollution, climate change, non-communicable diseases, increasing resistance of germs to antibiotics, and a growing number of people refusing vaccines. The WHO's role is crucial in addressing these challenges, particularly in tackling pandemics and climate change.

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's work in global health is multifaceted. They advise and network political decision-makers both domestically and internationally, with a key focus on strengthening health systems to prepare for future pandemics. Innovations in the health sector are seen as essential in this regard.

The foundation considers global health a cross-cutting theme that should be viewed from various perspectives and in conjunction with other policy areas. Topics they delve into include artificial intelligence and healthcare systems, causes and consequences of medicine shortages, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), women's health, scientific cooperation on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), Europe as a global health actor, and innovation and diagnostics.

Resilient health systems are necessary to prepare for future pandemics, and the Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung's working group on global health is at the forefront of this effort. The group aims to exchange knowledge and develop solutions on current global health topics, such as the impacts and benefits of digitization and AI for global health, women's health, and the current status of negotiations on an international pandemic treaty.

Health risks that primarily affect developing countries and crisis regions should also be considered globally in the event of a pandemic. New actors in global health policy, including philanthropic foundations and specialized organizations, are playing increasingly important roles in addressing these issues.

The Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung participates in the World Health Summit with an official side event, contributing to interdisciplinary dialogue on global health. They also maintain a strong presence overseas, with their office in Geneva focusing on global health, while other overseas offices with a multilateral focus also address global health issues and maintain contacts with international experts.

Key areas of German global health policy include combating antibiotic resistance, non-communicable diseases, and researching neglected tropical diseases. Health, it is understood, depends on various factors such as education, social participation, and the environment, as taken into account in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.

In the end, global health policy focuses on combating diseases, strengthening health systems, and improving overall living conditions. The WHO remains a central actor in this endeavour, working alongside nations, foundations, and organizations to create a healthier, more resilient world for all.