Worldwide Health Status

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, a renowned German political foundation, has taken a proactive approach in addressing global health issues, viewing them as cross-cutting concerns that require a holistic and multidisciplinary approach.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the ten greatest threats to health include air pollution and climate change, non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, the increasing resistance of germs to antibiotics, and a growing number of people who refuse vaccination. Recognizing these challenges, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung supports the WHO and advocates for international multilateral initiatives to better address these global challenges.

The foundation's work in global health encompasses a wide range of topics. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's Working Group on Global Health, established in 2019, focuses on digitization and AI for global health, women's health, the current status of negotiations on an international pandemic treaty, and more. The group serves as a network for experts in the field, connecting actors from politics, industry, science, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations in global health discussions.

Health, as the foundation acknowledges, 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. Therefore, technical innovations and sustainable lifestyles that protect biodiversity, climate, and the environment play a crucial role in creating resilient health systems.

Resilient health systems are necessary to prepare for future pandemics. Innovations in the health sector, such as rapid development of diagnostic tests and effective vaccines, play a significant role. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's goal is to promote long-term, sustainable, and fair migration in healthcare that benefits both sides, as well as support digital transformation processes in healthcare with an emphasis on ethical standards, privacy, and clinical validation.

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's work on global health extends beyond Germany, with a focus on Berlin, and to overseas offices for international engagement. The foundation's overseas offices, including Geneva, focus on global health and maintain contacts with international experts. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung participates in the World Health Summit with an official side event in Berlin since 2022.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a central actor in global health policy. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung contributes to political and societal debates on major themes of Global Health from various perspectives. The foundation's work in the field of global health includes topics such as 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, innovation and diagnostics.

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's aim is to continue the dialogue on current global health questions and provide a platform for knowledge exchange. By connecting actors from various sectors and fostering cooperation and innovation, the foundation is making strides in promoting a healthier and more sustainable world.