AIDS & CHILD

From Innovation to Scale: Advancing the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Young People

Documentation MMS Conference 2024

Medicus Mundi Schweiz Young people face considerable challenges in addressing their SRHR needs, encompassing prevention of unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, early marriage, and sexual coercion and violence. In many countries in the global South there is an overarching issue exacerbating these SRHR challenges which is the lack of solutions tailored to the youth's unique needs and societal contexts. The MMS SRHR Conference 2024 explored what kind of locally led and low cost innovations are in place to reach young people, who are the drivers of such projects and initiatives and how can these locally led innovations be scaled up.

Digital governance needed to tackle commercial determinants of health

By Ilona Kickbusch and Louise Holly

The Lancet "In the Lancet Series on the commercial determinants of health, authors warn that policy inertia is enabling the products and practices of some commercial actors to cause substantial harms to health. In the digital environment, the actions of commercial actors (including those involved in social media, information and communications technology, and digital health solutions, to name just a few) are contributing both directly and indirectly to health and wellbeing."

08.05.2024

African Governments Falling Short on Healthcare Funding

Slow Progress 23 Years After Landmark Abuja Declaration

Human Rights Watch "African governments are falling far short in their commitments to prioritize public spending on health care, contributing to widespread inequalities in healthcare access and outcomes, Human Rights Watch and the Kampala-based Initiative for Social and Economic Rights (ISER) said today. As the 23rd anniversary of African Union states’ historic commitment approaches, new data reveal alarming stagnation, widening regional inequalities, and pointing up the need to correct course."

08.05.2024

How to read Europe's future development vision

Brussels says it is too often trying to do "everything, everywhere, all at once."

Devex Pro "A 20-page thunderclap hit European development watchers this week when Politico published the European Commission's draft vision for how its development policy should look for the next five years. However, anyone “truly shocked" — as the NGO confederation CONCORD claimed to be — by the document’s plan for development assistance to be recast as “investment” in a three-part offer (together with trade and macroeconomic assistance) to countries in the global south has not been paying attention. The commission has been talking like this for years."

08.05.2024

Rafah incursion would substantially increase mortality and morbidity and further weaken an already broken health system

Statement by the World Health Organization (WHO)

World Health Organization (WHO) "WHO is deeply concerned that a full-scale military operation in Rafah could lead to a bloodbath. More than 1.2 million people are currently sheltering in the area, many unable to move anywhere else. A new wave of displacement would exacerbate overcrowding, further limiting access to food, water, health and sanitation services, leading to increased disease outbreaks, worsening levels of hunger, and additional loss of lives."

08.05.2024

The Depth of The Divide: Reluctance to Link Pathogen Access to Benefit-Sharing. An Approaching Tipping Point in the Negotiations as Countries Stick to Their Positions

"We bring you this edition as these negotiations appear to be at a tipping point that would determine whether countries will be able to continue with these discussions or if this will fail." - Priti Patnaik

Geneva Health Files "WHO member states finally began text-based negotiations on a new Pandemic Agreement at WHO this week after more than two years since the process commenced. This comes far too late, with just over a handful of negotiating days left to conclude this process. As a result, the risk of a weak text emerging out of this process is nearly certain now."

08.05.2024

‘Get it Done’ or Don’t Block Consensus, Tedros Urges Pandemic Agreement Negotiators

Health Policy Watch (HPW) "“Get this done” – and if you disagree, don’t block consensus, was the heartfelt plea made by World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyessus to member states negotiating a pandemic agreement on Friday (3 May). Tedros was addressing the ‘stocktake’ in the middle of the final 10-day meeting of the intergovernmental negotiating body (INB), and it was clear that member states were nowhere close to the finish. “You are here for the same reason this organisation was created in the first place – because global threats demand a global response,” said Tedros."

28. Mai 2024 – 9:00-10:30am, Campus Biotech, SDG Solutions Space, Avenue de Sécheron 15, 1202 Geneva

Strengthening surveillance, preparedness, and response to health crises through the operationalization of the humanitarian-development nexus – challenges and lessons learnt

Side Event at the Geneva Health Forum

Terre des Hommes Fondation "The operationalization of the humanitarian-development nexus in health plays a crucial role in strengthening the surveillance, preparation, and response to healthcare crises by local health systems and communities, especially in the current context of local conflict and global climate change. (...) This event is expected to generate a wealth of knowledge, insights, and collaboration opportunities that can further support the integration of development and humanitarian efforts in the health sector. By analysing experiences, sharing good practices, highlighting policy changes, and addressing challenges, the event can contribute to a more cohesive and effective approach to respond to health crises in complex and dynamic environments."

30. Mai 2024 – Meeting starting at 8.00 hrs sharp / Venue: Hotel Warwick

Towards a Global Code of Practice that promotes the rights of the health and care workforce

Side Event at the 77th WHA 2024 Geneva / In-person event only, in Geneva, on Thursday 30 May 2024

Medicus Mundi International (MMI) "The organizing team wants the Code to be(come) a strong, relevant, and effective instrument, at the same time acknowledging the dire realities behind the somewhat flattering and rather data-driven reports that Member States are submitting. What are the stories of health and care workers brave enough to undertake their move to another country? What are the realities of health workers in countries with health and care worker shortages? Is it at all possible to achieve the ideal of the so-called ‘triple win’, i.e. benefits for migrating health and care workers, for sending countries and for receiving countries? We will explore these questions through testimonials and stories by people grounded in reality, and you will have the opportunity to engage in the discussion with your own perspectives. Come and join us."

15. Mai 2024 – 15:00-16:00 (CEST)

Why and how to contribute to the 5th round of reporting on the WHO Code of Practice

With among others (tbc): Agya Mahat (World Health Organization), Itai Rusike (Community Working Group on Health Zimbabwe), Martin Leschhorn (Medicus Mundi Switzerland), Thomas Schwarz (MMI).

Medicus Mundi International (MMI) The 5th round of reporting on the implementation of the WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel has kicked off. Countries but also civil society and other independent stakeholders are invited to share reports on progress of Code implementation. On 15 May 2024, the Medicus Mundi International Network (MMI), Public Services International (PSI) and Wemos will organize a webinar on why and how civil society organizations can contribute to this 5th reporting round. As civil society “friends of the Code”, the organizers of this webinar are keen to see the Code further developing into a strong, relevant, and effective instrument. We therefore call on civil society organizations alike to provide, vie the reporting instrument, the input and evidence needed to improve the Code and its implementation."

14. Mai 2024 – 15:30-16:30 CEST; Zoom session

Outlook to the 77th World Health Assembly

WHA TODAY: Third intersessional check-in on 14 May 2024

Medicus Mundi International (MMI) "After the series of “EB TODAY” civil society meetings related to the 154th Session of the WHO Executive Board and two well-attended intersessional civil society check-in meetings on 20 March and 23 April, join us again on Tuesday 14 May 2024 to jointly look ahead to the 77th World Health Assembly. …and bring along your input and your questions and calls!"

07.05.2024

Off Track to Meet ‘Triple Billion’ Health Targets

Health Policy Watch (HPW) “The world is off track to reach most of the Triple Billion targets and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals,” said World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. His comments were part of the WHO Results Report 2023 released on Tuesday. The triple billion targets involve one billion more people benefitting from universal health coverage (NO), one billion more people better protected from health emergencies (NO), and one billion more people enjoying better health and well-being by 2025 (YES)."

07.05.2024

« En Afrique, la chaleur affecte déjà lourdement le bien-être des populations et leur survie économique »

Les plus pauvres du continent africain et la production agricole locale sont mis en danger par la hausse des températures, qui n’est pas assez documentée, estime, dans une tribune au « Monde », Marie de Vergès.

Le Monde "A Kayes, une ville du sud-ouest du Mali, le mercure est monté le 3 avril jusqu’à 48,5 °C. Du jamais-vu dans le pays. La veille, 5 000 kilomètres plus à l’est, au Soudan du Sud, les écoles venaient tout juste de rouvrir après deux semaines d’interruption forcée pour cause de températures insupportables, avec des pics à 45 °C. A Kinshasa, la capitale de la République démocratique du Congo, les dernières semaines se sont aussi déroulées dans une ambiance suffocante. « La chaleur, on dirait une publicité de l’enfer », grinçait mi-mars sur X l’un des habitants de la mégapole."

07.05.2024

Planetary health: challenging power and privilege is key to a fairer and healthier future

British Medical Journal (bmj) - Global Health "This year marks the 15th anniversary of the first publication of the framework of “planetary boundaries,” which describes the biophysical limits of Earth systems that, if breached, could have devastating consequences for humanity. Six years after this publication, the report of the Rockefeller-Lancet Commission on Planetary Health defined the concept as “the health of human civilisations and the natural systems on which they depend.” Though progress has been made in the field of planetary health, we need stronger commitment and action for justice and transformative change."

07.05.2024

Out now! New GH5050 report on gender justice and planetary health

Gh5050 is launching its first ever report on planetary health at the Planetary Health Summit (PHAM2024) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Global Health 5050 "As Earth’s natural systems deteriorate, marginalised communities bear the brunt, often excluded from solutions. Our report delves into how gender considerations shape global responses to planetary health crises. Our analysis of 114 organisations reveals gaps in gender integration in planetary health efforts. While some recognise gender inequalities’ structural roots, many overlook gender entirely. Transformative gender justice demands inclusive leadership. While progress has been made in gender parity, disparities persist—particularly in representation from low- and middle-income countries. This report complements our annual Global Health 50/50 Report, highlighting organisations’ commitments to gender equality in global health."

07.05.2024

Global Fund Hails Launch of Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter

The Global Fund "The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the Global Fund), warmly welcomes the launch of the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter, which was signed today in Windhoek, Namibia, at the Africa Health Workforce Investment Forum. The African continent bears a quarter of the global disease burden and endures over 100 health emergencies a year. Yet half of the global shortage in health workers affects the continent, which has only 4% of the global workforce. To date, 1 in 3 qualified health workers in Africa is unemployed or underemployed, given challenging macro-economic contexts, imbalances in health labor markets, unfavorable working conditions in health, and safeguarding and security risks. The World Health Organization (WHO) forecasts that its African Region (47 countries) will face an estimated shortfall of 5.3 million health workers by 2030."

26. Mai 2024 – 26 May - 1 June 2024, Geneva Graduate Institute and online.

Geneva Health Week - International Geneva Global Health Platform

From 26 to 29 May 2024, Open Briefing to the WHA on Sunday and 3 side events from Monday to Wednesday, at the Geneva Graduate Institute and online.

Graduate Institute - Global Health Centre "Each year during the World Health Organization (WHO)’s World Health Assembly (WHA) happening in May, the Platform hosts a series of side events and discussions around critical global health issues, raising awareness among member states attending WHA meetings. During the Geneva Health Week, the Platform provides important exposure for a wide range of global health actors, enhancing collaborations and partnerships for future discussions and events."

29. Mai 2024 – Mittwoch, 29. Mai 2024; 18.00-19.00 Uhr, Turmhaus am Aeschenplatz 2, 4052 Basel

Turmhaus-Talks: Die Vortragsreihe für gesundes Reisen und Leben

Reisevorbereitungen - So reisen Sie gesund

Swiss TPH "Ob Sie demnächst in die Tropen reisen, eine Auffrischungsimpfung benötigen oder Interesse an tropen- und reisemedizinischen Themen haben – die Vortragsreihe ‹Turmhaus-Talks› im Herzen von Basel lädt Sie ein, mehr über Gesundheit und gesundes Reisen zu erfahren. Vom fundierten Überblick über den Schweizer Impfplan und dessen Anpassung an verschiedene Lebenssituationen bis hin zu praktischen Tipps zur Vermeidung von Krankheiten auf Reisen – die ‹Turmhaus-Talks› bieten wertvolle Einblicke und Ratschläge für alle. Tauchen Sie ein in die Welt der Tropen- und Reisemedizin und erfahren Sie, wie Sie sich optimal auf Ihre Reise vorbereiten können. Wir freuen uns darauf, Sie bei den ‹Turmhaus-Talks› begrüssen zu dürfen!"

29. Mai 2024 – 9:00-17:30; Centre de l’Innovation – Bâtiment Julliard – Hôpitaux universitaires de Genève

Séminaire - Coopération Hospitalière Internationale

Comment promouvoir un partenariat éthique et responsable ?

Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève "Depuis les années 70, les pratiques des communautés hospitalières ont profondément évolué à la lumière des enjeux de santé publique, notamment la transition épidémiologique ou les impacts environnementaux sur la santé. Les perceptions éthiques dans les soins et la recherche ont également été profondément revisitées. Des attentes légitimes et partagées visent une équité Nord-Sud dans les projets de coopération hospitalière, que ce soit dans les objectifs, les modalités de mise en œuvre ou les financements. Les forces et faiblesses des systèmes de santé, mises en évidence lors de la pandémie COVID-19, imposent de réfléchir à nos pratiques. Enfin, les efforts nécessaires de décarbonation sont par également à intégrer dans les projets de coopération hospitalière internationale. Le séminaire, hébergé par les Hôpitaux universitaires de Genève, abordera ces questions en associant étroitement les différents acteurs concernés et cherchera à identifier les bonnes pratiques à mettre-en-oeuvre."

03.05.2024

La compassion est le meilleur des remèdes

« Grâce au projet de santé “De personne à personne”, la situation sanitaire sur place s’est sensiblement améliorée. »

FAIRMED "L’auxiliaire de santé Rashmila n’a pas hésité à quitter son emploi bien rémunéré de conseillère en études stratégiques à Katmandou pour dispenser des soins médicaux aux habitant·e·s du district reculé de Sindhulpalchok, au pied de l’Himalaya. Il lui a fallu plus d’un an pour gagner la confiance de la population locale – à force de persévérance, de courage et d’une bonne dose d’humour."

03.05.2024

154 Million Deaths Averted: Contribution of Vaccination over the Past 50 Years

Swiss TPH "In 1974, the World Health Organization launched its Expanded Programme on Immunization. Now, 50 years later, a study shows that an estimated 154 million deaths have been averted thanks to vaccination. In 2024, a child under 10 years of age is 40% more likely to survive to their next birthday. The study published today in The Lancet was led by Swiss TPH in collaboration with WHO and numerous research organisations."

03.05.2024

Accelerating the Fight against Malaria - World Malaria Day 2024

Swiss TPH "With over 600,000 deaths in 2022, malaria remains one of the biggest health threats particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Against this background, the Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM Society) 8th Pan-African Malaria Conference is currently taking place in Kigali, Rwanda. Coinciding with this years’ World Malaria Day, the conference brings together 1,500 people from around the world to shape future strategies in the fight against malaria. About 30 researchers and students are representing Swiss TPH at the event."

03.05.2024

CALINA Study Shows Positive Efficacy and Safety Data for a Novel Treatment for Small Babies

Swiss TPH "Novartis and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) announce positive data from their phase II/III CALINA study, demonstrating that a novel formulation of Coartem® (artemether-lumefantrine) developed for babies weighing less than 5kg with malaria has the required pharmacokinetic profile and good efficacy and safety. The trial was conducted in several African countries. Swiss TPH was in charge of carrying out the study in the Democratic Republic of the Congo."

03.05.2024

Neue Geschäftsleiterin Eliane Kiener wird an der Generalversammlung vorgestellt

Medienmitteilung

SoldarMed "Mitte Mai, an der 98. Generalversammlung von SolidarMed im Neubad in Luzern, übernimmt die Juristin Eliane Kiener die Geschäftsleitung von Jochen Ehmer. Zuletzt war sie für die Direktion für Entwicklung und Zusammenarbeit (DEZA) in verschiedenen Positionen und Ländern tätig. Der Public-Health-Experte Ehmer wird der Organisation erhalten bleiben und die neugeschaffene Stelle als «Leiter Medizin und Public Health» übernehmen."

03.05.2024

Nepal: Respectful Maternal and Newborn Care

Enfants du Monde "In 2024 in Nepal, it still happens that women and newborns are victims of verbal or physical violence during healthcare, stigmatization, discrimination, medical examinations performed without their consent, or breaches of confidentiality. Enfants du Monde, in collaboration with the local NGO Green Tara Nepal and the National Health Training Center, is participating in the country's efforts to improve the quality of care with a training received by nearly 200 healthcare providers in the Lumbini Province. The training uses innovative learning techniques and provides support to facilitate behavior change that has proven effective with strong adherence of providers to values related to respecting the rights of women and newborns in care. These promising results have convinced the National Health Training Center to replicate the training on a national scale, with plans to integrate Respectful Care into the national curriculum for training the skilled birth attendants."

03.05.2024

SRF 10 vor 10 Beitrag über das Caritas Baby Hospital

Kinderhilfe Bethlehem "Das Schweizer Fernsehen strahlte in der 10 vor 10 Ausgabe vom 30. April 2024 einen Beitrag aus dem Caritas Baby Hospital aus. Erfahren Sie mehr über das Schicksal einer Frau und ihres 9-jährigen Sohnes, die aus dem Gazastreifen stammen und aufgrund des Krieges nun aber in Bethlehem gestrandet sind."

03.05.2024

“Le nombre de personnes handicapées augmentera de manière significative”

Handicap International Suisse (HI) "Maria Marelli, notre physiothérapeute et spécialiste de la petite enfance basée à Genève, était récemment à Rafah pour évaluer la situation. Pourtant forte d'une longue expérience de terrain, elle a été ébranlée par ce qu'elle a vu sur place : elle nous décrit une crise humanitaire catastrophique où les besoins essentiels (eau, nourriture, abris) ne sont plus accessibles."

02.05.2024

Vertrauen als Voraussetzung für sichere Geburten

Women's Hope International "Im zentralafrikanischen Tschad ist die Müttersterblichkeitsrate rund 140-mal höher als in der Schweiz. Die Berner Organisation Women’s Hope International hat eine Hebamme portraitiert, die sich mit einfachen Mitteln aber viel Herzblut für sichere Geburten in ihrer Heimat einsetzt."

02.05.2024

More than 24 million women will give birth without medical assistance this year, research shows

Conflict, climate disasters and regressive reproductive rights deny pregnant women access to a doctor or midwife, Save the Children reports

The Telegraph "Women in countries affected by conflict are three times more likely to go without a skilled birth attendant, and three times more likely to give birth outside of a health facility, according to a new report by Save the Children. Climate disasters and regressive reproductive rights and education are also denying pregnant women access to a doctor or midwife, the charity said."

02.05.2024

IHR Goes into Extra Time: Countries Make Definite Progress on the Amendments to the International Health Regulations, But Not Enough to Close a Deal [WG-IHR8]

In this story we look at key, contentious provisions on equitable access of medical products and on financing – on which hinges the final deal on the IHR amendments.

Geneva Health Files "Negotiations on the International Health Regulations go down to the wire as countries were unable to complete the discussions at the end of the final meeting of the Working Group to amend the IHR, that concluded this week. Riding on a constructive approach and an overall positive momentum, countries made steady progress under the decisive leadership of co-chairs Abdullah Asiri and Ashley Bloomfield, but a few areas of contention remained as the clock ticked away towards the conclusion of the meeting on April 26, Friday. The working group decided to buy additional time to conclude the negotiations and are expected to meet on May 16-17 to complete the process. More time is needed to reach consensus on key contentious matters including on technology transfer, a dedicated fund, governance of an implementation committee, among other areas, diplomatic sources said."

26.04.2024

Major step in malaria prevention as three West African countries roll out vaccine

Malaria remains a huge health challenge in the African region, which is home to 11 countries that carry approximately 70% of the global burden of malaria.

World Health Organization (WHO) "In a significant step forward for malaria prevention in Africa, three countries—Benin, Liberia and Sierra Leone—today launched a large-scale rollout of the life-saving malaria vaccine targeting millions of children across the three West African nations. The vaccine rollout, announced on World Malaria Day, seeks to further scale up vaccine deployment in the African region. Today’s launch brings to eight the number of countries on the continent to offer the malaria vaccine as part of the childhood immunization programmes, extending access to more comprehensive malaria prevention."

26.04.2024

“The mosquitoes are mutating and are changing their patterns”

SALUD por DERECHO "Mirriam Banda is a midwife, nurse, administrator, counselor and health advocate for 15,000 residents of her community in eastern Zambia at the Kafumbwe Rural Health Center in Katete District. She is married and a mother of three children. In 2011, a severe malaria outbreak nearly cost her daughter her life. The ordeal continues to deeply affect Mirriam, who also battled malaria numerous times during her childhood – so many that she cannot remember the exact number. Today she faces the disease day after day in her work and her community and, in the context of World Malaria Day (April 25), we spoke to her."

26.04.2024

Uniting Forces for Global Health: The Transformative Partnership of the Global Fund, Gavi and the Global Financing Facility (GFF)

What is the future for collaboration between the Global Fund, Gavi and the Global Financial Facility? This article reports on these discussions."

Aidspan "In October 2023, Gavi and the Global Fund launched four workstreams to strengthen their collaboration, with the recent inclusion of the Global Financing Facility (GFF). Progress was reviewed at the Strategy Committee meeting in March, together with the proposal for a joint working group between Gavi, the GFF and the Global Fund, in the wider context of the Lusaka Agenda. The Strategy Committee supported the continuity of the four workstreams and recommended the creation of a joint working group to facilitate their implementation, subject to clarification and review by the Ethics and Governance Committee. These discussions were presented to the 51st meeting of the Global Fund Board to seek its advice on how to further improve collaboration and communication between the three global health initiatives, as well as the need to identify key missing elements in each of the four workstreams and to support the formation of a joint working group."

26.04.2024

At Spring Meetings, alarm bells sound over global health finance

Many lower-income countries are spending less on health than they did before the COVID-19 pandemic at a time when donor funding is on the decline.

Devex "In Washington, D.C., where health and finance ministers, global health leaders, and international funders gathered for the World Bank’s Spring Meetings, these are ways of talking — or not talking — about a growing fear: A large group of countries are facing an alarming health funding landscape. “We have a problem globally,” health economist David Evans said Thursday at a forum on health financing. The problem, Evans said, is particularly acute in a group of 28 low- and middle-income countries whose governments are spending less on health than they did before the COVID-19 pandemic, with no prospect — according to International Monetary Fund projections — of returning to those pre-pandemic levels in the next five years."

26.04.2024

Global Fund Board Welcomes Investments Towards Ending AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; Expresses Concern Over Growing Needs From Polycrisis Amid Global Economic Pressures

The Global Fund "The Board of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the Global Fund) held its 51st meeting this week in Geneva, Switzerland. While anticipating record disbursements this year, with an unprecedented pace of investment in resilient and sustainable systems for health (RSSH) and pandemic preparedness and response (PPR), the Board repeatedly acknowledged the numerous challenges – including climate change, conflict, displacement, geopolitics, the economic situation, and in particular, the erosion of human rights and gender equality – that undermine the Global Fund partnership’s ability to end the three diseases by 2030."

17.04.2024

Die WHO will kein Pandemiediktat

Ein Gastkommentar von Ilona Kickbusch

Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) "Im Zusammenhang mit den Diskussionen der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) um ein Pandemieabkommen reden Kritiker von einer «WHO-Diktatur». Davon kann keine Rede sein, die Mitgliedländer sind denn auch weit davon entfernt, eine Einigung zu erzielen. Die Fehlinformationen zu den derzeitigen Verhandlungen am Sitz der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) in Genf nehmen zu. Besonders laut sind jene Stimmen, die einen drohenden Souveränitätsverlust der Nationalstaaten und eine «WHO-Diktatur» am nahen Horizont herbeireden. Sie wissen offenbar wenig über den Standardablauf internationaler Verhandlungen – oder wollen das gar nicht wissen."

17.04.2024

BREAKING: Latest Pandemic Agreement Draft Keeps Equity Hopes Alive

Health Policy Watch (HPW) "The latest draft of the pandemic agreement, while deferring many operational issues, keeps equity hopes alive in many aspects – including by cementing in-principle agreements on a pathogen access and benefit-sharing (PABS) system, a global supply chain and logistics network and geographically diverse “capacities and institutions” for research and development. The streamlined 23-page draft was sent to World Health Organization (WHO) member states on Tuesday night ahead of the final meeting of the intergovernmental negotiations body (INB) on 29 April."

16.04.2024

Planetary health: challenging power and privilege is key to a fairer and healthier future

As the 6th Planetary Health Annual Meeting begins in Kuala Lumpur, Sophie Gepp and colleagues commend progress in the field of planetary health but call for greater accountability of organisations to ensure planetary health justice

British Medical Journal (bmj) - Global Health "This year marks the 15th anniversary of the first publication of the framework of “planetary boundaries,” which describes the biophysical limits of Earth systems that, if breached, could have devastating consequences for humanity. Six years after this publication, the report of the Rockefeller-Lancet Commission on Planetary Health defined the concept as “the health of human civilisations and the natural systems on which they depend.” Though progress has been made in the field of planetary health, we need stronger commitment and action for justice and transformative change."

12.04.2024

Ensuring Ethical AI Implementation: HealthAI Launches Global Community of Practice

Health Policy Watch (HPW) "Artificial Intelligence (AI) can save lives – but “we need to get the regulations right,” according to Dr Ricardo Baptista Leite, CEO of HealthAI, the agency responsible for artificial intelligence in health. To address the urgent need for the robust regulation of AI in the healthcare sector, HealthAI has initiated a worldwide community of practice (CoP), the organisation said last week. This initiative aims to strengthen each nation’s capacity to create well-informed regulations that promote AI’s ethical and fair utilisation in healthcare."

On World Health Day, Making "My Health, My Right” A Reality For All

Statement by Administrator Samantha Power

USAID "In the small town of Dodota, Ethiopia – population 96,000 – health workers go to extraordinary lengths to track malaria. With only two health centers for a town where every single person has an elevated risk of contracting or dying from malaria, health workers are essential foot soldiers in the battle to keep the disease at bay, going door to door, asking residents if anyone inside has suspicious symptoms. And when COVID-19 descended on Dodota, these health workers doubled down, equipped only with hand sanitizer and masks – testing patients with fever not just for malaria, but for COVID; spreading awareness of social distancing and handwashing; and, when necessary, directing COVID patients into isolation."

09.04.2024

India’s newly amended patent rules threaten affordable medicines in the Global South

New amendments to patent rules in India will jeopardize the country’s ability to produce generics, dealing a strong blow to access to medicines in both India and other countries of the Global South

People’s Health Dispatch "India notified amendments to its patent rules on March 15 this year. Despite opposition by patient groups, activists, civil society and academics, the government has brought in changes that will significantly impact India’s ability to produce generic drugs and maintain access to affordable medicines. This will impact not only India, but also other countries which obtain cheaper medicines from India. It is no coincidence that just five days before the amendments were announced, India signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) that comprises Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Switzerland is home to big pharma companies like Novartis, Roche and Bayer and successfully pressured India to accept TRIPS plus measures in the agreement."

09.04.2024

Public consultation on draft Model Law on Health Data Governance

Public Consultation Period 7th - 30th April

Transform Health "Transform Health and partners are convening a period of public consultation on a draft Model Law on Health Data Governance, which articulates core elements, guidance and model legal text, informed by equity and rights-based principles, among other international, regional and national commitments and best practice. The purpose of this consultation period is to gather stakeholder and expert feedback on the draft, including its content and how it is structured. Through this process, we aim to strengthen and validate the draft, while building consensus, alignment and broad support around the core elements."

08.04.2024

Africa Needs a New Health Order Focusing Expenditures on Key Outcomes

Africa needs a paradigm shift in healthcare financing in the face of limited resources. Opinion by Dr. Githinji Gitahi, head of Amref Health Africa

Amref Health Africa "Thirteen years ago this month, member states of the African Union met in the Nigerian capital. They adopted binding commitments to spend at least 15 per cent of their national budgets on health and urged donor countries to increase financial support for the continent’s health sector. What is now known as the Abuja Declaration recognized that Africa’s future rests on the health of its people. In this guest column Dr. Githinji Gitahi, head of one of Africa’s leading health organizations, looks back at that goal and forward at what needs to be done. The Abuja Declaration gives a clear and measurable target, leaving little room for debate. It provides a straightforward metric to assess which countries have met the 15 percent goal, those that haven’t, and those worthy of celebration for their achievements. However, while the spending benchmark is a tangible indicator of a government’s commitment to healthcare, it falls short in addressing the broader determinants of population health."

08.04.2024

Rising from Uncertainty: The Tale of Community Resilience in Wakiso’s COVID-19 Vaccination Journey

Amref Health Africa "In the heart of Wakiso District, Uganda, a palpable sense of uncertainty hung heavy in the air as COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy took hold of the community. Yet, amid the swirling shadows of doubt, a radiant beacon of hope emerged – the unwavering determination of local stakeholders to make a difference. Spanning vast landscapes, Wakiso is Uganda’s largest district, facing an uphill battle in the fight against vaccine hesitancy. Despite prior efforts by the Ministry of Health, tangible progress remained elusive. However, in October 2022, a new chapter dawned as a formidable alliance coalesced. Makerere University School of Public Health, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Amref Health Africa joined forces with the Ministry of Health and the Wakiso District Local Government."

08.04.2024

A Robust PABS System: Make or Break for the Pandemic Accord [Guest Essay]

Geneva Health Files "In the Geneva Health Files, we proposed a robust Pathogen Access and Benefits (PABS) system that imposes binding obligations on users of biological materials and genetic sequence data (GSD) to make mandatory monetary contributions. PABS is necessary but not sufficient to ensure equity. There is still important work to do on intellectual property waivers and technology transfers. But PABS is important. The Africa Group and the Equity Group are unlikely to acquiesce to a treaty without a strong PABS system. At the same time, GHF recently reported that the pharma industry is warming up to PABS, but wants unconditional access sans benefit sharing obligations. That’s a non-starter."​

08.04.2024

Yes, there's a youth bulge, but the global south is also getting older

With aging populations in low- and middle-income countries come concerns about health care, pensions, and people falling into the gaps.

Devex "Henry Mbene in Nigeria receives food and health checks from NGOs. Luisa Pelamo in Argentina keeps active by volunteering in a local community center. An NGO taught Chandra Devi Kafle in Nepal how to use a mobile phone. These people all have different lives in different environments, but upon reaching an older age, each of them has experienced life-changing challenges requiring additional support. While development practitioners have given the so-called youth bulge much attention in recent years, particularly in Africa, less notice has been paid to the impact of improved global life expectancy."

08.04.2024

13 ans de guerre en Syrie : une crise humanitaire sans fin

Communiqué de presse

Handicap International Suisse (HI) " Après 13 ans de conflit, la situation humanitaire en Syrie continue de se détériorer. Des combats localisés, accompagnés de frappes aériennes régulières, se poursuivent. 70 % de la population syrienne a besoin d'une aide humanitaire. Près de 7 millions des 22 millions d'habitants du pays sont toujours déplacés à l'intérieur du pays et vivent dans des camps dans des conditions épouvantables."

08.04.2024

2,6 millions de personnes ont urgemment besoin d’aide humanitaire au Nord-Kivu

Handicap International Suisse (HI) "Face à l’escalade de la violence et à l’insécurité au Nord-Kivu, les besoins humanitaires des populations croissent de jour en jour. Nous déployons des activités pour apporter une aide d’urgence. Fin 2023, la République Démocratique du Congo enregistrait déjà près de 7 millions de personnes déplacées internes sur son territoire. Or, depuis novembre 2023, les combats entre les Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo et les combattants du Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23) se sont encore intensifiés, prenant des proportions catastrophiques."

08.04.2024

Nous distribuons 200 aides à la mobilité à l'hôpital Al-Shifa à Gaza city

Handicap International Suisse (HI) "La situation dans la bande de Gaza est catastrophique. Nous tentons de surmonter les problèmes d’accès pour apporter une aide cruciale aux blessés. Le lundi 26 février, notre personnel à Gaza a pu récupérer 200 aides à la mobilité dont 150 fauteuils roulants de notre stock et les livrer à l'hôpital Al-Shifa dans la ville de Gaza : une distribution importante pour soutenir la mobilité et l'accès aux soins de santé des personnes blessées et handicapées. C’est une goutte d'eau dans l'océan des besoins. Mais cette opération souligne le dévouement inébranlable de nos équipes à fournir un soutien essentiel dans ces circonstances catastrophiques."

08.04.2024

Lutte contre l'épidémie de choléra au Zimbabwe et en Zambie 

La Croix-Rouge Suisse "Le Zimbabwe et la Zambie ont connu une recrudescence des cas de choléra fin 2023. Pour lutter contre la maladie, il faut favoriser l’accès à l’eau potable et à l’hygiène pour la population. Des points de réhydratation orale sont donc mis en place par la Croix-Rouge dans les communautés Les points de réhydratation pour la population ont été mis en place sous des tentes. Des bénévoles y préparent les solutions de réhydratation et distribuent des aquatabs et du chlore. Ils informent sur les moyens de se protéger et de protéger ses proches, ainsi que sur les mesures à prendre en cas de maladie."