Global Health and Switzerland

Photo by Mat Reding on Unsplash

The right to health means every human being having the right to be born and grow up, to work and grow old without their health being jeopardized by human-influenced actions or by circumstances that humans can influence. This right has to be implemented and protected by individual nation states, but also by the international community. The Medicus Mundi Switzerland network is therefore dedicated to an active, solidarity-based health policy for Switzerland. (Photo by Mat Reding on Unsplash)

06.02.2024 – Health Policy and Planning

Still rethinking external assistance for health

The 13 research articles, innovation and practice reports and commentaries presented in this supplement provide concrete examples, ideas and reflections that add to our understanding of external assistance for health.

Still rethinking external assistance for health
Photo: Overseas Development Institute/flickr.com; CC BY-NC 4.0 Deed
06.02.2024 – Health Policy and Planning

Still rethinking external assistance for health

The 13 research articles, innovation and practice reports and commentaries presented in this supplement provide concrete examples, ideas and reflections that add to our understanding of external assistance for health.

"As we revisited our April 2022 announcement of this special issue on Rethinking External Assistance for Health, we were struck by the increasing relevance of the themes that were raised (Shroff et al., 2022; HPP call for abstracts 2022). We are no longer speaking about the potential effects of the economic crisis triggered by COVID-19, but rather how countries and households are now experiencing the realities of fiscal tightening, increased sovereign debt, inflation and shifting geopolitics (International Monetary Fund, 2023). Reflecting these pressures and changing dynamics, questions around the functions of external assistance for health and the forms it takes are high on the agendas of both donors and recipient countries."

New round of Universal Health Coverage policies lies ahead despite missed targets

New round of Universal Health Coverage policies lies ahead despite missed targets
Foto von Marcelo Leal auf Unsplash

New round of Universal Health Coverage policies lies ahead despite missed targets

People's Health Dispatch "The WHO Executive Board is poised to propose enhanced Universal Health Coverage policies despite disappointing outcomes. UHC-based policies are failing in achieving the goals of increased access to healthcare and financial protection from health expenditure."

02.02.2024 – Future of Global Health Initiatives

The Lusaka Agenda: Conclusions of the Future of Global Health Initiatives Process

The Lusaka Agenda: Conclusions of the Future of Global Health Initiatives Process
Photo: CDC Global/flickr.com; CC BY 4.0 Deed
02.02.2024 – Future of Global Health Initiatives

The Lusaka Agenda: Conclusions of the Future of Global Health Initiatives Process

"Over the last two decades, global health initiatives (GHIs) have contributed to enormous progress in protecting lives and improving the health of people globally, while also contributing to global public goods, strengthening global health security, and improving pandemic preparedness and response. In doing so, they have established new models of partnership and alliances that have paved the way for new ways of working and addressing equity. However, important changes in health needs, financing and governance require a renewed and resolved vision for global health to deliver sustainable impact. The need for strong and resilient health systems that can adapt to emerging threats such as climate change and conflict, and concurrently maintain coverage for existing health needs, has never been clearer."

The Determinants of Health and the Long Road to Health Equity

Bulletin MMS #167 December 2023

The Determinants of Health and the Long Road to Health Equity
Photo : © sIAra

The Determinants of Health and the Long Road to Health Equity

Bulletin MMS #167 December 2023

Medicus Mundi Switzerland It is not primarily the lack of medical treatment that leads to illness. Illness is often caused by social disadvantage and inequality and is therefore influenced by factors beyond the healthcare system. These include living and working conditions as well as social, political, environmental and economic factors that have a decisive influence on the development of illness. The knowledge that structural and social inequalities favour diseases has been well known for a long time and yet in recent years, especially since the outbreak of the corona pandemic, the increase in global conflicts and human rights violations, we have seen blatant setbacks on the path to equal health opportunities. We need to break new ground and deepen our knowledge to find out which social-justice-promoting approaches are most likely to lead to greater health equity. In this bulletin, you can read about key findings and promising (new) strategies on the road to health equity.

Transforming Partnerships in International Cooperation

Discover the step-by-step guides to better partnerships for civil society, bilateral donors, INGOs and intermediaries across the sector. Third report in our series on decolonising the sector.

Transforming Partnerships in International Cooperation
Photo: Linda De Volder/flickr.com; CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Deed

Transforming Partnerships in International Cooperation

Discover the step-by-step guides to better partnerships for civil society, bilateral donors, INGOs and intermediaries across the sector. Third report in our series on decolonising the sector.

Peace Direct "Transforming Partnerships in International Cooperation builds on our previous research to provide an operational guide to decolonising partnerships in the humanitarian, peacebuilding and development sector. Based on consultations with 200 participants from 70 countries, it offers comprehensive recommendations to transform every aspect of partnerships between entities in the Global South and North."

Decolonising Global Health: from discourse to practice

Recording of the Webinar

Decolonising Global Health: from discourse to practice
Photo: © GHC

Decolonising Global Health: from discourse to practice

Recording of the Webinar

Graduate Institute - Global Health Centre On 25 October 2023, the Global Health Centre’s International Geneva Global Health Platform co-organised with Medicus Mundi Switzerland and Medicus Mundi International a webinar on the theme: “Decolonising Global Health: from discourse to practice?” Moving beyond the prevailing discussions, what does it mean to decolonise global health governance in practical terms? What examples exist of successful decolonisation of international cooperation in global health? What examples exist of just global health governance structures that have reimagined aid in the post-pandemic world? These and other questions will be explored in a provocative, frank and forward-looking discussion about the complex intersectionalities of governance, aid, and the promotion of global solidarity."

06.06.2023 – The Lancet

Lancet Commission on synergies between universal health coverage, health security, and health promotion

Lancet Commission on synergies between universal health coverage, health security, and health promotion
Photo: Trinity Care Foundation/flickr.com; CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
06.06.2023 – The Lancet

Lancet Commission on synergies between universal health coverage, health security, and health promotion

"Since 2018, this Lancet Commission has sought to understand how to maximise synergies between the global health agendas of universal health coverage, health security, and health promotion, and what drives dis-synergies. (...) Societies can and should pursue the agendas of universal health coverage, health security, and health promotion synergistically. We note that maximising synergies is important for both infectious and non-infectious diseases, and both endemic and epidemic diseases. However, we observed that, in countries at all income levels, counterproductive competition and fragmented investment are too often present in the implementation of these agendas, undermining the ability of health systems to achieve any of them—what we refer to as dis-synergies. For example, as highlighted by our in-depth country case studies, in some contexts, investments in health security detract from attempts to achieve universal health coverage, or efforts towards universal health coverage miss opportunities to promote healthy lives (ie, health promotion). Such dis-synergies weaken health systems, making them less able to cope with day-to-day and emergency demands, and render people more vulnerable to serious disease, as we saw with the COVID-19 pandemic."

04.04.2023 – British Medical Journal (bmj)

What is a justice-oriented approach to global health?

What is a justice-oriented approach to global health?
Foto von Tingey Injury Law Firm auf Unsplash
04.04.2023 – British Medical Journal (bmj)

What is a justice-oriented approach to global health?

"Calls for justice-oriented approaches to global health gained momentum and visibility during COVID-19. For many years scholars and community leaders have been discussing and debating the ideas of health equity and social justice,1 but with the COVID-19 pandemic the social and health injustices suffered by millions around the world came into a sharp relief in popular news media. Moreover, as it has been repeatedly stated, the pandemic and our responses both revealed and exacerbated injustices that have always been there. Rather than tinkering with the status quo, there is growing momentum behind advocacy for a new approach to global health and building a new global health architecture with fundamentally different foundational principles grounded in justice."

27.03.2023 – The Lancet

Unravelling the commercial determinants of health

New Lancet Series

Unravelling the commercial determinants of health
Foto von Wance Paleri auf Unsplash
27.03.2023 – The Lancet

Unravelling the commercial determinants of health

New Lancet Series

"In early March, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 200 people—including former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon—signed a letter strongly criticising pharmaceutical companies for putting a desire to make extraordinary profits before the needs of humanity. Selling publicly funded vaccines, treatments, and tests to the highest bidder resulted in inequities that cost more than a million lives, while private companies made billions of dollars. The signatories called on world leaders to ensure that such an injustice is never repeated. The conflict between profits and health equity is not new. The global health community fought for decades to provide access to antiretrovirals for patients with HIV/AIDS in less-resourced settings."

Taking action for universal health coverage

On the road to the 2023 UN High-level meeting on universal health coverage (UHC)

Taking action for universal health coverage
Photo: © UHC2030

Taking action for universal health coverage

On the road to the 2023 UN High-level meeting on universal health coverage (UHC)

UHC2030 "The 2023 UN High-level meeting on universal health coverage (UHC) provides countries and all stakeholders an opportunity to reinvigorate progress towards delivering health for all. An action-oriented outcome focusing on building resilient and equitable health systems is key to provide the basis for implementation and accountability, building on the 2019 Political Declaration. In September 2019, at the first United Nations High-Level Meeting on UHC (UN HLM) UHC), world leaders endorsed the most ambitious and comprehensive political declaration on health in history. However, according to the latest global monitoring report on universal health coverage, UHC progress is not on track, and the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world further away from the 2023 targets set by the political declaration."

Bulletin #43: WHO Executive Board sets agenda for 2023

Bulletin #43: WHO Executive Board sets agenda for 2023
Photo: © People's Health Dispatch

Bulletin #43: WHO Executive Board sets agenda for 2023

People's Health Dispatch "The World Health Organization’s Executive Board is holding its 152nd meeting in Geneva from January 30 to February 7. The Board’s decisions will set most of the agenda to be addressed by WHO during the year, and include health emergencies, progress reports towards Universal Health Coverage, and the state of rehabilitation services, among other things. Despite a cramped agenda, health activists have warned that key problems are being left unaddressed by the Executive Board. These include structural hurdles in the way of achieving Health for All, including the increasing influence of the corporate sector on matters concerning global health. While this affects all of WHO’s fields of work, one of the most hit is nutrition. Tackling malnutrition and hunger has been at the top of the organization’s agenda for decades, but effective action is still missing.

07.02.2023 – Geneva Global Health Hub (G2H2)

Moving together for universal access to healthcare? What to expect from a UN High Level Meeting on UHC and a related resolution of the WHO Executive Board?

Moving together for universal access to healthcare? What to expect from a UN High Level Meeting on UHC and a related resolution of the WHO Executive Board?
Photo: © G2H2
07.02.2023 – Geneva Global Health Hub (G2H2)

Moving together for universal access to healthcare? What to expect from a UN High Level Meeting on UHC and a related resolution of the WHO Executive Board?

"In the political declaration of the 2019 UN High-Level Meeting (UN HLM) on Universal Health Coverage “Moving Together to Build a Healthier World”, world leaders committed for all people to have access to quality essential health services and quality, safe, effective, affordable, and essential medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and health technologies, without experiencing financial hardship and without discrimination by 2030. At the time, a number of civil society organizations criticised the political declaration which was considered a weak and unspecific wish-list that would not lead to any substantive change in people’s access to healthcare. Four years later, the World Health Organization and governments prepare for another UN HLM on UHC and a related World Health Assembly resolution. But the reality is dire: we have not “moved together” and the world is certainly not healthier. The COVID-19 pandemic has further weakened health systems and it has revealed the consequences of deep inequities, economic and financial injustice, commercialisation of healthcare, and the lack of solidarity and international action."

06.12.2022 – OECD

Climate Tipping Points

Insights for Effective Policy Action

Climate Tipping Points
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
06.12.2022 – OECD

Climate Tipping Points

Insights for Effective Policy Action

"This report reviews evidence that overshooting 1.5°C may push the earth over several tipping points, leading to irreversible and severe changes in the climate system. If triggered, tipping point impacts will rapidly cascade through socio-economic and ecological systems, leading to severe effects on human and natural systems and imposing important challenges for human adaptation. Of particular concern are the likely collapse of the West Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets and the abrupt melting of permafrost grounds in the Arctic, which would result in additional sea-level rise and greenhouse gas releases, leading to more warming. Based on the most recent science and consultations with renowned experts, Climate Tipping Points: Insights for Effective Policy Action argues that it is no longer appropriate to consider the risk of crossing tipping points as low-probability."

05.12.2022 – Medicus Mundi Suisse

La pharma pour tous: rectifier l’image de l’industrie pharmaceutique

Med in Switzerland #47 de Beat Ringger

La pharma pour tous: rectifier l’image de l’industrie pharmaceutique
Vient de paraître : Beat Ringger: La pharma pour tous, 236 pages, Rotpunktverlag Zurich. Disponible en librairie (en allemand)
05.12.2022 – Medicus Mundi Suisse

La pharma pour tous: rectifier l’image de l’industrie pharmaceutique

Med in Switzerland #47 de Beat Ringger

Dans mon dernier livre ‘La pharma pour tous’, j’analyse la crise des médicaments qui couve, certes, depuis des décennies déjà, mais qui est justement en train de s’exacerber de façon considérable: prix qui augmentent de manière vertigineuse; importants médicaments qui ne sont plus disponibles; résistances accrues aux antibiotiques contre lesquelles aucun nouveau médicament n’est développé; clivage global au Nord et au Sud, toujours et encore attisé. Au beau milieu de cette crise, il y a la Suisse en tant que l’un des sites économiques majeurs du secteur pharmaceutique.

05.12.2022 – Global Health Now

Africa’s New Approach to Public Health

Africa’s New Approach to Public Health
Photo: UN Women Africa/ UN Women/Chérif Khoury/flickr.com; CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
05.12.2022 – Global Health Now

Africa’s New Approach to Public Health

"Existing patterns of health funding and emergency response in Africa—many of which focus on filling short-term gaps and aligning with donor interests—are insufficient. The 255,000+ COVID-19 deaths across the continent, as well as the many hospitalizations and long recoveries have delivered a painful lesson. (...) If we do not act now to strengthen health security and build resilient health systems, Africa, and indeed the world, will remain vulnerable to disease outbreaks and epidemics. Africa’s vision of a New Public Health Order, first proposed in 2017, is actively tackling health challenges and planning for the future, shaped by local leadership and regional solutions. It aims to ensure that effective health systems exist before a crisis and remain resilient during and post-crisis."

05.12.2022 – Health Policy Watch

EU’s New Global Health Strategy Stresses Regional Collaboration, Seeks More Influence for Europe

EU’s New Global Health Strategy Stresses Regional Collaboration, Seeks More Influence for Europe
Photo: Rock Cohen/flickr.com; CC BY 2.0
05.12.2022 – Health Policy Watch

EU’s New Global Health Strategy Stresses Regional Collaboration, Seeks More Influence for Europe

"Stronger international rules and cooperation mechanisms on health are at the heart of the European Union’s new global health strategy, which was launched on Wednesday.  The strategy is based on three priorities: ensuring that people stay well throughout their lives, strengthening health systems particularly by advancing universal health coverage, and applying a ‘One Health’ approach to preventing health threats."

08.11.2022 – People's Health Dispatch

How the World Bank weakens health systems

How the World Bank weakens health systems
08.11.2022 – People's Health Dispatch

How the World Bank weakens health systems

"Natalie Rhodes, PhD candidate at University of Leeds, and People’s Health Movement, along with Remco van de Pas, researcher at the Centre for Planetary Health Policy, and People’s Health Movement discuss in detail about the implications of the newly established World Bank fund for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response and the Bank’s other policies pertaining to public health."

08.11.2022 – World Health Organization (WHO)

Systems for health: everyone has a role

Flagship report of the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research

Systems for health: everyone has a role
Ebola Treatment Centre. Photo: World Bank Collection/flickr.com; CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
08.11.2022 – World Health Organization (WHO)

Systems for health: everyone has a role

Flagship report of the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research

"This Report defines systems for health as those ready to respond to both the known and unknown, present and future threats. Systems for health anticipate and address social, economic, environmental and commercial drivers of health to secure and enable healthier societies by aligning efforts to ensure health security and create healthy populations, systems for health not only provide, protect, and promote health, but also harness technology working with people and communities to deliver physical, mental and social health for all populations across the life course. This report provides actionable guidance for policy and practice and is a significant contribution to our future health…”

UHC2030 Related Initiatives champion action to strengthen health systems

At the Seventh Global Symposium on Health Systems Research many of the UHC2030 Related Initiatives will be showcasing current outcomes and efforts in making health systems more equitable and resilient.

UHC2030 Related Initiatives champion action to strengthen health systems
Photo: Trinity Care Foundation/flickr.com; CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

UHC2030 Related Initiatives champion action to strengthen health systems

At the Seventh Global Symposium on Health Systems Research many of the UHC2030 Related Initiatives will be showcasing current outcomes and efforts in making health systems more equitable and resilient.

UHC2030 "The Seventh Global Symposium on Health Systems Research (HSR2022) organised by Health Systems Global (HSG), comes at a time when more than ever we need collaboration and collective learning to build strong health systems that will support a healthy, fair and safe world. The theme for HSR2022 is “Health Systems Performance in the Political Agenda: Sharing Lessons for Current and Future Global Challenges”. Focused on the high-level political agenda and on the ground realities, HSR2022 is set to provide a catalytic forum where we can come together to share, raise awareness, advocate for change, and develop partnerships for action."

05.11.2022 – Medicus Mundi International (MMI)

How to cope with a world in crisis?

Documentation of the Series of MMI policy dialogues 2022, 26-31 October 2022

How to cope with a world in crisis?
Photo: © MMI
05.11.2022 – Medicus Mundi International (MMI)

How to cope with a world in crisis?

Documentation of the Series of MMI policy dialogues 2022, 26-31 October 2022

Climate change, pandemic and war: these are huge and partly new challenges for organizations working in the field of international health cooperation. The 2022 series of MMI policy dialogues is related to the Symposium “The world in crisis – climate change, pandemic, and war” hosted by Medicus Mundi Switzerland in Basel, on 2 November. As international network, we usee the opportunity to extend the conversation and invite a broader audience to have a deeper look at how (exactly) to cope with the “world in crisis”.

10.10.2022 – Kaiser Family Foundation – KFF

As Big Pharma Loses Interest in New Antibiotics, Infections Are Only Growing Stronger

As Big Pharma Loses Interest in New Antibiotics, Infections Are Only Growing Stronger
Photo by Nastya Dulhiier on Unsplash
10.10.2022 – Kaiser Family Foundation – KFF

As Big Pharma Loses Interest in New Antibiotics, Infections Are Only Growing Stronger

"Forget covid-19, monkeypox, and other viruses for the moment and consider another threat troubling infectious disease specialists: common urinary tract infections, or UTIs, that lead to emergency room visits and even hospitalizations because of the failure of oral antibiotics. There’s no Operation Warp Speed charging to rescue us from the germs that cause these infections, which expanded their range during the first year of the pandemic, according to a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report. In the past year, the FDA declined to approve two promising oral drugs — sulopenem and tebipenem — to treat drug-resistant UTIs, saying it needed more evidence they work as well as current drugs."

Decolonizing Health in Africa

The task group Decolonizing Health in Africa was set up in 2021 by a group of individuals and organisations interested in decolonizing African health systems.

Decolonizing Health in Africa
Photo: © MMI

Decolonizing Health in Africa

The task group Decolonizing Health in Africa was set up in 2021 by a group of individuals and organisations interested in decolonizing African health systems.

Medicus Mundi International (MMI) "We are interested in working with civil society in Africa and the rest of the world to contribute to bringing coloniality in health to an end through exposing colonial tendencies in health systems, sharing experiences and research on coloniality, and aiding in global health. We aim to centre African voices on the decolonial agenda. Webinar series 2021-2022: Find the documentation of an ongoing a series of webinars organized by the “Decolonization of Health in Africa” task team in 2021-2022 as part of the overall documentation of Kampala Initiative webinars, and get in touch with the task team members to know more about what is next."

13.09.2022 – The New Humanitarian

Ten efforts to decolonise aid

Changing practices around funding, leadership, narrative and identity.

Ten efforts to decolonise aid
Photo: United Nations Photo/flickr.com; CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
13.09.2022 – The New Humanitarian

Ten efforts to decolonise aid

Changing practices around funding, leadership, narrative and identity.

"Since the Black Lives Matter movement re-emerged in 2020, there has been a lot of talk about decolonising aid but not as much clarity about what it means in practice. While ideological differences in the debate remain entrenched, many initiatives are underway to further the decolonisation agenda in practical ways. Here are 10 of them."

12.09.2022 – British Medical Journal (bmj)

Reimagining human rights in global health: what will it take?

Reimagining human rights in global health: what will it take?
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
12.09.2022 – British Medical Journal (bmj)

Reimagining human rights in global health: what will it take?

"The right to health is not only enshrined within the preamble of the Constitution of the WHO, but exists in international human rights treaties, regional instruments and over 100 constitutions around the world.1 However, even prior to the pandemic and the events of the last 2 years, it was already abundantly clear that the rhetoric of a right to health did not match up to reality. It was not serving those most in need within countries at the local level, nor was it being fully addressed by the primary global health institutions (eg, WHO, UNICEF and others) with the responsibility for upholding rights and health in their mandates. A closer look highlights an interplay of factors contributing to this."

Convergence of conflicts, COVID and climate crises, jeopardize global goals

Convergence of conflicts, COVID and climate crises, jeopardize global goals
Photo: © UN

Convergence of conflicts, COVID and climate crises, jeopardize global goals

UNITED NATIONS "Intersecting global crises are threatening the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and impacting food supplies, health, education, and security across countries worldwide, according to a new UN report released on Thursday. The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022 reveals that the convergence of increased fighting, the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, and the long-term climate crisis, could push an additional 75 to 95 million people into extreme poverty this year – compared with pre-pandemic projections – and jeopardize the SDG blueprint for more resilient, peaceful and equal societies. “The road map laid out in the Sustainable Development Goals is clear,” stated Liu Zhenmin, UN Economic and Social Affairs chief (DESA), adding that “just as the impact of crises is compounded when they are linked, so are solutions”.

08.07.2022 – SDG KNOWLEDGE HUB

HLPF Opens with Expressions of Concern over SDG Setbacks

HLPF Opens with Expressions of Concern over SDG Setbacks
Photo by Matthew TenBruggencate on Unsplash
08.07.2022 – SDG KNOWLEDGE HUB

HLPF Opens with Expressions of Concern over SDG Setbacks

"The 2022 session of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) opened on 5 July 2022 with expressions of concern over the setbacks the global community has faced since the last in-person session of the HLPF in 2019. Nevertheless, speakers expressed optimism that we can improve the resilience of our socioeconomic and health systems. As reported in the Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB), speakers highlighted challenges that were unforeseen when the SDGs were adopted in 2015, including the global pandemic, conflicts, and the resulting food crisis and setbacks in education, as “reasons we are losing ground on SDG implementation.”

08.07.2022 – UNITED NATIONS

Building back better and advancing the SDGs

HIGH-LEVEL POLITICAL FORUM 2022, 5-15 July 2022, New York

Building back better and advancing the SDGs
Photo: UN Women Africa/ UN Women/Yulia Panevina/ flickr.com; CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
08.07.2022 – UNITED NATIONS

Building back better and advancing the SDGs

HIGH-LEVEL POLITICAL FORUM 2022, 5-15 July 2022, New York

"The COVID-19 pandemic has caused extensive suffering and death around the world. Beyond the many millions who have lost loved ones to COVID-19, billions of people have had their lives, livelihoods, education, physical and mental health disrupted. Large-scale economic disruption has increased the poverty, hunger and economic vulnerability of hundreds of millions of people. The pandemic has set back progress towards many SDGs almost everywhere and slowed implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. At the same time, historic progress was made in some areas such as use of ICT for public services. The 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) also made major advances with the adoption of the Glasgow Climate Pact. Today’s global challenges, such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic and the major food, energy and financial crises triggered by the war in Ukraine, along with the deteriorating humanitarian situation, require extraordinary efforts to address the major risks we are facing, with 1.2 billion people living how to make up lost ground and accelerate progress."

06.07.2022 – Platform Agenda 2030

Business as usual at the expense of our planet?

Half-time remarks on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in Switzerland ( Civil Society Report 2022)

Business as usual at the expense of our planet?
Photo: Platform Agenda 2030/ © Silvia Rohrbach
06.07.2022 – Platform Agenda 2030

Business as usual at the expense of our planet?

Half-time remarks on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in Switzerland ( Civil Society Report 2022)

"Switzerland is lagging behind. It is already half time, but we have not achieved anything close to half the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set in 2015. In this report, experts from civil society pinpoint the shortfalls and show what our country must do to satisfy the SDGs. The report published by the Federal Council itself clearly shows how haltingly the 17 SDGs and their targets are being implemented. Switzerland’s official Voluntary National Review, which is presented to the United Nations, shares our analysis in many respects, but without proposing any measures or specific strategies to remedy the deficits."

01.06.2022 – Geneva Global Health Hub (G2H2)

16-20 May 2022: People’s realities, determinants of health, democratic governance: Connecting dots outside the doors of the World Health Assembly

RECORDINGS of the series of G2H2 hosted public policy debates in the week before the opening of the 75th World Health Assembly

16-20 May 2022: People’s realities, determinants of health, democratic governance: Connecting dots outside the doors of the World Health Assembly
Photo: © G2H2
01.06.2022 – Geneva Global Health Hub (G2H2)

16-20 May 2022: People’s realities, determinants of health, democratic governance: Connecting dots outside the doors of the World Health Assembly

RECORDINGS of the series of G2H2 hosted public policy debates in the week before the opening of the 75th World Health Assembly

"At the 75th World Health Assembly (WHA75) scheduled for 22-28 May 2022, the size of delegations allowed to attend the the deliberations in-person at the Palais des Nations will be strictly limited. This awkward setup is explained by the Secretariat of the World Health Organization with capacity issues (delayed renovation of the Palais des Nations), and it has found its way into the title of the May 2022 series of policy debates hosted by the Geneva Global Health Hub: “People’s realities, determinants of health, democratic governance: Connecting dots outside the doors of the World Health Assembly”. Outside the doors of the World Health Assembly – this is indeed where most of us will be…"

29.04.2022 – Health Policy Watch

Senior WHO Leadership Reshuffle Expected after Member States Agree on New Financing Formula for Global Health Agency

Senior WHO Leadership Reshuffle Expected after Member States Agree on New Financing Formula for Global Health Agency
Photo: Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovações/Divulgação/MCTI/flickr, CC BY 2.0
29.04.2022 – Health Policy Watch

Senior WHO Leadership Reshuffle Expected after Member States Agree on New Financing Formula for Global Health Agency

"A core group of WHO member states have agreed on a landmark move to boost their annual “assessed” contributions to the global health organization to cover 50% of its core budget needs by 2028-2029 – but contingent on internal WHO reforms to boost efficiency and transparency. Partly in response to the reform call, a reshuffle of WHO’s senior management is expected to be announced shortly after WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is re-elected at the 75th World Health Assembly, which meets 22-28 May."

29.04.2022 – The Lancet

The Lancet Global Health Commission on financing primary health care: putting people at the centre

The Lancet Global Health Commission on financing primary health care: putting people at the centre
Photo: United Nations Development Programme/flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
29.04.2022 – The Lancet

The Lancet Global Health Commission on financing primary health care: putting people at the centre

"The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the need for well-functioning primary health care (PHC) into sharp focus. PHC is the best platform for providing basic health interventions (including effective management of non-communicable diseases) and essential public health functions. PHC is widely recognised as a key component of all high-performing health systems and is an essential foundation of universal health coverage. (...) In this report, the Lancet Global Health Commission on financing PHC argues that all countries need to both invest more and invest better in PHC by designing their health financing arrangements—mobilising additional pooled public funding, allocating and protecting sufficient funds for PHC, and incentivising providers to maintain the health of the populations they serve—in ways that place people at the centre and by addressing inequities first."

29.04.2022 – Medicus Mundi Switzerland

Are we on the pathway to ensuring our youngest generation receives nurturing care?

In case you missed our exciting webinar series: Here you can find the summary report and recordings of all three webinars

Are we on the pathway to ensuring our youngest generation receives nurturing care?
Photo: MMS
29.04.2022 – Medicus Mundi Switzerland

Are we on the pathway to ensuring our youngest generation receives nurturing care?

In case you missed our exciting webinar series: Here you can find the summary report and recordings of all three webinars

3-Part Webinar Series - offered by MMS Although global attention to early childhood development has been established through its inclusion in the UN Sustainable Development Goals, 250 million children (43%) younger than 5 years in low-income and middle-income countries are at risk of not achieving their developmental potential due to poverty and nutritional deficit.

05.04.2022 – Health Policy Watch

South-East Asia, Africa and Middle East are World’s Air Pollution Hot Spots in WHO’s Largest-Ever Data Release

South-East Asia, Africa and Middle East are World’s Air Pollution Hot Spots in WHO’s Largest-Ever Data Release
Photo: V.T. Polywoda/flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
05.04.2022 – Health Policy Watch

South-East Asia, Africa and Middle East are World’s Air Pollution Hot Spots in WHO’s Largest-Ever Data Release

"In its largest release of data on air quality ever, WHO has found that most of the world’s population are breathing unsafe levels of air pollutant – particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) – which cause excess illness and premature death from respiratory disease, as well as from cardiovascular disease and cancers. “Air Quality is poorest in specific regions, like the Eastern Mediterranean Region, the Southeast Asian region and also Africa, said Sophie Gumy, WHO technical officer of the updated data at a press briefing on Monday."

Financing Global Health 2020

The impact of COVID-19

Financing Global Health 2020
Photo by David McBee von Pexels

Financing Global Health 2020

The impact of COVID-19

Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) "The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation is pleased to present Financing Global Health 2020, the 12th in the report series that tracks global health spending. The 2019 report was written and edited in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we posed a series of questions pertinent to the evolving pandemic situation: will there be enough hospital beds? Will there be enough ventilators? What about personal protective equipment and hand sanitizer – will there be enough to go around? In the year that ensued, COVID-19 has continued to exact a terrible toll. The pandemic has taken millions of lives, infected tens of millions more, and done trillions of dollars of economic damage around the world."

07.02.2022 – Bulletin World Health Organization

Achieving sustainable health equity

By Arachu Castro, Michael Marmot, Juan Garay, Armando de Negrid & Paulo Busse on behalf of the Sustainable Health Equity Movement

Achieving sustainable health equity
Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash
07.02.2022 – Bulletin World Health Organization

Achieving sustainable health equity

By Arachu Castro, Michael Marmot, Juan Garay, Armando de Negrid & Paulo Busse on behalf of the Sustainable Health Equity Movement

"To achieve sustainable health equity, we need to address two intertwined challenges: social inequality and the climate crisis. They both create health inequalities within and between countries; when these health inequalities are avoidableand unjust, they are known as health inequities. Building on the extensive knowledge and resources that already exist to sustainably improve health for everyone, the Sustainable Health Equity Movement aims to promote sustainable health equity as an ethical principle that guides all national and international economic, social and environmental policies."

07.02.2022 – Geneva Health Files

The Inevitable Fragmentation of Global Health: The Signs from WHO EB 150

"Over the many years of tracking WHO governing body discussions, seldom did I witness the kind of urgency, clarity, and decisiveness that countries have shown this week" - Introduction by Priti Patnaik

The Inevitable Fragmentation of Global Health: The Signs from WHO EB 150
Photo: United States Mission Geneva/U.S. Mission Photo / Eric Bridiers/flickr; CC BY-ND 2.0
07.02.2022 – Geneva Health Files

The Inevitable Fragmentation of Global Health: The Signs from WHO EB 150

"Over the many years of tracking WHO governing body discussions, seldom did I witness the kind of urgency, clarity, and decisiveness that countries have shown this week" - Introduction by Priti Patnaik

"Health emergencies appear to have upstaged all other aspects of global health policy-making. At least that’s what it seems like, observing the proceedings of WHO’s 150th Executive Board. The governance of health emergencies could well turn out to be a decisive lever to reorient the entire workings, financing and priorities of WHO significantly."

07.02.2022 – Geneva Health Files

WHO under DG Tedros - The Last Five Years

Guest editorial by K M Gopakumar, a legal expert at the Third World Network, and a critical, seasoned watcher of WHO governance and politics. Tedros, he says, has “fast-tracked multi-stakerholderism”. Read on….

WHO under DG Tedros - The Last Five Years
Photo: UN Geneva/Elma Okic/flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
07.02.2022 – Geneva Health Files

WHO under DG Tedros - The Last Five Years

Guest editorial by K M Gopakumar, a legal expert at the Third World Network, and a critical, seasoned watcher of WHO governance and politics. Tedros, he says, has “fast-tracked multi-stakerholderism”. Read on….

"The 150th Meeting of the Executive Board of WHO once again nominated Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as Director General (DG) and his re-election process will culminate at the 75th World Health Assembly (WHA). Tedros is the first DG from the African region and precisely for this reason hopes from him were high. Unlike his predecessor, Margaret Chan, Tedros's approach has been inclusive and the leadership team at the headquarters has representation from all the major member states, no matter the financial implications of a top-heavy management team."

25.01.2022 – Geneva Global Health Hub (G2H2)

Beyond the agenda of the WHO Executive Board: People’s realities, determinants of health, democratic governance…

Documentation of civil society workshops and debates from 17-21 January 2022

Beyond the agenda of the WHO Executive Board: People’s realities, determinants of health, democratic governance…
Photo: © G2H2
25.01.2022 – Geneva Global Health Hub (G2H2)

Beyond the agenda of the WHO Executive Board: People’s realities, determinants of health, democratic governance…

Documentation of civil society workshops and debates from 17-21 January 2022

In the week before the 150th Session of the WHO Executive Board, a series of meetings organized by the Geneva Global Health Hub (G2H2) and some of its members provided a space for sharing, assessing and debating health policy and governance challenges that go beyond the items covered by the formal agenda of WHO EB, bridging from health policies to people’s realities, addressing determinants of health and promoting democratic governance. In case you missed this - here you can find the documentation.

What is wrong with global health?

What is wrong with global health?
Photo by Neil Thomas on Unsplash

What is wrong with global health?

The Lancet "At the beginning of 2021, The Lancet Global Health invited readers, particularly those who are not regular contributors to our pages, to share their expertise and experiences with us in the form of Correspondence, Viewpoints, and Comments on the theme: What is wrong with global health? This page presents a collection of all published responses."

07.12.2021 – Harm Reduction International

Integrated and Person-Centred Harm Reduction Service

Integrated and  Person-Centred Harm Reduction  Service
Photo by Chaitanya Tvs on Unsplash
07.12.2021 – Harm Reduction International

Integrated and Person-Centred Harm Reduction Service

"A person’s health is multifaceted and interconnected. In order for any service to genuinely empower people to improve their health, it needs to recognise the various factors that contribute to it. Integrating health and social services enables these services to be responsive to the needs of their clients. Where health and social services are disparate and disconnected, they can only address particular symptoms or conditions of a person’s health. On the other hand, integrated services are capable of addressing a person’s health in a broader context."

MMS Health for All Podcast

Saison 4

MMS Health for All Podcast

MMS Health for All Podcast

Saison 4

Medicus Mundi Switzerland Season 4 of the MMS “Health for All” podcast portrays six people working in the field of disability inclusive development. They are dedicated to making the world more inclusive for the 1 billion people living with disabilities. - This podcast season has been developed by CBM Switzerland in collaboration with Medicus Mundi Switzerland.

Communities and knowledge production

Communities and knowledge production
Photo: Nena Terrell, USAID Ethiopia/flickr, CC BY 2.0

Communities and knowledge production

International Health Policy "Benefit finding (looking for positive aspects while living through a difficult situation) is a skill we had probably practiced before, but COVID-19 pushed us all to identify good things coming out of a very difficult season for humans on planet earth. (...) One benefit in this persistent and perverse pandemic is the thinking, scholarship and voices recognising the value of communities to solve our biggest and most complex problems. These global conversations are playing catchup with key ideas that have been discussed among indigenous researchers for years."

Global Health Matters is a new podcast that explores how innovative and inspiring research contributes to achieving health for all

Global Health Matters podcast

Global Health Matters is a new podcast that explores how innovative and inspiring research contributes to achieving health for all
Photo: © TDR

Global Health Matters is a new podcast that explores how innovative and inspiring research contributes to achieving health for all

Global Health Matters podcast

TDR, the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases Hosted by Dr Garry Aslanyan with a variety of guests, the podcast discusses key questions, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on research, promoting gender equality and women in global health leadership, the pros and cons of open access to research, the role of implementation research and many other topics and issues. Through the podcast, we aim to discuss and share experiences and views on different aspects of global health research, with a focus on low- and middle-income country perspectives.

World Zoonoses Day: The Jigjiga One Health Initiative

Impact story by Jakob Zinsstag, Lensse Gobu, Rea Tschopp and Mohammed Ibrahim Abdikadir

World Zoonoses Day: The Jigjiga One Health Initiative
Photo: © Swiss TPH

World Zoonoses Day: The Jigjiga One Health Initiative

Impact story by Jakob Zinsstag, Lensse Gobu, Rea Tschopp and Mohammed Ibrahim Abdikadir

Swiss TPH "The specific needs of nomadic pastoralist communities are often not considered in public services. This is also the case in the health sector. In Ethiopia, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation is supporting the establishment of a regional One Health centre of excellence with the aim to improve the health and wellbeing of pastoralist communities in the Horn of Africa."

30.07.2021 – Be-cause health

Report learning session – How can we strengthen health systems worldwide?

In May the working group Determinants of International Health of Be-cause health and the Action Platform for Health & Solidarity organised a learning session on how to strengthen health systems worldwide. Ravi Ram, Marco Angelo, Clara Affun-Adegbulu, Moisés García and Gloria Cruz joined us to share their views.

Report learning session – How can we strengthen health systems worldwide?
Photo: Health Systems Strengthening and Motherhood, India/CDC Global/Mohan Kumar, India/flickr, CC BY 2.0
30.07.2021 – Be-cause health

Report learning session – How can we strengthen health systems worldwide?

In May the working group Determinants of International Health of Be-cause health and the Action Platform for Health & Solidarity organised a learning session on how to strengthen health systems worldwide. Ravi Ram, Marco Angelo, Clara Affun-Adegbulu, Moisés García and Gloria Cruz joined us to share their views.

Against the backdrop of a raging pandemic, the working group Determinants of International Health set up a virtual learning session to look into how we can strengthen health systems worldwide and how development policies can contribute to that objective. The learning session took place on May 18 2021 and was attended by a diverse group of people working in the development and health sector. This report summarises the main discussion points of the session and sets forth a number of potential areas for future work.

Inclusion in international cooperation: commitment and reality

MMS Bulletin #158, June 2021

Inclusion in international cooperation: commitment and reality
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

Inclusion in international cooperation: commitment and reality

MMS Bulletin #158, June 2021

MMS Around 15% of the world’s population, or one billion people, live with some form of disability, 80% of them in middle and low-income countries. As the population ages, the number of people living with disabilities will continue to increase globally in the coming decades. Globally, people with disabilities face disproportionate levels of poverty, discrimination and social exclusion, a situation that international agreements aim to address. The majority of states have committed to upholding and implementing the rights of persons with disabilities through their equal participation in all areas of life by promoting inclusion in international cooperation. This issue of the Bulletin deals with the current status in this process and highlights the challenges that still exist, even so in Switzerland.

MMS Health for All Podcast

Saison 2

MMS Health for All Podcast

MMS Health for All Podcast

Saison 2

Medicus Mundi Switzerland The second season of the MMS podcast "Health for All" portrays three people who are working to fight malaria. Still every two minutes a child dies from malaria, an entirely preventable and treatable disease. Each year there are more than 200 million new infections, over 400,000 of which end deadly. This disease shows far-reaching economic, social and cultural consequences. In this episode, Carine Weiss talks to the executive secretary of the Swiss Malaria Group Julia Richter, about their commitment, why the World Malaria Day is important and why collaboration between different actors in the fight against malaria is crucial.

DISASTER LAW

Disaster law guidance documents provided by IFRC

DISASTER LAW
Photo: EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid/flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0

DISASTER LAW

Disaster law guidance documents provided by IFRC

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies "Disasters cause enormous human suffering and loss, but the right laws and policies can help keep communities safe and save lives. Laws and policies underpin all aspects of disaster risk management. They form the often-invisible foundation of disaster risk management, protecting and preparing communities all around the world. Despite significant improvements in recent decades, many countries still need to strengthen their disaster laws to effectively manage the risks and impacts of disasters. (...) As we face climate change, a pandemic and increasingly frequent and intense disasters, the need for effective disaster laws is ever-increasing. The importance of domestic disaster laws, policies and plans is supported by three key international instruments: the Sendai Framework; the Sustainable Development Goals; and the Paris Agreement."

23.04.2021 – Medicus Mundi International

Climate crisis and health: measures to act against the silent pandemic

Climate crisis and health: measures to act against the silent pandemic
Photo: Medicus Mundi International
23.04.2021 – Medicus Mundi International

Climate crisis and health: measures to act against the silent pandemic

"World Earth Day, 22 April 2021, Medicus Mundi Spain | The relationship between environment and health has been known since time immemorial. The latest warning has been the relentless emergence of Covid-19, which has hit us in the form of a pandemic on a massive scale and at a infection rate never seen before in the evolution of the planet and of human beings. By now we assume that infectious diseases are emerging at an ever-increasing speed, most of them caused by pathogens that jump from animals."

"Was mir erst nach einiger Zeit auffällt: In den Strassen, auf dem Markt, vor den Häusern fehlt eine Generation fast gänzlich..."

Ein Rückblick und Abschied von Stefan Hofmann, der sich nach 17 Jahren als Koordinator von Kwa Wazee, in den Ruhestand verabschiedet

Foto: © Kwa Wazee

"Was mir erst nach einiger Zeit auffällt: In den Strassen, auf dem Markt, vor den Häusern fehlt eine Generation fast gänzlich..."

Ein Rückblick und Abschied von Stefan Hofmann, der sich nach 17 Jahren als Koordinator von Kwa Wazee, in den Ruhestand verabschiedet

Kwa Wazee Als vor 17 Jahren die Idee entstand, im Hochland Tansanias alte Menschen, die sich in akutester Not befanden, mit etwas Bargeld zu unterstützen, dachte niemand daran, dass daraus ein umfangreiches Programm entstehen würde und dass Kwa Wazee – ‘für alte Menschen’ vielleicht am Anfang einer soziale Bewegung stehen könnte. Anfang 2021 habe ich den grössten Teil meiner Aufgaben und meiner Verantwortung abgegeben und bin selber zum Rentner geworden :-). Das ist ein passender Anlass, um mich zu verabschieden bei all jenen Freundinnen und Freunden von Kwa Wazee, welche die Entwicklung des Programms mit ihrem Vertrauen und ihrer Grosszügigkeit seit vielen Jahren mitgetragen haben – viele von ihnen von allem Anfang an. Sehr gerne teile ich mit euch ein paar Momente und Stationen meiner persönlichen Entdeckungsreise. Von Stefan Hofmann.

21.04.2021 – Health Policy Watch

WHO Holds First Ever Pre- World Health Assembly Session With Civil Society

WHO Holds First Ever Pre- World Health Assembly Session With Civil Society
Photo: United States Mission Geneva/flickr, CC BY-ND 2.0
21.04.2021 – Health Policy Watch

WHO Holds First Ever Pre- World Health Assembly Session With Civil Society

"The World Health Organization (WHO) and member states have an obligation to listen to stakeholders in a “sympathetic and respectful manner” as non-state actors (NSAs) play critical roles in supporting global health work generally – and more immediately addressing COVID-19 and its impacts on communities. That call was made by Mara Burr, director of multilateral relations at the United States Department of Health and Human Services/Global Affairs, during a first-ever informal meeting between civil society groups, WHO officials and WHO member states ahead of the formal 74th World Health Assembly, 24 May-1 June."

«Dieses Baby ist mein Leben»

Muttertagsgeschichte, 8. April 2021

«Dieses Baby ist mein Leben»
«Zeina ist alles, was mir von meiner Frau bleibt», sagt Sanad. Foto © Andrea Krogmann

«Dieses Baby ist mein Leben»

Muttertagsgeschichte, 8. April 2021

Kinderhilfe Bethlehem Mariam (24) ist im sechsten Monat schwanger, als sie schwer an Corona erkrankt. Ein Notkaiserschnitt rettet ihr Baby, aber sie selbst stirbt einen Tag nach der Geburt. Ihre Tochter wird daraufhin wochenlang im Caritas Baby Hospital behandelt. Eine Reportage aus Bethlehem von Andrea Krogmann.

Global report on ageism

Global report on ageism
Photo by Vladimir Soares on Unsplash

Global report on ageism

World Health Organization "The Global report on ageism outlines a framework for action to reduce ageism including specific recommendations for different actors (e.g. government, UN agencies, civil society organizations, private sector). It brings together the best available evidence on the nature and magnitude of ageism, its determinants and its impact. It outlines what strategies work to prevent and counter ageism, identifies gaps and proposes future lines of research to improve our understanding of ageism."

A Guide to Global Health Diplomacy

A Guide to Global Health Diplomacy
Photo: © Graduate Institute

A Guide to Global Health Diplomacy

Graduate Institute Geneva - Global Health Centre "The system of diplomacy has been facing several challenges with the Covid-19 pandemic and new political and economic realities. The mechanisms of global health diplomacy play a key role in coordinating, advancing, and resolving health issues at the global level. To better equip health diplomats and negotiators, the Global Health Centre published a guide to global health diplomacy, produced with the support of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and the World Health Organization. Written, reviewed and supported by global health experts from different backgrounds, countries and sectors, this training manual provides key concepts on global health diplomacy, outlines the major actors and activities shaping the global health ecosystem, and presents practical tools to strengthen negotiation skills."

Digitale Stolpersteine auf dem Weg zur Gesundheit für alle

Med in Switzerland #22 September 2020

Digitale Stolpersteine auf dem Weg zur Gesundheit für alle

Digitale Stolpersteine auf dem Weg zur Gesundheit für alle

Med in Switzerland #22 September 2020

MMS Medicus Mundi Schweiz analysierte, wie und inwieweit seine Mitgliedsorganisationen digitale Technologien in der internationalen Gesundheitszusammenarbeit einsetzen. Die Umfrage ergab, dass gute Ansätze und Wissen in einigen Organisationen vorhanden sind. Um jedoch diese Technologien so einzusetzen, dass die Gesundheitsversorgung aller verbessert werden kann, sind Strategien notwendig, welche auf lokalen Kapazitäten und einer ethisch verantwortungsvollen Umsetzung basieren, schreibt die MMS-Projektleiterin Carine Weiss. (Photo by Lukas Blazek on Unsplash)

Mapping Digital Technologies in Health Used by MMS Members

 Mapping Digital Technologies in Health Used by MMS Members

Mapping Digital Technologies in Health Used by MMS Members

MMS This report reveals the results of the mapping exercise undertaken by MMS of its members’ use of digital technologies in health. The aim of the survey was to assess the knowledge and use of digital health technologies and to facilitate and foster collaboration between MMS member organisations. In short, it was designed to obtain a better understanding of who is doing what, how and where. (Photo by William Iven on Unsplash)

New Publication: “SGTP 1943-2017

New Publication: “SGTP 1943-2017

New Publication: “SGTP 1943-2017

Swiss Society of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology The SSTMP celebrates its 75th anniversary. That is why we would like to offer you a short history of the society. The richly illustrated jubilee book focuses on the many milestones in the past, introduces some of the eminent members of the society and offers a glimpse into the future.

It’s the inequity, stupid

MMS Nachrichten Juli 2020

It’s the inequity, stupid

It’s the inequity, stupid

MMS Nachrichten Juli 2020

MMS Die gegenwärtige Gesundheitskrise und die Black-Lives-Matter-Bewegung zeigen deutlich, weshalb Ungleichheit und Ungerechtigket die zentralen Faktoren sind, welche die Gesundheit von Bevölkerungen bestimmen. (Foto: by Vince Fleming on Unsplash)

Palliative Care - not a Luxury, but a Human Right and an Essential Element of Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

MMS Bulletin #154, July 2020

Palliative Care - not a Luxury, but a Human Right and an Essential Element of Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

Palliative Care - not a Luxury, but a Human Right and an Essential Element of Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

MMS Bulletin #154, July 2020

MMS Millions of people worldwide, especially the poor, are still dying with little or no pain relief or palliative care. They suffer the most severe pain because government policies in many countries are hindering access to affordable painkillers, the funding for an expansion of palliative care is largely lacking, and healthcare professionals are not adequately trained. At the same time, rather than being a luxury, palliative care is relatively inexpensive as well as being a moral and ethical imperative. In accordance with the WHO and international organisations, the experts in our current MMS Bulletin are advocating for the transition away from a health service that is primarily geared towards curing illnesses and to a more supportive medical system that places chronically ill or dying people, and improving their quality of life, at its centre. The articles in this issue offer an interesting global cross-section of the situation of palliative care in many countries. (Photo: CanSupport doctor at the home of a cancer patient in New Delhi, India, explaining to his spouse how to give pain medication/ © CanSupport)

Corona: Is there hope after suffering?

Med in Switzerland #19 May 2020

Corona: Is there hope after suffering?

Corona: Is there hope after suffering?

Med in Switzerland #19 May 2020

MMS Covid-19 lays bare insufficient progress on the 2030 agenda. Inequity is on the rise, and going back to “normal” after the pandemic is not desirable. The old normal is not good enough, leaving too many people exposed to unfair chances at quality life which ultimately endangers everyone’s wellbeing and health. Whilst the pandemic might not be impactful enough to lead to a true revolution, Bart Vander Plaetse, head of programme unit for FAIRMED hopes it will give more honest and intrinsic impetus to the 2030 ambitions. (Photo: © FAIRMED)

Corona and the international cooperation

MMS Dossier

Corona and the international cooperation

Corona and the international cooperation

MMS Dossier

MMS The disease caused by the corona virus has spread all over the world, which is why the World Health Organisation has declared a pandemic. While medical care is already reaching the limits of its capacity in European countries, it will be impossible in the global south with similarly increasing numbers. In this folder we offer background information on the situation in resource-poor countries and political analyses of the consequences for global health. In addition we inform how our member organisations and their partner organisations are affected by the situation and how they deal with it. (Photo: Coronavirus/EpicTop10.com/flickr, CC BY 2.0)

Corona and the international cooperation

Corona and the international cooperation

The disease caused by the corona virus has spread all over the world, which is why the World Health Organisation has declared a pandemic. While medical care is already reaching the limits of its capacity in European countries, it will be impossible in the global south with similarly increasing numbers. In this folder we offer background information on the situation in resource-poor countries and political analyses of the consequences for global health. In addition we inform how our member organisations and their partner organisations are affected by the situation and how they deal with it. (Photo: Coronavirus/EpicTop10.com/flickr, CC BY 2.0)

Inequity in Health Persists: Should Switzerland Be Concerned?

MMS Bulletin #153, March 2020

Inequity in Health Persists: Should Switzerland Be Concerned?

Inequity in Health Persists: Should Switzerland Be Concerned?

MMS Bulletin #153, March 2020

MMS The 2019 symposium held by the Medicus Mundi Switzerland network focused on the underlying causes of inequities and injustices in the health status of population groups. Inequality of opportunity and injustice make people sick: whether it is in Switzerland or on the European level, in India or Chad. Using a wide variety of examples, the experts demonstrated that if we want to achieve “Health for All” by 2030, we have to break through the social and structural barriers to equal opportunities. The MMS symposium drew new lessons and insights and showed what needs to be done so that access to health for all worldwide can be realised as quickly as possible. Read the fascinating articles in the new edition of our Bulletin. (Photo by Chris Barbalis on Unsplash)

Newsletter hmswiss

Januar 2020

Newsletter hmswiss

Newsletter hmswiss

Januar 2020

hmswiss

Child Health beyond the Age of Five - Neglected and Forgotten?

MMS Bulletin #152, December 2019

Child Health beyond the Age of Five - Neglected and Forgotten?

Child Health beyond the Age of Five - Neglected and Forgotten?

MMS Bulletin #152, December 2019

MMS Middle childhood is often referred to as the ‘forgotten years’ of development because the majority of research has focused on development in early childhood or on adolescent growth. It is evident that there is a lack of data and information about this age group, the 5-10 year olds, and in many ways even up to the age of 15. This MMS Bulletin addresses the main topics of middle childhood: from the consequences of child marriage and the overburdening of parents bringing up their children, to better hygiene during menstruation. The Bulletin reveals the knowledge gaps, missed chances and challenges in reaching this age group in order to provide them with more effective prevention, healthcare, treatment and rehabilitation. (Photo by Alex Radelich on Unsplash)

Eine proaktive Rolle der Schweiz zum besseren Schutz von Zivilisten im Krieg

Von Marco Kirschbaum, Geschäftsleiter von Handicap International Schweiz

Eine proaktive Rolle der Schweiz zum besseren Schutz von Zivilisten im Krieg

Eine proaktive Rolle der Schweiz zum besseren Schutz von Zivilisten im Krieg

Von Marco Kirschbaum, Geschäftsleiter von Handicap International Schweiz

Handicap International Bewaffnete Konflikte spielen sich immer mehr in Städten ab. Heutzutage sind 90 Prozent der Opfer von Angriffen mit Explosivwaffen in bewohnten Gebieten Zivilisten. In der Zeit von 1914 bis 1918 machten sie 15 Prozent der Opferaus, von 1939 bis 1945 waren es 50 Prozent. Im Jahr 2018 wurden 20.384 Zivilisten durch Explosivwaffen getötet oder verletztlaut der renommierten Nichtregierungsorganisation Action On Armed Violence. Dieser Trend moderner Konflikte ist verheerend für die Zivilbevölkerung und missachtet das humanitäre Völkerrecht und die Genfer Konventionen. (Foto: HI)

Dokumentation MMS Symposium 2019

Inequity in Health Persists: Should Switzerland Be Concerned?

Dokumentation MMS Symposium 2019

Dokumentation MMS Symposium 2019

Inequity in Health Persists: Should Switzerland Be Concerned?

Medicus Mundi Schweiz Equity and the sustainability of “health for all”, “leaving nobody behind”, without leaving behind the current hegemonic economic growth paradigm, is a rhetoric goal of unbearable lightness. (Eduardo Missoni)

Santé mentale des jeunes et ses défis - Quelle approche adopter lors de situations culturelles différentes ?

SAVE THE DATE! 19.09.2019 / 13h00-17h00, Genève (le lieu sera précisé ultérieurement)

Santé mentale des jeunes et ses défis - Quelle approche adopter lors de situations culturelles différentes ?

Santé mentale des jeunes et ses défis - Quelle approche adopter lors de situations culturelles différentes ?

SAVE THE DATE! 19.09.2019 / 13h00-17h00, Genève (le lieu sera précisé ultérieurement)

Medicus Mundi Suisse/ Médecins du Monde La santé mentale englobe la promotion du bien-être, la prévention des troubles mentaux, le traitement et la réadaptation des personnes qui en sont atteintes. Près de 450 millions de personnes à l’échelle mondiale sont concernées. Trop souvent stigmatisée et ignorée, la santé mentale et psycho-sociale est une composante essentielle des soins de santé, notamment dans les situations de crises et de conflits. Langue : français. Entrée libre sur inscription : enregistrez-vous auprès de : contact@medicusmundi.ch. Délai d’inscription : 9 septembre 2019. La table ronde est organisée en collaboration avec Médecins du Monde Suisse.

Migration and Health – it concerns us all!

MMS Bulletin #150, July 2019

Migration and Health – it concerns us all!

Migration and Health – it concerns us all!

MMS Bulletin #150, July 2019

MMS Migration is a reality of the 21st century, but many transit and host countries are failing to assume their responsibilities and are denying refugees and migrants their rights and the necessary measures of protection and integration. Likewise, for a long time insufficient attention has been paid to the topic of prevention and access to healthcare for migrant populations, and shortages in medical care are rife. In spite of the existence of international agreements and treaties, and the World Health Organisation recently adopting an action plan for refugees and migrants to receive equal opportunities in healthcare, many issues and key challenges remain. The articles in our MMS Bulletin give an insight into this complex topic. (Photo: Irak/ © Ibrahim Malla/IFRC)

Weit unten in Somalia droht eine neue Hungersnot

Generalversammlung von Swisso Kalmo 2019

Weit unten in Somalia droht eine neue Hungersnot

Weit unten in Somalia droht eine neue Hungersnot

Generalversammlung von Swisso Kalmo 2019

Swisso Kalmo Klimaerwärmung in Afrika mit katastrophalen Folgen, Notaufruf der UNO: Somalia ist mit einer weiteren schweren Dürre konfrontiert, wie der Vertreter der UNO für die Koordinierung humanitären Hilfe in Somalia am 20. Mai 2019 in Mogadischu informierte. Schon in der Hungersnot des Jahres 2011 in Ostafrika sind nach Angaben der UNO allein in Somalia 260'000 Menschen umgekommen. Heute sind in Somalia 4,5 Millionen Menschen von der Trockenheit betroffen. Sie sind auf Hilfe angewiesen. Die UNO hat deshalb aufgerufen Somalia zu helfen, um eine Katstrophe abzuwenden. (Foto: Swisso Kalmo)

Aufforderung an Politiker: NEIN sagen zu Bombenangriffen auf Zivilisten

Kampagne „Stop bombing civilians“

Aufforderung an Politiker: NEIN sagen zu Bombenangriffen auf Zivilisten

Aufforderung an Politiker: NEIN sagen zu Bombenangriffen auf Zivilisten

Kampagne „Stop bombing civilians“

Handicap International Handicap International (HI) fordert die Politiker dazu auf, sich gegen Bombardierungen auf Wohngebiete einzusetzen. Solche Bombenangriffe sind in aktuellen Konflikten fast systematisch geworden und treffen zu 92 Prozent Zivilisten, die getötet oder verletzt werden. Die Bundesräte und kantonalen Politiker werden dazu aufgerufen, Stellung zu beziehen, indem sie die Petition unterzeichnen und Druck auf den Nationalrat ausüben, damit er sich entschiedener gegen den Gebrauch von Explosivwaffen engagiert. Diese Initiative von HI ist Teil der Kampagne „Stop bombing civilians“. (Foto: HI)

Auswirkung des Klimawandels: in Somalia katastrophal

Bericht von Swisso Kalmo zur Lage in Somalia

Auswirkung des Klimawandels: in Somalia katastrophal

Auswirkung des Klimawandels: in Somalia katastrophal

Bericht von Swisso Kalmo zur Lage in Somalia

Swisso Kalmo Auf Grund der chaotischen Lage und der andauernden Gewaltsituation wird die Rückkehr von Flüchtlingen aus der Schweiz nach Somalia vom Staatssekretariat für Migration als unzumutbar erachtet. In unserem Land leben heute 3900 somalische Flüchtlinge. Somalia hat 15 Millionen Einwohner. Davon sind mehr als 1,1 Millionen intern Vertriebene, Menschen, die mehrere Male aus dem Gebiet, in dem sie lebten, geflohen sind. Kämpfe oder das Ausbleiben des Regens während 1-2 Jahren, haben sie gezwungen ihr Dorf oder ihre Stadt zu verlassen. Diese Familien, vor allem aus landwirtschaftlichen Gebieten stammend, leben nun an den Rändern der Städte unter erbärmlichen Verhältnissen. (Foto: Impfungen auf dem Lande durch Swisso Kalmo)

MMS Manifesto: Salute per tutti nell’arco di una generazione

MMS Manifesto: Salute per tutti nell’arco di una generazione

MMS Manifesto: Salute per tutti nell’arco di una generazione

MMS La rete Medicus Mundi Svizzera pubblica questo manifesto per sostenere l’implementazione del diritto alla salute per tutti nell’arco di una generazione, per creare un sostegno più forte all’Agenda 2030, anche qui in Svizzera, e per rafforzare il consenso e l’impegno da parte di tutte le organizzazioni che collaborano per la salute in tutto il mondo.

Guide pratique La santé pour tous en zone rurale

Guide pratique La santé pour tous en zone rurale

Guide pratique La santé pour tous en zone rurale

Fedevaco Le guide pratique «LA SANTÉ POUR TOUS EN ZONE RURALE. Développer et renforcer les centres de santé» met à l’honneur les bonnes pratiques pour développer un centre de santé communautaire au Sud. Un regard de spécialiste de la santé publique précise les enjeux de la réalisation pérenne de tels projets et une douzaine de fiches de capitalisation illustrent leur mise en œuvre par des associations sur le terrain. Coordonné par le groupe thématique santé de la Fedevaco, cet ouvrage est bâti sur les richesses partagées entre différents praticiens de la coopération au développement. Il se veut un outil incontournable pour la mise en place ou le renforcement de centres de santé en zone rurale des pays à faible revenu. Il se destine aussi bien aux organisations d’appui du Nord qu’à leurs partenaires de terrain du Sud et de l’Est. Scartezzini K, Gueye-Girardet A, Converset E, Laurent C, Lob L et Gehri M, 2018. La santé pour tous en zone rurale. Développer et renforcer les centres de santé: guide pratique. Fedevaco, Lausanne, 182 pages. ISBN: 978-2-8791277-0-3. - Lisez également le résumé dans le magazine de notre MMS bulletin: https://www.medicusmundi.ch/de/bulletin/mms-bulletin/digital-health/magazin/la-sante-pour-tous-en-zone-rurale-developper-et-renforcer-les-centres-de-sante

Digital Health – A Blessing or Curse for Global Health?

MMS Bulletin #148, December 2018

Digital Health – A Blessing or Curse for Global Health?

Digital Health – A Blessing or Curse for Global Health?

MMS Bulletin #148, December 2018

MMS Digitalisation in healthcare (eHealth) is fully underway. The use of smartphones, apps, tablets, telemedicine and even drones (mHealth) is booming, both in the rich North and the global South, and is revolutionising everyday medical practice. Whether in prevention, health promotion or to support treatment processes, digital technologies are being utilised in all areas. Especially for low and middle income countries, huge potential is opening up to quickly sidestep the barriers to development on the way to universal health coverage. At the same time, this digital revolution – which has generated vast amounts of data and information in recent years – contains a multitude of risks and challenges. How should technologies be employed to improve the efficiency of healthcare systems? How can the creation of new monopolies through possession of data be prevented? How can data protection and the security of personal data be safeguarded? New innovations, partnerships and standards are required to ensure, that eHealth, first and foremost, benefits its users – this is something upon which the writers of our latest MMS Bulletin all agree. (Photo: Burkina Faso, © Olivier Girard/ Terre des hommes Foundation)

MMS Manifesto: Health for All within a Generation

MMS Manifesto: Health for All within a Generation

MMS Manifesto: Health for All within a Generation

MMS The Network Medicus Mundi Switzerland is publishing this manifesto to help to achieve the right to health for all within a generation, to ensure compliance with Agenda 2030 here in Switzerland and to strengthen the shared principles of Swiss organisations and institutions active in international health cooperation to support them in their commitment to this goal.

How sustainable is Switzerland?

Implementing the 2030 Agenda from a civil society perspective

How sustainable is Switzerland?

How sustainable is Switzerland?

Implementing the 2030 Agenda from a civil society perspective

Plattform Agenda 2030 While many stakeholders welcomed the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015 as a paradigm shift, a certain sense of disillusionment has already set in. More than two years have passed, but what has been achieved? Following Switzerland’s announcement that it will present a progress report to the UN in July, the civil society organisations that make up the Platform Agenda 2030 have been busy drafting their own parallel report. In doing so, they have not followed the UN guidelines for country-led reports. Instead, they have defined the topics and issues they feel to be most important.

Ausschreibung: Mandat für die Evaluation des Netzwerks Medicus Mundi Schweiz

Deadline: 31. März 2018

Ausschreibung: Mandat für die Evaluation des Netzwerks Medicus Mundi Schweiz

Ausschreibung: Mandat für die Evaluation des Netzwerks Medicus Mundi Schweiz

Deadline: 31. März 2018

MMS Das Netzwerk Medicus Mundi schreibt die Durchführung einer externen Evaluation aus. Mit dieser Evaluation wollen Vorstand und Geschäftsstelle des Netzwerk Medicus Mundi Schweiz (MMS) Auskunft über Stärken und Schwächen der Umsetzung, der in der Strategie 2017-2019 und in der Zusammenarbeitsvereinbarung 2016-2019 mit der Direktion für Entwicklung und Zusammenarbeit (DEZA) definierten Ziele.

Medication for the needy

Switzerland is working on new concepts

Medication for the needy

Medication for the needy

Switzerland is working on new concepts

Intellectual Property Watch The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IGE) discussed the worldwide access to medicines at a conference with a large number of stakeholders. The topic is complicated, but without increased political and economic will, new innovations and new research approaches, access to medicines can not be guaranteed, especially in developing countries. The participants agreed that high-priced monopolies and outdated concepts must be overcome. (Photo: Images Money / Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

Social determinants of health

Social determinants of health

Social determinants of health

World Health Organisation (WHO) Health is closely linked to the social, economic and structural conditions in which people live and work. Thus, not only the health sector but also other policitical sectors are responsible for the health of a country's population. These relationships have already been highlighted in the Alma Ata statement in 1976 and later in the Ottawa Charter (1986). The importance of societal influences on health, and thus on a public health policy, is undoubted in today's approaches and got access into the concept of "Health in All Policies" as well as the WHO's approach of "Universal Health Coverage". (Photo: Pan American Health Organization PAHO / flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0) f

World Inequality Report 2018

Countries become richer, governments impoverish

World Inequality Report 2018

World Inequality Report 2018

Countries become richer, governments impoverish

Piketty-Report The social inequality between top earners and low income has, according to a study, in recent decades in almost all regions of the world increased. This is the conclusion of a research group around the well-known French economist Thomas Piketty. Thus, the income of the richest percent of the world's population has more than doubled. The middle class, however, had hardly benefited. One of the main reasons for the growing economic inequality is the transfer of huge amounts of public assets into private hands. (Photo: citizens4taxjustice / flickr, CC BY 2.0)

Health equity

Health equity

Health equity

Federal Office of Public Health FOPH "Health equity is of great importance. The National Strategy for the Prevention of Non-communicable Diseases (NCD-Strategy) and the National Strategy on Addiction and Mental Health focus on this topic in 2018. The question then arises: But what is the situation regarding health equity in Switzerland?" (Photo: FOPH)

Health Cooperation Beyond Aid

Med in Switzerland #9 December 2017

Health Cooperation Beyond Aid

Health Cooperation Beyond Aid

Med in Switzerland #9 December 2017

Medicus Mundi International (MMI) Achieving health justice requires radical change. Change in polices that create poor heath, change in the global distribution of power and resources, and change within the health justice movement itself, writes Natalie Sharples by Health Poverty Action. (Photo: Stephen O'Brien, UN-Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs pays a visit to a camp in Saint Saveur, Central African Republic, in August 2016. © Nektarios Markogiannis/MINUSCA. IRIN Photo)

Leaving no one behind - Reflections on the UN-Agenda 2030

MMS Bulletin #144 December 2017

Leaving no one behind - Reflections on the UN-Agenda 2030

Leaving no one behind - Reflections on the UN-Agenda 2030

MMS Bulletin #144 December 2017

MMS With the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development in 2015, for the first time all UN member states - including Switzerland - committed themselves to setting the course for a comprehensive global social contract in order to counteract poverty, increasing inequality and the escalating destruction of the planet. The primary objective is for national and international policies to focus more on the global common good and, above all, to reach neglected people (“Leaving no one behind”). Which concrete measures to implement these goals have been taken by Switzerland two years after the adoption of the Agenda 2030? Who are the players and what is at stake? (Photo: © CBM/Trenchard)

Health Cooperation Beyond Aid - Pathways for Change

MMI essay contest 2017

Health Cooperation Beyond Aid - Pathways for Change

Health Cooperation Beyond Aid - Pathways for Change

MMI essay contest 2017

Medicus Mundi International (MMI) In summer the working group on Effective Health Cooperation of the Medicus Mundi International Network (MMI EHC) launched an essay contest referring to their discussion paper on “Health Cooperation: Its relevance, legitimacy and effectiveness as a contribution to achieving universal access to health”. All representatives of organizations engaged in international health cooperation have been invited to submit their answer on how to actually change health cooperation beyond aid. In the meantime the winner - the author of the most convincing/inspiring answer selected by the jury - has been selected and MMI is happy to herewith present the winner: Natalie Sharples, Head of Policy & Campaigns at the MMI Network member Health Poverty Action. We invite you to read Natalie Sharples' rather tough message as part of our collection of essays which is now available online.

Medical tourism - poorer countries have the damage

Switzerland lures rich, powerful foreigners into their hospitals - is that morally justifiable?

Medical tourism - poorer countries have the damage

Medical tourism - poorer countries have the damage

Switzerland lures rich, powerful foreigners into their hospitals - is that morally justifiable?

Sonntagsblick What proves catastrophic for low and middle income countries is a lucrative business for Switzerland. The hospitals are seizing themselves up for rich foreign patients, who cannot be adequately cared for in their home countries due to poor health systems. Negative consequences: The urgently needed money is lacking in the countries of origin to improve their own health care. And even if the own (Nigerian) president does not trust his health care system, how should the own population build up the necessary trust? Martin Leschhorn, Director of the Network Medicus Mundi Switzerland asks about Switzerland's ethical responsibility and criticizes the careless handling of Swiss hospitals and authorities with the topic.

Der Erfolg ist bedroht

Christian Lengeler im Interview

Der Erfolg ist bedroht

Der Erfolg ist bedroht

Christian Lengeler im Interview

Luzerner Zeitung Obwohl immer noch zu viele Menschen an Malaria sterben, sind im Kampf gegen die Inektionserkrankung grosse Erfolge erzielt worden - vor allem auch Dank einer gelungenen Kooperation zwischen Industrie und öffentlicher Hand, wie der Präsident der Swiss Malaria Group, Christian Lengeler, im Interview mit der Luzerner Zeitung betont. Durch Milliardenfinanzierung aus privater Hand wurde die Forschung vorangetrieben und Medikamente zum Selbstkostenpreis in Entwicklungsländern abgegeben. Doch nun droht Gefahr, denn die Erreger werden zunehmend resistent gegen die wichtigsten Malariamedikamente und durch Kosteneinsparungen bei der humanitären Hilfe wird die Erforschung neuer Medikamente gefährdet. (Foto: Christian Lengeler / Swiss Malaria Group)

Think differently and stay engaged: Health Programming in Fragile Contexts

Issue Paper on Health Series, No. 6

Think differently and stay engaged: Health Programming in Fragile Contexts

Think differently and stay engaged: Health Programming in Fragile Contexts

Issue Paper on Health Series, No. 6

SRC This study is the result of a two-year SRC learning process run by the SRC on the challenges and effective approaches to health work in fragile contexts. The focus is on the interaction between health programmes and their context: How does a fragile context influence healthcare work? Can a health programme help reduce that fragility? The conclusions are based on the results of two case studies in South Sudan and Haiti, together with discussions at the Health in Fragile Contexts conference organized by the SRC, SDC and Medicus Mundi Schweiz health network in August 2016. (Photo: Remo Nägeli © SRC)

Centrale sanitaire suisse romande (CSSR)

Welcome as a new member of the network MMS

Centrale sanitaire suisse romande (CSSR)

Centrale sanitaire suisse romande (CSSR)

Welcome as a new member of the network MMS

Centrale sanitaire suisse romande (CSSR) Since its founding 80 years ago, the "Centrale Sanitaire Suisse Romande (CSSR)" based in Geneva, has been engaging for a better health care in the southern countries, especially in Latin America and Palestine. CSSR has emerged from a group of doctors and nurses who provided medical assistance during the Spanish Civil War. Later, the organization also looked after civilian victims of various conflicts and humanitarian crisis. Three main areas of activity are at the center of the organization: improvement of maternal and child health, community rehabilitation and humanization of health care.

Researchers for Global Health (R4GH)

Welcome as a new member of the network MMS

Researchers for Global Health (R4GH)

Researchers for Global Health (R4GH)

Welcome as a new member of the network MMS

Researchers for Global Health (R4GH) The association "Researchers for Global Health (R4GH)" is a new member organisation of the network MMS and is a joint initiative of researchers of the University of Zurich and the Institute of Infectious Diseases (IDI) of the Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. Joint research, education and clinical care activities are focusing on global health challenges. They want to work together as equal partners and benefit from the mutual experiences. There are currently two active research projects, both at the IDI in Kampala, investigating the effects of HIV and TB drugs, and focusing on further questions about these two diseases. It is planned to include non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as well as "one-health" pathologies and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in their field of research.

Le travail dans des contextes fragiles doit inclure les communautés locales

Les Nouvelles du Réseau Medicus Mundi Suisse

Le travail dans des contextes fragiles doit inclure les communautés locales

Le travail dans des contextes fragiles doit inclure les communautés locales

Les Nouvelles du Réseau Medicus Mundi Suisse

MMS Améliorer la situation sanitaire là où l'État ne peut garantir le droit à la santé et où tout investissement dans la santé est réduit en poussière en raison d'affrontements violents ou de démêlés politiques. Tels sont les défis particuliers de la coopération pour la santé. - Cette année, le Réseau Medicus Mundi Suisse se consacre en priorité à la coopération pour la santé dans des contextes fragiles. Tentative de bilan intermédiaire avant le grand symposium de MMS en 2 novembre 2016. (Photo: © Italienisches Rotes Kreuz, Yara Nardi)

Access to medicines in developing countries

Report of the High-Level Panel appointed by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

Access to medicines in developing countries

Access to medicines in developing countries

Report of the High-Level Panel appointed by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

United Nations (UN) The long-awaited report of the UN high-level panel on access to medicines in developing countries is seen as a landmark report in the debate and gives a number of recommendations. The report focus on the use of human rights as the basis of policies and on access to medicines and the failure of the current research system, which does not make a sufficient contribution to the development of worldwide urgently needed drugs. While the civil society welcomed the result of the report, massive criticism comes from the pharmaceutical industry, which complains that the report does not address the real barriers to comprehensive health care. (Photo: United Nations)

Access to health in fragile contexts

Presentations of the Swiss Red Cross and Cordaid

Access to health in fragile contexts

Access to health in fragile contexts

Presentations of the Swiss Red Cross and Cordaid

MMS It is a difficult task to implement health programmes in environments where the health systems are already weak and threatened by a wide range of political and social conflicts. Working in such fragile contexts demands a sensitive approach for not worsening the situation. But international health cooperation can also play an important role in conflict transformation. At a side event to the World Health Assembly, which was co-organised by the Network Medicus Mundi Switzerland, the dutch organisation Cordaid and the Swiss Red Cross presented their experiences.

Bern Malaria Declaration

Reaffirming Switzerland’s leadership role to end malaria

Bern Malaria Declaration

Bern Malaria Declaration

Reaffirming Switzerland’s leadership role to end malaria

Swiss Malaria Group Bern - 25 April 2016 In order to commemorate World Malaria Day, the Swiss Malaria Group signed together with president of the Swiss national council Christa Markwalder, president of the state council Raphaël Comte and Parliamentarians Isabelle Chevalley (Green Liberal Party), Marina Carrobbio (Social Democratic Party), Yvonne Feri (Social Democratic Party) and Rosemarie Quadranti (Civic Democratic Party), the Bern Malaria Declaration, in which they join forces to advocate for a new era of comprehensive action against malaria under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Swiss Health Foreign Policy

International cooperation in health issues is demanded

The Swiss Health Foreign Policy

The Swiss Health Foreign Policy

International cooperation in health issues is demanded

spectra Global health is increasingly becoming an issue of international relations. Diseases do not stop at national borders. Increased need for coordination and greater coherence in the commitment to international health are calling for greater cooperation between the states. Switzerland has already adopted in 2005 with the HFP (Swiss Health Foreign Policy) an instrument to address these complex challenges adequately. Switzerland has taken a pioneering role within the international community. The HFP focuses on cross-border exchange of experience and the dissemination of best-practice models. (Photo: Health screening in Guinea / Flickr)

Health and global change in an interconnected world

Concerns and responsibilities for Switzerland

Health and global change in an interconnected world

Health and global change in an interconnected world

Concerns and responsibilities for Switzerland

Swiss Academies of Sciences (SCNAT) Current anthropogenic pressures on the biosphere are historically unprecedented. These complex and far-reaching changes are disrupting many of the Earth’s systems, cycles and feedback mechanisms, leading to adverse impacts and threatening the foundations of human health and well-being. This factsheet of the Swiss Academies highlights the principal drivers of global change, placing particular emphasis on associated health impacts.

Health in 2015: from MDGs to SDGs

WHO Report

Health in 2015: from MDGs to SDGs

Health in 2015: from MDGs to SDGs

WHO Report

WHO "WHO launched a new comprehensive analysis of global health trends since 2000 and an assessment of the challenges for the next 15 years. "Health in 2015: from MDGs to SDGs" identifies the key drivers of progress in health under the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It lays out actions that countries and the international community should prioritize to achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which come into effect on 1 January 2016."

Health in the sustainable development goals: ready for a paradigm shift?

Health in the sustainable development goals: ready for a paradigm shift?

Health in the sustainable development goals: ready for a paradigm shift?

Globalization and Health "In contrast to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Sustainable Development Goals with the proposed health agenda aspires to be universally applicable to all countries and are appropriately broad in encompassing both communicable and non-communicable diseases as well as emerging burdens from, among other things, road traffic accidents and pollution. We argue that success in realizing the agenda requires a paradigm shift in the way we address global health. (...) We are concerned that neither the international community nor the global health community truly appreciates the extent of the shift required to implement this health agenda which is a critical determinant of sustainable development." (Photo: Sustainable Development Goal #3: Good Health and Well-being © flickr)

UN set to change the world with new development goals

UN General Assembly

UN set to change the world with new development goals

UN set to change the world with new development goals

UN General Assembly

The Lancet The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been prepared over the last three years. These goals are set to replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Are the SDGs able to overcome the unfinished business of the MDGs? UN has developed these very ambitious 17 goals in order to "free the human race from the tyranny of poverty and want and [will] heal and secure our planet for present and future generations”. Many observers are satisfied especially that with SDG 3 health has been given a central role. Nevertheless there are also voices of concern. (Photo: David Cameron speaks at UNGA 2015 © flickr)

Tracking Universal Health Coverage: First global monitoring report

Tracking Universal Health Coverage: First global monitoring report

Tracking Universal Health Coverage: First global monitoring report

World Health Organisation (WHO) June 2015 - “A WHO and World Bank Group report launched today shows that 400 million people do not have access to essential health services and 6% of people in low- and middle-income countries are tipped into or pushed further into extreme poverty because of health spending. "This report is a wakeup call: It shows that we’re a long way from achieving universal health coverage. We must expand access to health and protect the poorest from health expenses that are causing them severe financial hardship," says Tim Evans. (International health policy)

Swiss Health NGOs for Implementation Research

Basel, 9 September 2015

Swiss Health NGOs for Implementation Research

Swiss Health NGOs for Implementation Research

Basel, 9 September 2015

MMS There is a strong call within the international health cooperation to transform evidence based research into policy and action. Implementation research is often driven by the scientific community. In this side event, the organisers want to turn this argument upside down: NGO want to strengthen applied research in their projects and programmes. They argue that embedding implementation research in their programmes will create applied knowledge and evidence for the scaling up successful NGO interventions. -- A Network Medicus Mundi Switzerland Side Event in cooperation with FAIRMED, SolidarMed and Swiss Red Cross.

29.05.2015

Videos to train health workers worldwide

Videos to train health workers worldwide
29.05.2015

Videos to train health workers worldwide

A range of videos has been created to train health workers and to serve communities around the world. The video series cover critical topics in global health such as newborn health, childbirth, breastfeeding, Cholera etc.

Experts demand for a new funding model for the development of drugs and vaccines for diseases of poverty

A Global Biomedical R&D Fund and Mechanism for Innovations of Public Health Importance

Experts demand for a new funding model for the development of drugs and vaccines for diseases of poverty

Experts demand for a new funding model for the development of drugs and vaccines for diseases of poverty

A Global Biomedical R&D Fund and Mechanism for Innovations of Public Health Importance

The Ebola crisis in West Africa showed the inability of the Western world to respond rapidly to epidemics and health crises. In the journal PLoS Medicine renowned health experts including Prof. Marcel Tanner from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) plead for a new global funding model to accelerate the development of new drugs against poverty diseases (Photo: Jean-Pierre Zellweger).

Rationale for WHO's New Position Calling for Prompt Reporting and Public Disclosure of Interventional Clinical Trial Results

WHO calls for increased transparency in medical research

Rationale for WHO's New Position Calling for Prompt Reporting and Public Disclosure of Interventional Clinical Trial Results

Rationale for WHO's New Position Calling for Prompt Reporting and Public Disclosure of Interventional Clinical Trial Results

WHO calls for increased transparency in medical research

PLOS Medicine PLOS Medicine writes: "On April 14, 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a new statement on the public disclosure of clinical trial results (S1 Text). The WHO statement not only re-affirms the ethical imperative of clinical trial results reporting, it also defines reporting timeframes, calls for results-reporting of older but still unpublished trials, and outlines steps to improve linkages between clinical trial registry entries and their published results. This updates and expands WHO’s 2005 statement that “the registration of all interventional trials is a scientific, ethical, and moral responsibility.” (Photo: DNA lab, University of Michigan/flickr)

WHO must remain a strong global health leader post Ebola

Open Letter

WHO must remain a strong global health leader post Ebola

WHO must remain a strong global health leader post Ebola

Open Letter

The Lancet In an open letter to the journal The Lancet almost 100 members of the global health scholary community call upon all WHO Member States to recommit themselves to strengthening global outbreak alert and response by sustainably investing in the WHO, its departments, and personnel.

Position Paper on Universal Health Coverage

Swiss Red Cross and SolidarMed's joint position paper

Position Paper on Universal Health Coverage

Position Paper on Universal Health Coverage

Swiss Red Cross and SolidarMed's joint position paper

SolidarMed, SRC With the Millennium Development goals coming to an end by 2015, a debate is going on about what could be a coherent global framework for the upcoming decade. As it stands now, the new framework will be called “sustainable development goals” and build on the triple bottom line: Social inclusion, economic development and ecologic sustainability. Concerning health, various concepts have been discussed: Wellbeing; reduction of avoidable mortality/morbidity, universal health coverage (UHC) and others. Amongst these, UHC has emerged as the most promising. To discuss and clarify the terminology and meaning of UHC, the Swiss Red Cross and SolidarMed have held a joint workshop in 2013. Out of this workshop, we have now developed a joint, short paper, which is now available.

Background paper on the Ecopop Initiative

Dangerous for Swiss development cooperation

Background paper on the Ecopop Initiative

Background paper on the Ecopop Initiative

Dangerous for Swiss development cooperation

MMS Swiss citizens will vote about the so called ECOPOP-Initiative on 30th November 2014. It has two postulations: On the one hand the initiative intends to annually limit the migration in Switzerland to an average of 0.2%, and on the other hand it demands that 10% of the Swiss development cooperation budget will be earmarked for voluntary family planning. This background paper wants to inform you on that initiative as the second postulation of it touches our symposium’s theme. The board of the Network Medicus Mundi Switzerland as well as many member organisations clearly reject this initiative.

Local Health as Global Health

Chris Simms on Canada’s First Nations in the MMS Bulletin

Local Health as Global Health

Local Health as Global Health

Chris Simms on Canada’s First Nations in the MMS Bulletin

MMS Canadians have long been proud of their healthcare system yet current research suggests a worrisome decline in some outcome indicators and rising levels of inequalities over the last few years. One factor explaining a disproportionate share of these outcomes is failure to reach marginalized populations such as Indigenous peoples. In 2012 most Aboriginal-led health programming was cut, leaving health policy development for Canada's 1.2 million Aboriginal people in the hands of the federal government. First Nations have started a grassroots social movement in 2012 known as Idle No More fighting for indigenous rights.

Health as part of the Social Development Goals

Analysing Proposals for Reform of the Global Health Architecture

Who to make the global health system fit

Analysing Proposals for Reform of the Global Health Architecture

Analysing Proposals for Reform of the Global Health Architecture

Who to make the global health system fit

Chatham House "The global health architecture has contributed significantly to progress towards the Millennium Development Goals over the past decade. As the target date approaches for adoption of the new Sustainable Development Goals, this paper suggests that reconfiguration of the architecture is necessary if it is to be fit to address the challenges of the post-2015 period."

Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Finalised SDG text for adoption

Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Finalised SDG text for adoption

UN In September 2015 the UN General Assembly will adopt the Sustainable Development Goals, which should be reached until 2030. The Goal 3 is dedicated to health for all: "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages." We document the paper as it should be adoptet by the UN-GA in September 2015. (pdf)

Basics

Balancieren auf dem hohen Seil der globalen Gesundheit

Die Schweizer Gesundheitsaussenpolitik

Balancieren auf dem hohen Seil der globalen Gesundheit

Balancieren auf dem hohen Seil der globalen Gesundheit

Die Schweizer Gesundheitsaussenpolitik

MMS A critical review on the so called Swiss Foreign Health Policy in German.

Gesundheit in der Aussen- und Entwicklungspolitik der Schweiz

Das Gesundheitspositionspapier des Netzwerks Medicus Mundi Schweiz

Gesundheit in der Aussen- und Entwicklungspolitik der Schweiz

Gesundheit in der Aussen- und Entwicklungspolitik der Schweiz

Das Gesundheitspositionspapier des Netzwerks Medicus Mundi Schweiz

MMS The Network Medicus Mundi Switzerland has published a position paper on health within the Swiss Foreign and Health Policy. It is published in German and French.