Format: Webinar, in English

Title: Medical Anthropology: Fieldwork as an anthropologist

Organizer: CARe project, evidence-based Public Health (ZIG2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin 

Location: Online via WebEx Webinar

Speaker: Mustafa Abdalla

Content: Mustafa Abdalla is a Medical Anthropologist working at the Robert Koch Institute with research experience in Egypt, Mali and the Maldives. He received his Master’s degree in Anthropology from the American University in Cairo, Egypt and his PhD from the Free University Berlin, Germany

This webinar provides a glimpse into the field of anthropology, its subfield medical anthropology and their role in providing an understanding to health and illness through cultural and social lens. It will delve into qualitative methods, especially ethnography and interviews and how they provide insights into health behaviors and practices. Finally, it will discuss how by integrating anthropological perspectives and participatory approaches, public health interventions become more culturally informed, sensitive and more effective.

The webinar is part of the 2.5-year online and offline training on applied public health research methods in the CARe ("Capacity Building in Applied Public Health Research in GHPP partner countries") project. CARe is part of the Global Health Protection Program (GHPP) and is implemented by the Department of Evidence-Based Public Health (ZIG2) of the Center for International Health Protection (ZIG) at the Robert Koch Institute. Information on the CARe project can be found here: https://www.rki.de/EN/Content/Institute/International/GHPP/projects/care.html

Target group: Researchers, Public Health workers, students with interest in Global Health

Health security in the WHO European Region is at a critical juncture. Health emergencies, including conflicts, epidemics, and natural disasters, have doubled since 2013. At the same time, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat, and there has been minimal progress in developing new antibiotics—only two novel antibiotics have been introduced in the past 15 years. If current trends continue, by 2050, AMR could cost millions of lives and trillions in lost global economic output.  The effects of AMR threaten the foundation of our health systems, making it harder to treat infections and escalating health costs. At the same time, the ongoing conflict, especially in places like Ukraine and the Middle East, highlights how health emergencies exacerbate instability and disrupt public health systems. As these risks grow, it is essential to shift from a reactive cycle of panic and neglect to proactive, systemic approaches that fortify health systems and communities. This requires global collaboration, preparedness, and long-term investment to address health threats while ensuring that health security is recognized as a key aspect of national security. Without peace, there is no health; as the saying goes, the best medicine is peace.

This hearing will explore the urgent need for strengthening health security systems in the face of growing threats. It will feature expert presentations and panel discussions on how to build resilient health systems that can withstand a variety of emergencies, from pandemics to conflicts. The hearing will focus on how health security extends beyond the health sector, highlighting the need for coordination across governments, sectors, and borders. Participants will discuss strategies for integrating health security into national security frameworks, ensuring that health systems are prepared and adaptable. Breakout sessions will focus on specific topics such as ensuring continuity of care during emergencies, strengthening community resilience, and tackling long-standing health challenges like AMR, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and the impact of ongoing epidemics. The goal is to develop actionable strategies for improving preparedness and response in the coming years.

The key questions for this session will include: How can we shift from a cycle of reactive responses to a more proactive, long-term approach in health security? What role do conflicts and global health emergencies play in undermining health systems, and how can we better prepare for these disruptions? How can we ensure that health security is integrated into national security agendas and adequately funded to meet future challenges? How can we better equip health systems to address emerging threats, such as AMR, and maintain care continuity during crises?

Speakers to be announced

Climate change is one of the most urgent threats to public health in the WHO European Region. Its impact is already evident, with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and worsening air pollution contributing to thousands of premature deaths annually. over 569,000 deaths are linked to air pollution, while 175,000 people die prematurely from heat-related conditions. By 2050, the health effects of climate change could result in 250,000 additional deaths, costing billions in economic losses. Health systems must adapt to these compounded pressures, but many are still not equipped to manage the complex intersection of climate change, health, and environmental issues. The region needs to take immediate, coordinated action to mitigate the health impacts of climate change, especially for the most vulnerable populations.

This hearing will focus on how climate change and environmental factors are directly affecting public health across Europe and what can be done to address these challenges. Expert presentations will highlight the specific health risks linked to climate change, such as air pollution, heatwaves, and mental health issues. The session will also discuss how cities, which account for over 70% of global emissions, are critical in implementing climate-resilient health systems. Breakout sessions will explore themes like improving health systems’ resilience, promoting low-carbon health services, and ensuring that the most vulnerable communities are not left behind. The hearing will also discuss the role of technology and innovation in creating greener health systems, promoting sustainable solutions, and adapting to the challenges ahead. Participants will collaborate to gather insights and recommendations that will guide future health and climate action in the region.

The main discussion questions for the session will include: How can we mitigate the health impacts of climate change, particularly for vulnerable populations? What concrete actions can governments, cities, communities, and WHO take to address climate-induced health risks, including air pollution and heat-related illnesses? How can we ensure that climate and health actions are integrated into public health systems in a way that promotes equity and sustainability? What role can technological innovation play in creating greener, more resilient health systems?

Speakers to be announced

Health systems across the WHO European Region are facing mounting challenges, with a severe shortage of health workers projected to reach 1.2 million by 2024 and continue growing. This shortage is already impacting access to care and placing a financial burden on health systems, particularly those without a strong primary health care (PHC) foundation. These issues underscore the need for innovative, sustainable solutions to ensure health systems can meet the needs of growing populations while remaining financially viable. Technology and innovation in health care, such as AI, big data, and precision medicine, offer great promise to address these challenges. However, it is crucial to ensure these advancements are integrated responsibly and equitably, complementing human-centered care to achieve the best outcomes for all.

This hearing will explore how health systems can leverage technology and innovation to address the challenges of workforce shortages, antimicrobial resistance, and rising demand for services. It will feature expert presentations on the role of AI, genomics, and precision medicine in transforming health care, as well as panel discussions on integrating these innovations into public health systems. Key topics will include balancing technological advancements with patient-centered care, preparing the workforce for these innovations, and ensuring equitable access to new technologies. The session will also focus on the future of primary health care in the digital age and how digital tools can optimize resource allocation, improve care delivery, and enhance the overall efficiency of health systems. Breakout discussions will tackle how these technologies can support the workforce, enhance patient outcomes, and ensure that innovations serve the collective good rather than just financial interests.

The main discussion questions for the hearing will include: How can technology, AI, and big data be used to address the health workforce shortage and improve health care access and quality? What role can precision medicine and genomics play in shaping the future of health care while ensuring equity and sustainability? How can health systems balance the efficiency of technological innovations with the relational and human aspects of care? What policies and strategies are needed to ensure that these technological advancements are accessible and affordable to all populations, preventing the emergence of a tiered healthcare system?

Speakers to be announced.

The WHO European Region is facing a major demographic shift, with the number of older people growing rapidly. In 2024, for the first time in history, there will be more people aged 65 and older than children and adolescents under 16. The fastest-growing age group is those aged 80 and above, with women outnumbering men two to one in this group. By 2050, the number of people over 65 will double, and those over 80 will triple, with a greater number of older women than men. While an ageing population brings challenges, the real concern is the rising number of people living with chronic conditions and disabilities in later life. One in three adults lives with a chronic condition and rising to one in three older adults aged 65 and above with two or more conditions. This significantly strains health and care systems. Additionally, the health and care workforce are also ageing, with many workers nearing retirement and not enough younger professionals being trained to replace them. By 2050, the working-age population will be much smaller compared to the growing older population, which will put immense pressure on public welfare systems. To face these challenges, we need a fresh approach to healthy ageing, focused on prevention, better care models, and making sure people can stay healthy and active later in life.

The hearing will dive into how demographic shifts, particularly the ageing population, are reshaping health systems in the WHO European Region. We’ll explore the challenges these shifts create, such as the rise in chronic diseases, multi-morbidity, and the need for more trained health professionals. Keynote speakers will discuss the societal and economic changes needed to support healthy, productive ageing, and a panel of experts from across Europe will share their perspectives on tackling these issues. We’ll also hear from civil society, the health workforce, and academia to better understand the solutions needed. The session will include interactive discussions on practical strategies for promoting healthy ageing, such as improving health services, addressing health worker shortages, and fostering better community support systems. By the end of the hearing, we aim to have clear, actionable strategies to help build a more resilient and inclusive health system for an ageing population.

The main questions for this hearing will focus on how to address the challenges posed by an ageing population: How can we ensure our health systems can cope with the increasing number of older people living with chronic conditions? What strategies are needed to address workforce shortages and ensure health and care systems are prepared for the future? How can we ensure that everyone, regardless of age, economic status, or background, has access to the care and support they need to stay healthy as they age? What role should WHO, Member States, and other partners play in preparing for these demographic changes over the next five years?

The first hearing on 22 January 2025, "Confronting the Silent Epidemic: Tackling Noncommunicable Diseases Together," will kick off a series of discussions for the Second European Programme of Work (EPW2) 2026-2030. This series will focus on key health challenges across the WHO European Region, each tackling an urgent issue. The launch of this series is a major step in the development of EPW2, which aims to articulate a shared vision for health and well-being in the Region, developed in close partnership with Member States, in line with their priorities for the future. Ultimately, EPW2 will be a collective resource to inform national and regional health agendas. It will also define WHO’s programmatic contribution to advancing this vision in line with the Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 14), bridging Member States’ aspirations with WHO’s operational mandate. The NCD hearing will set the stage for the discussions to follow, bringing together a variety of perspectives to ensure that EPW2 addresses the health needs of today and prepares for future challenges.

Following a high-level opening segment for the series of hearings as a whole, this hearing will focus on the growing burden of NCDs, their impact on health systems, and the urgent need for action. Diseases like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases make up 90% of deaths and 85% of years lived with disability in the region. Despite being largely preventable or treatable, these diseases continue to cause premature deaths, especially in Eastern Europe, where the risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases is nearly five times higher than in Western Europe.

At the hearing, experts will present updates from the European Progress Report on NCDs, showing how the region is progressing toward global health targets. We’ll explore the links between NCDs, mental health, and global challenges like climate change and health security. With lightning talks, personal stories, and interactive breakout sessions, the hearing will dig into the health challenges we face and discuss ways to take action. It will be a chance to share ideas and work together toward achieving the SDG targets on NCDs and mental health. This event marks a key moment in our journey to build healthier, more resilient communities and health systems across the region.

Key questions for the discussion will include: Why have we made so little progress on NCD targets, and how can we speed up action to reduce premature deaths? How do NCDs and mental health connect with inequity, and how do these challenges relate to climate change, the influence of industries, and global crises? How can countries, cities, communities, and WHO collaborate to tackle NCDs and mental health with bold, innovative actions while strengthening health systems for better outcomes?

This coming 2025 – amidst political turmoil and concerning geopolitical scenarios – prospects to be a challenging year for civil society organizations worldwide. To ensure that health-related human rights are not overlooked neither at the international negotiating tables nor at the local level, civil society must engage in constant and persistent advocacy and use its boldest voice in every forum.

Ahead of the 156^th session of the WHO Executive Board, this series of G2H2 policy debates offers a platform for civil society to remind everyone what are the “matters that matter” to us and why particular attention should be given to them. Spanning from the assessment of “hot” topics to be addressed at the upcoming Executive Board, to a detailed analysis of other burning technical or political matters that have been left out, each session will feature selected speakers which will guide us into an enriching discussion.

Check out this link below for detailed information on the webinars: https://g2h2.org/posts/january2025/

30th session: Racism and colonialism and child health
Time: Monday, 10 February 2025, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Place: The meeting is open to the public and will be broadcast on www.bundestag.de

It is possible to follow the meeting of the Subcommittee on Global Health via livestream at www.bundestag.de.

The rapid digital transformation of health systems globally has brought about significant shifts in how health determinants operate in a digital ecosystem. Digital determinants of health, as highlighted in recent studies by WHO and the London School of Economics (LSE), represent a critical evolution in understanding health outcomes in the 21st century. These determinants include a wide array of factors, such as internet access, digital literacy, algorithmic validation, and data governance, all of which are shaping health outcomes in nuanced and complex ways. Key findings in the report underline the urgency of addressing inequities in digital access and literacy, with particular emphasis on vulnerable populations such as older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those in low-income settings. The report also highlights the disruptive potential of digital technologies, including algorithmic biases, dark commercial patterns, and the spread of misinformation, which can amplify health disparities if not adequately managed. This webinar seeks to unravel the complexity of digital determinants of health and their implications for health systems and policy-making. As part of the ongoing webinar series, Decoding Data and Digital Health, this session aims to provide stakeholders with actionable insights into addressing the digital challenges and opportunities within health systems.

On 16 January 2025, the World Health Organization will launch its Health Emergency Appeal for 2025. The event is being live-streamed from this page and on WHO’s social media channels, including on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

LIVE STREAM

The event can be watched live on 16 January 2025 at 15:00–16:00 CET (Geneva time). The recording will be available in the sidebar listing.

The world is at a tipping point. Conflict, climate change, epidemics, and displacement are converging to create an unprecedented global health crisis. Across the globe, 305 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance – a staggering reality that reflects the unrelenting pressure on communities and health systems worldwide.

The 2025 Health Emergency Appeal (HEA) identifies the critical priorities and resources required to address 42 ongoing health emergencies, including 17 Grade 3 crises – the most severe. These emergencies demand a coordinated, well-resourced global response to save lives, protect health, and restore hope to communities on the brink of collapse.

Health is at the heart of every emergency response. From delivering life-saving care and essential medicines to conducting disease surveillance and supporting local health systems, WHO is leading efforts to safeguard the lives of the most vulnerable in the most challenging circumstances. Yet, as needs soar, the gap between resources and realities continues to widen.

Zum Thema

Der Europäische Gesundheitsdatenraum (European Health Data Space, EHDS) soll nationale Gesundheitssysteme durch einen sicheren und effizienten Austausch von Gesundheitsdaten stärker miteinander verknüpfen. Ziel ist es, Forschung und Infrastruktur der jeweiligen Gesundheitssysteme zu verbessern.

Wie bei anderen europäischen Gesetzentwürfen, etwa dem „Data Act“ oder „Artificial Intelligence Act“, spielen auch beim EHDS Medizinprodukte als Bestandteil der künftigen Datenlieferungsarchitektur eine sehr wichtige Rolle. Die Erhebung und Nutzung von Daten hat für die Prävention von Erkrankungen sowie die Gesundheitsversorgung eine hohe Bedeutung.

Hieraus ergeben sich vielfältige Fragen:

• Wie ist die primäre und sekundäre Datennutzung vor dem Hintergrund des EHDS geregelt?
• Welche Anforderungen kommen auf die MedTech-Branche zu?
• Welche Potenziale können für MedTech-Unternehmen sowohl auf nationaler als auch auf europäischer Ebene entstehen?
• Wie sieht die Umsetzung auf nationaler Ebene aus?

Zielgruppe

Angesprochen sind Beschäftigte der Medizinprodukteindustrie, die Produkte entwickeln sowie regulatorisch begleiten.

Ziele

Das Webinar gibt einen Überblick über die Vorgaben des EHDS sowie einen Ausblick darauf, was auf die MedTech-Branche im Rahmen der Umsetzung zukommen wird.

Referentin

• Elisabeth Kohoutek
  Partnerin, Rechtsanwältin
  Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH | Frankfurt

Moderation

• Natalie Gladkov
  Leiterin Referat Digitale Medizinprodukte
  Bundesverband Medizintechnologie e. V. (BVMed) | Berlin

The 20th meeting of the Health in Eastern Europe & Central Asia Working Group is scheduled for 21 January 2024, 10–11 am (CET).

This session will feature the Medical Procurement Workshop by the Ukraine State Enterprise “Medical Procurement of Ukraine” (MPU).

About MPU:
The State Enterprise “Medical Procurement of Ukraine” (MPU) is the nation’s only authorized agency for the centralized procurement of high-quality medicines and medical devices funded by the state. Operating under the direction of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, MPU manages state-funded programs, ensuring efficient procurement processes and the timely delivery of essential medical products.

Workshop Overview:
This workshop aims to deliver valuable insights and detailed guidance on participating in MPU’s procurement activities. Key topics will include stringent anti-bribery measand an in-depth exploration of Ukrainian procurement legislation. By addressing these critical areas, the workshop seeks to promote fair competition and uphold ethical business practices, fostering a transparent and equitable procurement environment.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of MPU’s procurement processes and learn how to navigate the legal and ethical framework of Ukrainian medical procurement effectively.

Wednesday, 22 January 2025 | Start: 03:00 PM | End: 04:30 PM  

Location: Online

We are pleased to invite you to the kick-off webinar for the Global Health Hub Germany’s 2025 annual theme: "Global Health in Conflict Settings."

This webinar will serve as the starting point for consolidating a dedicated working group on this pressing topic. Building on the poster session at the Global Health Talk 2024, we aim to bring together experts and practitioners to form an interdisciplinary working group.

The session will provide the opportunity to discuss key ideas, share insights, and define the next steps for collaborative activities within the working group.

We look forward to your participation in this foundational meeting and to your contributions to advancing the dialogue on global health in conflict settings.

Please registere here for the Webinar: Registration | Kick-Off Webinar of the Global Health Hub Germany's Annual Theme "Global Health in Conflict Settings"

For further questions, please contact the Hub Management Team at info@globalhealthhub.de

Join us on  for a critical discussion on global health strategies centered around migrants and refugees. This webinar will explore the findings from our recent Policy Brief, titled "Prioritising Migrants and Refugees in the Global Health Discourse." The brief, developed by the Global Health Hub Germany’s Community of Practice on Global Health and Migration, emphasizes the urgent need to address the unique health challenges faced by these vulnerable populations.

The session will cover key topics including:

• Limited access to healthcare for migrants and refugees
• Increased vulnerability to infectious diseases
• The impact of climate change on migration patterns

We will discuss strategic recommendations from the Policy Brief, such as raising awareness of the social determinants of migrants' health, integrating their needs into the One Health approach, and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration to drive change.

These insights are pivotal for shaping inclusive, effective global health policies. We highly encourage your participation to help promote equitable healthcare for all.

Please save the date and confirm your availability. We look forward to your valuable contributions to this important discussion.

Register here: Registration | Webinar: Advancing Global Health – Prioritising Migrants and Refugees in Policy and Practice

For further details, please contact:

Sonu Bhaskar and Henna Riemenschneider or the Hub Management Team at info@globalhealthhub.de

---REMINDER---

Dear Global Health & Migration Community Members (Global Health Hub Germany),

Please join our regular community meeting on March 19 at 15:00 (Berlin time) via BigBlueButton:

https://webinare.e-collaboration.eu/b/rooms/quy-4tp-alp-s0p/join

PW: nw6jwp

Agenda

• • Welcoming new members
  • Presentation “The Role of Health Literacy in Shaping Preventive Health Behaviors Among Migrant Youth in Germany” – Gunda Waldmann
  • Update Global Health in Conflict Settings -project

Best regards,

Sonu & Henna

for the Global Health and Migration Community, GHHG

Dear Global Health & Migration Community Members (Global Health Hub Germany),

Please join our regular community meeting on February 19 at 15:00 (Berlin time) via BigBlueButton:

https://webinare.e-collaboration.eu/b/rooms/quy-4tp-alp-s0p/join

PW: nw6jwp

Agenda

• will be updated

Best regards,

Sonu & Henna

for the Global Health and Migration Community, GHHG

Dear Global Health & Migration Community Members (Global Health Hub Germany),

Please join our first regular community meeting of 2025 on January 15 at 15:00 (Berlin time) via BigBlueButton:

https://webinare.e-collaboration.eu/b/rooms/quy-4tp-alp-s0p/join

PW: nw6jwp

Agenda

• will be updated

Best regards,

Sonu & Henna

for the Global Health and Migration Community, GHHG

Dear Global Health & Migration Community Members,

Everyone who is interested in taking an active role in planning our next webinar focused on discussing the findings of our recent Policy Brief, "Prioritising Migrants and Refugees in the Global Health Discourse"

on January 16, please join our Webinar Task Force meeting on November 27 at 15:00 Berlin over BigBlueButton:

https://webinare.e-collaboration.eu/b/rooms/quy-4tp-alp-s0p/join

PW: nw6jwp

Best regards,

Sonu & Henna

for the Global Health and Migration Community, GHHG

DIE GVG LÄDT EIN: AKTUELLE STUNDE (Ausschuss EUROPA)

Herausforderungen und Maßnahmen im Kampf gegen antimikrobielle Resistenzen (AMR)

Digitale Aktuelle Stunde mit Dr. Georg Kippels, MdB (CDU)                                                                                                                

Dienstag, 11. November 2024, 14:00 Uhr – 15:00 Uhr (digital)

Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
liebe Mitglieder des Ausschusses Gesundheit und Pflege,

antimikrobielle Resistenzen (AMR) stellen unsere Gesundheitssysteme und die öffentliche Gesundheit vor große Herausforderungen. Eine vor wenigen Wochen veröffentlichte Studie der University of Washington geht von weltweit mehr als 39 Millionen Menschen aus, die an Infektionen mit resistenten Keimen sterben könnten. Bei fast weiteren 170 Millionen Todesfällen könnten solche Erreger zumindest eine Rolle spielen.

Dieser großen Gefahren ist man sich international und national zunehmend bewusst und die WHO hat bereits 2019 AMR zu einer der zehn größten globalen Bedrohungen für die öffentliche Gesundheit erklärt. Verschiedene Maßnahmen und die Zusammenarbeit relevanter Organisationen sollen die Gesundheitssysteme deshalb im Kampf gegen Antibiotikaresistenzen stärken. Zuletzt wurde 2023 auf Ebene der EU der AMR-Aktionsplan von 2017 in unterschiedlichen Dimensionen ergänzt und erweitert.   

Im Juni 2024 wurde in Deutschland auf nationaler Ebene ein hochkarätiger Parlamentskreis gegründet. Dort engagieren sich Abgeordnete zusammen mit Expert:innen gegen antimikrobielle Resistenzen und für die Entwicklung neuer Antibiotika. Wir freuen uns sehr, dass wir den Vorsitzenden und Sprecher des Parlamentskreises, Dr. Georg Kippels, MdB als Experten für einen Austausch im Rahmen unseres Formats AKTUELLE STUNDE gewinnen konnten.

Dieses Format bietet unseren Mitgliedern die Möglichkeit, sich über aktuelle Themen und Herausforderungen auszutauschen und Informationen aus erster Hand zu erhalten. Wir wollen mit Herrn Dr. Kippels insbesondere über neue Entwicklungen, die Verzahnung der internationalen und nationalen Strategien sowie geplante Maßnahmen sprechen.

Im Namen der Ausschussvorsitzenden Ilka Wölfle und Rudolf Henke sind Sie herzlich eingeladen, mitzudiskutieren, Fragen zu stellen und eigene Perspektiven einzubringen.

Datum & Uhrzeit: 

Montag, 11. November 2024, 14:00 Uhr – 15:00 Uhr

Ort:

Digitale Veranstaltung via Zoom

Zugangsdaten

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88465598363?pwd=beQGIbuSrAectDHG3SEcVXajWbQ0mR.1

Speaker Series N°9 - The Role of Research in Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence