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 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 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.

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

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 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?

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.

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/

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

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.

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 (Global Health Hub Germany),

Please join our Community Meeting on December 18 at 15:00 Berlin over BigBlueButton:

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

PW: nw6jwp

Agenda / December 18, 2024

• will be updated

Best regards,

Sonu & Henna

for the Global Health and Migration Community, GHHG

Dear Hub Community, 

We are delighted to invite you to this year’s Global Health Talk, our annual flagship event, bringing together leading global health experts from different stakeholder groups and high-level representatives from the German government. The event is a great opportunity to network among our active Hub members and to gain insights into our diverse Hub Communities. 

All guests are warmly invited to the opening ceremony with Federal Minister of Health Prof. Karl Lauterbach, followed by a keynote on fragility and global health from Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Svenja Schulze (TBC). Following this, we will dive into discussions on the following key topics in global health: 

• Panel on Fragility & Global Health 
• Climate and Health Nexus: Analysis of COP 29
• European Cooperation in Global Health
• Non-Communicable Diseases: UN High-Level Meeting 2025
• International Processes in Global Health Policy

Please mark your calendars for the event & join us in Berlin on December 05 – 06
at the Conference Center, Mauerstraße 27, 10117 Berlin. 

Registration will open soon.

We look forward to your participation and the valuable conversations that will shape the future of global health. 

Sincerely,   
The Management Team of the Global Health Hub Germany  

Dear Hub Members, We are delighted to invite you to this year’s Global Health Talk on 5 – 6 December 2024 at the Conference Center Mauerstraße 27 in Berlin. Our annual flagship event will bring together leading global health experts from different stakeholder groups and high-level representatives from the German Federal Government, including Federal Minister of Health Prof. Dr. Karl Lauterbach. The event is a great opportunity for interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral exchange and to engage in lively discussions around Global Health.  This year's Global Health Talk will be an in-person event only. Check out the programme, register for the event & join us in Berlin: https://live.invitario.com/en/global-health-talk-2024/registration-/      We look forward to your participation and valuable conversations that will shape the future of Global Health.        Sincerely,      The Management Team of the Global Health Hub Germany 

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

The joint evening reception hosted by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and the GHA – German Health Alliance on 27 November will take place at the Akademie of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Berlin.

This event will consist of two parts: a discussion on “Partnering to Strengthen Health Systems“, followed by a networking reception.

Germany, as a leader in global health, both at the state level and through an engaged private sector, as well as other non-governmental actors, plays a crucial role in international health cooperation. The discussion will bring together key stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and experts, to explore innovative strategies and collaborative efforts aimed at reinforcing healthcare systems in developing and emerging countries.

The agenda will cover topics, including sustainable healthcare financing, technology-driven solutions, and best practices from various organizations. The goal is to encourage a meaningful exchange on how to shape contributions focusing on equitable healthcare access while over 4.5 billion people worldwide currently lack sufficient medical care, particularly in the Global South. Light will be especially shed on how stronger partnerships between governments, the private sector, civil society, and academia can foster sustainable health solutions.

The subsequent evening reception will serve as a platform for further discussions on the significance of strategic health partnerships in addressing the challenges of under-resourced health systems, workforce training, and enhancing public-private partnerships for improved health outcomes.

Further details on the programme will follow and be published on the registration page.

We are looking forward to an inspiring and enriching exchange!

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

Dear Hub members, 

On Monday, 11 November, the Subcommittee for Global Health (Unterausschuss für Globale Gesundheit) of the German Parliament (Bundestag) will hold its 29th session on Antimicrobial Resistances (AMR).

The meeting is open to the public and can be followed virtually here: www.bundestag.de (in German only).

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

Dear Hub Community,

We are pleased to announce the upcoming community event organized by the Global Health Hub Germany’s Global Women’s Health subgroup on feminist policy.

In recent years, feminist approaches to policymaking have received increased attention. In Germany, the government has introduced feminist guidelines for its foreign and development policy, and calls are made to apply a feminist lens to global health policy. For good reasons: research shows that women, gender minorities, and marginalized populations often face multiple barriers in receiving the health services they need, increasing their risk of facing infections and diseases or dying from preventable deaths, e.g., in pregnancy and childbirth. Feminist global health policy prioritizes equity, intersectionality, inclusivity, and the diverse health challenges faced by marginalized groups, particularly women, gender minorities and multiply oppressed individuals. In a world where health disparities persist, these approaches push for policies that address systemic inequities, working towards designing health programs that benefit everyone and leave no one behind.

The webinar will provide a 101 on feminist approaches to global health policy and explore examples for their implementation. Participants should attain a comprehensive understanding of the principles of feminist global health policy, their added value for German policymaking, as well as their challenges and pitfalls.

The audience will have the opportunity to listen to and discuss with our distinctive panelists:

• Dr. Lisa Hoffmann, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development
• Elizabeth Kayanga, Integrated Disabled Women Activities, Uganda
• Department of Sex and Gender Sensitive Medicine, Bielefeld University (tbc)
• GENDRO (tbc)

Please register for the event following this link.

Once you are registered for the webinar, you will receive a confirmation. The webinar will take place in English.