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.

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

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 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.

Hon. President: Prof. Sir Magdi Yacoub, Aswan Heart Centre, Egypt

Who should attend?
Anticipated attendees: 500. Cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons, cardiologists, cardiovascular physicians, anesthesiologists, intensivists, nurses, perfusionists, physiologists, researchers and engineers from Africa, Asia, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Latin 
America, Pacific and USA.

Join Women in Global Health for a pivotal webinar, spotlighting the leadership of women in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) at local, national, and global levels. Bringing together policymakers, civil society representatives, health professionals, and academics, this discussion will delve into gender-responsive UHC strategies and the role of women in shaping equitable health systems.

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