What can the Ebola response in West Africa teach us about mental health, trust, and outbreak preparedness today?

We warmly invite you to our upcoming webinar "Ebola and Mental Health: Lessons from the CDC Response in West Africa, 2014-2015" on July 15, 13:00-14:00 CEST. 

Drawing on the 2014–2015 Ebola outbreak in West Africa and its rapid escalation, this webinar will explore why mental health and psychosocial support must be considered an essential part of outbreak response. The session will connect past lessons to current challenges, including the ongoing Ebola outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Anna Grigoryan as our keynote speaker. Based on her personal experience and deployment to Sierra Leone in 2015 as part of the CDC Ebola Response Mission, Dr. Grigoryan will share reflections on key response activities, communication challenges, and the intersection of Ebola response and mental health. The webinar will highlight why coordinated, international, and rapidly scaled-up responses are essential to reduce illness, deaths, fear, and psychosocial distress during outbreaks.

Agenda
13:00–13:30 Keynote by Dr. Anna Grigoryan
13:30–13:50 Q&A session
13:50–14:00 Wrap-up

About the speaker
Dr. Anna Grigoryan is a physician–scientist with over 20 years of international experience leading complex public health projects, fostering innovation, and building strategic partnerships. She spearheaded the WHO–CDC Collaborating Center for Global Public Health Informatics, serving as its first Program Manager. During her tenure at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), she contributed directly to emergency responses to major crises, including the Haiti and China earthquakes, the avian influenza outbreak, and the Fukushima nuclear accident.

In 2015, Dr. Grigoryan supported the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health during the Ebola epidemic as part of the CDC Ebola Response Mission. In her more recent role at the UN/IAEA, she managed a portfolio of projects focused on laboratory strengthening, cancer control, and emergency preparedness, supporting Member States across Africa. She has also mentored emerging leaders and promoted cultures of accountability and inclusion during periods of organizational transition.

This webinar is intended for public health and mental health professionals, as well as everyone interested in Ebola response, outbreak control, pandemic preparedness, and mental health and psychosocial support.

Please note:
The webinar will be recorded. If you do not wish to appear in the recording, you are welcome to keep your camera turned off.

We look forward to your participation and to an engaging discussion on the role of mental health in outbreak response.

For further details, please contact:

Katrin Würfel and Nadja Moser or the Hub Management Team at info@globalhealthhub.de

Civil society and community representatives are invited to participate in the upcoming Pandemic Fund Civil Society Townhall on 7 July, from 1:00–2:30 p.m. UK time (GMT+1). 🗓️

This interactive session will provide updates on the 2026 High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPPR), key outcomes from the latest Pandemic Fund Board meeting, and opportunities for civil society engagement in ongoing and upcoming Pandemic Fund grants. Discussions will also cover the Fund’s fourth Call for Proposals and support for the Accelerated Ebola Response. 💬🤝

The meeting will be held in English with French interpretation, with Portuguese and Spanish interpretation potentially available depending on registration demand.

🔗 Register in advance: https://worldbankgroup.zoom.us/meeting/register/WjUFW-cTTyOxApXgzRKCaA

Information materials for the fourth Call for Proposals are available in English, French, and Portuguese via the Pandemic Fund website.

Participation is open to civil society and community representatives only.

🌍🩺 Global Perspectives on Multilingualism in (Mental) Healthcare brings together researchers, healthcare professionals, practitioners, and experts from around the world to explore how linguistic diversity impacts healthcare access and quality.

Taking place on 26–27 June 2026 in Hamburg, Germany, this international conference will examine challenges and innovative solutions for multilingual communication in healthcare and mental healthcare settings. The programme features inspiring lectures, interactive workshops, a best-practice pitch session, and a panel discussion focused on improving health equity and strengthening global health systems.

🤝✨ The event offers a unique opportunity for learning, collaboration, and networking across disciplines, with the goal of developing more inclusive and effective healthcare services for multilingual communities worldwide.

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found abundantly in fatty fish, these essential fatty acids are known for their ability to downregulate the synthesis of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and cytokines. Studies have shown that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids can significantly reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (Calder, 2020).

2. Probiotics: The consumption of fermented foods introduces beneficial bacteria into the gut, which can restore the balance of the intestinal microbiome. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases, as a balanced microbiota can reduce intestinal inflammation and improve overall gut health (Sartor, 2017).

3. Antioxidants: Nuts and seeds are rich in antioxidants, which play a critical role in neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress—a key contributor to cardiovascular diseases. Regular consumption of these foods can protect against the progression of atherosclerosis (Ros, 2019).

4. Dietary Fiber: Whole grains are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower systemic inflammation. A high-fiber diet is associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and its complications (Maki & Phillips, 2015).

Dear all,

The World Health Assembly is wrapping up this week, and we'd love to use this moment to reflect together on the key discussions — particularly around AMR and the latest developments. Maybe someone is in Geneva this week and will join us to share her insights and observations. If any of you have also been following or participating in WHA discussions, we warmly invite you to share your perspectives too.

We will also use the meeting to discuss of what the AMR Community can do in 2026, for example centered around a paper on AMR & NCD— and we look forward to your input on the direction or any other topics.

We fully understand that schedules are packed, so even a short drop-in is very welcome.

Kind regards,

Aurélia and Ali

🌍 Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin is hosting a series of English-language Global Health teaching sessions on 4–5 June 2026, organised by the Working Group on Global and Planetary Health at the Institute of General Medicine. Open to all students and staff, the sessions will bring together experts, researchers, and practitioners to explore key challenges in global medicine and health equity. 🩺🌱

Topics include access to medicines and primary care in global health, the health impacts of climate change and intervention strategies, and healthcare for and with refugees. Featured speakers come from leading organisations including DNDi, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Diakonie Deutschland, and Charité. 🤝🌎

The sessions will take place in person at Hörsaal 33, Philippstr. 11, Berlin, with no registration required. The organisers encourage participants to share the invitation widely with colleagues and students interested in global and planetary health. 📚✨

Thursday, 4 June 2026

10:15–11:45
Closing the Gaps – Primary Care and Access to Medicines in Global Health
Dr. med. Angela Schuster (Institute of General Medicine; Head of the Global and Planetary Health WG)
Nina Holzhauer (DNDi – Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative)

12:15–13:45
Climate Change: Population Health Impacts and Intervention Strategies
Dr. Oskar Masztalerz (Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research)
Cyrus Kimanthi (Research Fellow at the Institute of General Medicine and Climate and Health Connect, Kenya)

Friday, 5 June 2026

10:15–11:45
Medicine For and With Refugees
Prof. med. Joachim Seybold (Medical Director, Charité)
Maike Grube (Diakonie Deutschland)

📢 The second edition of the EUPHA-THSR Spring School on Translational Health Services Research Methods 2026 will take place from June 22–26, 2026 at the Charité Campus Mitte in Berlin 🇩🇪. Bringing together PhD students, researchers, and public health practitioners, the programme will focus on strengthening health and care systems through innovative approaches to measuring, evaluating, and designing people-centred care pathways 🏥📊

The event also includes the EUPHA-HSR Mid-term Conference (June 25–26), open to EUPHA-HSR Section members, as well as a Community Engagement & Dissemination session on June 26, welcoming the broader public health community 🌍🤝

🌍🩺 Join an´´the upcoming webinar series on “AI and Disinformation: Understanding the Risks and Limits of EU Law.”

Hosted by Health Action International in collaboration with Cyprus University of Technology, the session will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the spread of misinformation in healthcare and the challenges this creates for regulation and fundamental rights.

The webinar will be led by Dr. Hannah van Kolfschooten (University of Basel), a specialist in AI regulation and fundamental rights.

📅 Sessions available:
• 12 May 2026 – 15:00 CET
• 14 May 2026 – 11:00 CET

Participants can choose the session that best suits their schedule and register online. 🤖⚖️

🚑🏥 The Urgent Care Conference 2026 (UCON) will take place on June 23–24, 2026, at the Palais in der Kulturbrauerei in Berlin.

Bringing together professionals from emergency and acute care settings, the conference will focus on key challenges and future developments in urgent and emergency healthcare delivery. Participants can expect practical insights, policy perspectives, and discussions on innovative approaches to patient management and cross-sector collaboration.

Over two days, UCON 2026 will offer inspiring talks, expert discussions, and best-practice examples aimed at shaping more sustainable and efficient emergency care systems. 💡🤝

🌍🩺 The 2nd World Congress on Advances in Preventive Medicine and Public Health (Preventive Medicine 2026) will take place on July 20–21, 2026, in Vienna, Austria.

Under the theme “Innovative Strategies and Global Collaboration for a Healthier Future”, the congress will bring together international experts in public health, epidemiology, preventive care, and health policy to discuss emerging solutions to global health challenges.

The event will feature keynote presentations, interactive panel discussions, poster sessions, and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and practical strategies for improving public health and preventive medicine worldwide. 🤝📊

🩺🌍 From June 11–13, 2026, leading experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals will gather at the Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum in Berlin for a joint congress on sexual health, infectious diseases, and tropical medicine in times of global change.

The event brings together the 68th Congress of the German STI Society (DSTIG), the 25th Annual Meeting of the Working Group for Dermatological Infectiology and Tropical Dermatology (ADI-TD), and the 13th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Dermatology in the Tropics (ISDT).

Participants can expect an interdisciplinary program featuring scientific lectures, interactive workshops, poster sessions, and discussions addressing current medical and public health challenges. 🧬🤝

Join the KIS expert forum on 12 June 2026 in Berlin, focusing on international perspectives in healthcare responses to domestic and sexualized violence 🌍💬.

Under the theme “What’s happening next door?”, this event explores how different European countries support survivors within the health system. With one in three women in Europe affected by physical or sexualized violence, the discussion will highlight the gaps and varied implementation of the Istanbul Convention across countries.

Experts from France, Austria, and Switzerland will share promising practices and real-world approaches, followed by a joint discussion on what lessons can be applied to improve care in Germany 🇩🇪. The event will also feature valuable insights from the Berlin Survivors’ Council, bringing lived experience into the conversation.

🗓 Time: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM (doors open at 9:30 AM)
📍 Location: Refugio, Berlin

Participants are encouraged to register by 15 May 2026. Expect a day of meaningful exchange, practical insights, and collaborative learning 🤝✨

Join a global webinar on 13 May 2026 exploring the latest findings from the 2025 UN IGME Report on mortality across the life course (ages 0–24) 🌍👶📊. Hosted by the Child Health Task Force, this virtual session will unpack key trends in newborn, child, adolescent, and youth mortality, including causes of death and emerging inequalities across regions.

Participants will gain insights into where progress is accelerating—or stalling—and what’s new in this year’s estimates, including updated data, methodological improvements, and important limitations. 📈🔍

🗓 Time: 9:00–10:30 AM EDT | 3:00–4:30 PM CET
💻 Format: Online (Zoom)

This webinar marks the first in a three-part series aimed at strengthening understanding, advocacy, and action for young people’s health worldwide. 🌱✨

The online event “Hämorrhagisches Krim-Kongo-Fieber – in Europa?” 🦠 will take place on 20 May 2026, from 15:00 to 16:30 (Webex).

Organized by experts from the STAKOB network at the Robert Koch Institute, the session focuses on the clinical management of diseases caused by rare, emerging, or highly pathogenic agents. It highlights how globalization and climate change are contributing to the spread of disease vectors such as Hyalomma ticks, which can transmit the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus to humans and animals.

The discussion will address the risks of CCHF, a severe zoonotic disease that can also be transmitted from person to person and is associated with a high fatality rate. Emphasis will be placed on early recognition, diagnosis, and appropriate clinical response in a European context 🌍.

The session is led by Dr. Agata Mikolajewska from the Robert Koch Institute. Participation is free of charge, held online via Webex, and continuing medical education credits can be applied for.

The 6th Neuro Intensive Care Medicine Day of Charité 🧠🏥 will take place on 9 May 2026 in Berlin.

This professional-only event brings together specialists in neuro-intensive care from all three Charité sites for a day of scientific exchange and clinical discussion. The program highlights the latest study results, updated clinical guidelines, and ongoing debates in the field of neurointensive medicine.

A special feature of this year’s edition is the presentation of instructive and engaging clinical case reports from patients treated at the Charité over the past year, offering real-world insights into complex neurological care cases.

The event is designed to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, share expertise, and discuss current challenges and innovations in neurocritical care 🧠💬.

📅 Date: 9 May 2026
📍 Location: Charité, Berlin
🎯 Audience: Medical professionals only
🔬 Focus: Neurointensive care, clinical research, case discussions

The American Academy in Berlin will host a public event on 28 April titled “Public Health and Immunization in America: A Story of Success and Misunderstanding” 🏛️💉.

The discussion explores how public health and immunization have significantly improved global health by eradicating diseases, extending life expectancy, and preventing both infectious diseases and certain cancers through vaccination. At the same time, it examines the growing tension between scientific progress and public trust, particularly the rise of anti-science sentiment in the United States during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event features Anne Schuchat, a former senior leader at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who brings over 30 years of experience in public health. She will reflect on past achievements, current challenges, and possible ways forward in rebuilding trust in science and immunization 🧠📊.

📍 Language: English
💰 Cost: Free (registration required)
📅 Date: 28 April

The Joint ForTra–BIH Workshop on Gene and Cell Therapy (GCT): “Where do we stand and where do we want to go?” will take place on 18–19 May 2026 in Frankfurt am Main 🧬🏙️.

This two-day event brings together researchers working in the field of gene and cell therapy, with a special focus on translational scientists aiming to bring innovative research into clinical application. Organized by the ForTra gGmbH for Research Transfer of the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung and the SPARK-BIH team of the National Strategy for Gene and Cell Therapy, the workshop offers an inspiring and forward-looking platform for exchange and collaboration 🚀.

Participants will discuss current advances, challenges, and future directions in one of the most dynamic areas shaping the future of medicine. The event is free of charge, but prior registration is required as places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

📍 Location: Frankfurt am Main
📅 Date: 18–19 May 2026
🔬 Focus: Gene & Cell Therapy, translational research, clinical innovation