Hub Discussion Forum

I think it could be a good idea to think about a joint, annual publication of the Global Health Hub Germany. It could focus an overarching topic that draws attention to a specific problem every year and raises awareness of the issue. Have there already been ideas in this direction or is it even feasible? I would have a first impulse for a relevant topic... and would like to invite others to a discussion.

The ongoing European Football Championship provides an opportunity to reflect on an often underrepresented health issue, alcohol consumption. In addition to all the joy such events bring along, they also often serve as a setting for excessive alcohol consumption. In Germany and many other countries, football and alcohol are closely linked. For many, drinking is an integral part of social interaction, both during and around matches.

Recently, WHO published its Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240096745). Among other findings, the report highlights that 2.6 million deaths worldwide were attributable to alcohol use in 2019, accounting for 4.7% of all deaths that year. The highest rates of alcohol-related deaths per 100 000 people are found in the WHO regions of Africa and Europe. Despite the fact that 56% of reporting countries have national alcohol policies and almost all of the world's population lives in countries with alcohol excise taxes, the prevalence of alcohol use generally but especially among 15-19 year olds remains unacceptably high worldwide (22%).

In light of these data, I am interested in your views on the role that global health actors, particularly those involved in development cooperation, should play in reducing alcohol consumption, specifically underage drinking worldwide. Specifically:
What strategies, both at the policy and programmatic levels, can be employed to change the perception of alcohol as an integral part of social events, such as sporting events, particularly in regions with high rates of alcohol use?

Cyclone Freddy destroyed roads, bridges, health infrastructure, and medical supplies. Service providers and patients were displaced. Services were scaled down and/or suspended. The already fragile health systems worsened. To reduce the impact, stakeholders introduced a multi-month supply of drugs for long-term treatment e.g. ARV, TB and others. Patients on a one-month supply were being given supplies for 3 months while those on 3-month supplies were receiving supplies for six months. That reduced the workload caused by increased demand for services and displaced service providers. Then I was working for USAID as a Branch Chief of HSS, and my perspective was that of a health donor. We appreciated the need for multi-sector collaborations in restoring broken systems and the inclusion of a budget for emergencies in funded projects to speed up the response to disasters and emergencies. We safeguarded vulnerable patients' and health workers' safety and security. We strengthened partners' capacity in virtual monitoring and supervision. [file id="241"]Destruction of Health Infrastructure and Medical Supplies.pptx[/file]

May 28 marks the International Day of Action for Women’s Health (and Menstrual Hygiene Day). This year’s focus is all about “Mobilising in critical times of threats and opportunities”. I would like to start a discussion on the progress as well as challenges and backlashes that we face in Germany with regard to sexual and reproductive health and rights and justice (SRHRJ).
How do you perceive the situation in Germany in general?

A rise in authoritarian tendencies and right-wing movements is visible globally and in Germany. Their agenda is based on anti-feminist thoughts. How can we counter this backlash and ensure we safeguard progress (past and future) towards SRHRJ?

Please share your perspective, ideas and insights! I am looking forward to an engaging and inspiring discussion!

Climate change is being regarded as the single greatest threat to public health, according to the WHO. It leads to increased mortality and morbidity mediated by extreme weather events, disruptions in the food system, vector-borne diseases, and mental health issues. While healthcare systems are significantly impacted by climate change, they also contribute around 5% of global carbon emissions.
I would like to discuss how we can effectively enhance the resilience of healthcare systems against climate change impacts, while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint. Are there potential synergies we can leverage? Or do you know of any best practice examples that successfully addressed both problems? What specific actions do we need to take?
I am very much looking forward to your ideas and thoughts!

Misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy narratives are significant problems in health, not only during public and global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information, while disinformation involves the deliberate spread of false information. These can lead to negative consequences such as increased vaccine hesitancy, misallocation of healthcare resources, and promotion of dangerous treatments. Social media platforms like X, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram are major vectors for the rapid spread of health misinformation and disinformation.

I would like to discuss and learn from your expertise and ideas in how to prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation as well as conspiracy narratives. Do you have prevention measures in mind? How can we build more resilience against health misinformation and disinformation at the individual and community level? How can we promote more trust in credible health information? I look forward to your ideas and thoughts!