Health

We provide support locally in developing and implementing cross-border infection protection plans.  In emergencies, we introduce quick-response measures and deploy our German Epidemic Preparedness Team (SEEG) to assist with pathogen detection and the procurement of personal protective equipment and testing kits.  This makes it possible to quickly detect and contain outbreaks of disease.

Numerous infectious diseases in humans originate in the animal world. With the One Health approach, we combine expertise from the fields of human health, animal health, food security, climate adaptation and biodiversity to prevent health risks through interdisciplinary cooperation.

We support countries with providing affordable, high-quality vaccines, medicines and medical devices (see here). We work throughout the pharmaceutical value chain to provide support with:

• policy development and the coordination of different stakeholders
• education and training of professionals
• research and development through collaborations
• strengthening pharmaceutical regulation and harmonisation.
• expansion of local production capacities and market access.
• private sector co-operation for the purpose of technology transfer
• procurement of locally manufactured medicinal products and medical devices.

To this end, we also develop sustainable and innovative partnerships between the public sector, industry, academia and the research sector.

The right to sexual and reproductive health is foundational to individual autonomy and a key prerequisite for equality and sustainable development. Our work contributes to:

• Reducing maternal mortality rates
• Improving access to family planning services
• Lowering the incidence of preventable diseases
• Realising people’s right to self-determination.

We assist partner countries with analysing correlations between population dynamics and other topic areas, such as poverty reduction, employment promotion, food security and education, and integrating the results into forward-looking health and development policy-making. 

Some 100 million people around the world fall into extreme poverty each year. We work locally to play our part in ensuring equitable access to health services and preventing people from falling into poverty due to high medical bills – such as by establishing national health insurance schemes that also provide cover to disadvantaged groups.

We support reforms in health system funding, advise on legal frameworks and promote equitable distribution of expenses. We assist with the sustainable integration of external financing from sources such as the Global Fund into national systems.

Climate change is causing an increase in heat waves, flooding and drought, thus posing a risk to people around the world. Mosquitoes and other disease vectors are spreading to new regions. At the same time, it is becoming progressively more difficult to access health services, especially in poor countries with weak infrastructure.

Sustainable, climate-proof health systems are thus indispensable. We advise partner countries on health policy matters and promote initial training for experts and managers. We provide support with financing and strengthen cooperation between different sectors.

Digital technology can future-proof health systems and make them more efficient. We support our partner countries in 

• Integrating digital solutions into health policy on a strategic basis
• Developing and implementing state-of-the-art early warning systems for disease outbreaks
• Digitalising hospital and insurance processes
• Facilitating international knowledge- and experience-sharing to support experts

Through these activities, we improve medical care for everyone on a cost-effective basis. 

Good mental health is key to good overall health and one of the main objectives of universal health coverage (UHC). Despite this, mental health is neglected in many countries, even though psychological disorders are placing families and entire health systems under increasing strain.

We work at local level to integrate mental health and psychosocial support into the core services offered by health systems.  Specifically, we provide support with:

• Developing national mental health strategies
• Improving legal frameworks and funding provision
• Training professionals
• Establishing readily accessible, community-based, culturally appropriate services

In crisis and conflict regions, we combine trauma therapy with social and economic support. We work with partners from a range of areas, including education, the social sector, the digital industry and regional networks, to ensure lasting success.

We take a comprehensive approach to our work in crisis regions, with a particular focus on achieving better health outcomes and greater food security for vulnerable individuals.

Our work involves:

• Improving health care, especially for pregnant women and young mothers
• Conducting vaccination and deworming campaigns
• Raising awareness of proper infant nutrition and household hygiene
• Delivering local training for professionals.

We are guided in all we do by the principle of doing no harm.