Strengthening Health Care Worldwide

Context

Health is a fundamental human right that millions of people are unable to enjoy. Particularly vulnerable groups are significantly threatened by avoidable infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and polio. In many instances, they do not have access to important vaccines and medicines. Meanwhile, fragile, underfunded heath systems make it difficult to provide comprehensive care. The COVID-19 pandemic has also hindered the provision of key health services.

While digital transformation has a great deal of potential to improve such services, this will also require clear rules and standards.

Objective

Germany contributes to Sustainability Development Goal 3 of the UN's 2030 Agenda – for better health care worldwide.

Approach

This project is advising the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in three areas:

• Health initiatives: It supports BMZ's work within the supervisory bodies of international health initiatives and reinforces Germany's related positions. These include the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM); Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
• Innovative health services: The project offers guidance on promoting local vaccine and pharmaceutical production, including with regard to regulation, market establishment and cooperation with the private sector. It also advises BMZ on advancing the digital transformation of global health. The objective is to improve access to health care in developing countries through the use of innovative digital solutions.
• Universal health coverage: The project works to ensure that health services are accessible to all. To that end, it is providing advisory services on how health care systems can be improved and diseases prevented around the world. These advisory services cover the migration of health specialists, as well as collaborative efforts with non-governmental organisations and private companies. The project also advises on efforts to promote mental health, the inclusion of people with disabilities, and awareness of the climate.

Last update: September 2023