Program & Central Topics

From Pledges to Progress: Financing Global Health Solutions

In an era marked by profound global challenges, the need for substantial increases in public finance for health care is more urgent than ever. Many countries face increasing demands amidst geopolitical tensions, climate change impacts, and the rise of nationalistic populism, shaping a complex and evolving landscape for global health initiatives. The situation is further exacerbated by the stagnation in donor support and other compelling priorities in global health, which places considerable pressure on public finance across many nations.

This year's World Health Summit (WHS) will feature various new approaches, including pledges for progress and solutions to finance global health. The World Health Organization (WHO) investment round is a new approach to mobilize resources for WHO’s core work for the next 4 years (2025-2028). The investment round will secure funding for WHO’s strategy, the 14th General Programme of Work (GPW 14) and will take place at the WHS. Furthermore, the Health Impact Investment Platform (HIIP) is a new investment platform, which was launched through a collaborative effort involving multilateral development banks and the WHO. HIIP aims to fortify primary health care services with an initial investment pool of 1.6 billion USD. This platform underscores the importance of innovative financing instruments and impact investments, to stimulate innovations in med-tech, health-tech, and biotech, while promoting access for people in Low-and-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). In response, to meet current challenges, GAVI and the Global Fund are adapting their strategies by entering a critical replenishment phases to secure necessary funding.

Looking ahead, the emphasis on replenishments and innovative investment becomes critical to realizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to secure healthy lives and well-being. Achieving these goals will require a united effort to mobilize resources, drive impactful investments towards a healthier, more equitable future.

Antimicrobial Resistance: Roadmap to Future Resilience

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a major global health challenge, compromising treatments for infectious diseases and jeopardizing surgeries, chemotherapy, and other medical procedures. Overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in healthcare and agriculture have accelerated the emergence of resistant strains.

To combat AMR, various initiatives are in progress. The United Nations High-Level Meeting on AMR has raised awareness and secured commitments from member states, resulting in resolutions to enhance global surveillance, promote responsible antibiotic use, and increase investment in new drug development. The forthcoming High-Level Ministerial Meeting in Saudi Arabia will further these efforts, fostering collaboration among governments, international organizations, and the private sector to devise innovative strategies against AMR.

The G7, under Germany's presidency in 2022 and with the involvement of the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG), has prioritized AMR in their global health agenda. Germany played a crucial role in promoting global health security, advocating for improved antibiotic stewardship, and supporting research and development of new antimicrobials. Italy, holding the 2024 G7 Presidency, has pledged to make AMR as one of the central issues with a focus on advancing microbiological surveillance, primary prevention, antimicrobial stewardship, and research and innovation for new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics.

The World Health Summit will address milestones and challenges in the fight against AMR, showcasing successful interventions and focusing on innovative solutions to improve access to effective antibiotics. Leaders from various sectors will strategize on overcoming access challenges and aim to unify efforts for next-generation antibiotic breakthroughs, focusing on policy, funding, and public health solutions.

Combating AMR requires sustained commitment from governments, healthcare professionals, and researchers. Strategies should include developing new antimicrobial agents, promoting responsible drug use, and investing in robust surveillance systems. Adopting a One Health approach, which acknowledges the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, is crucial for curbing AMR.

Empowering Futures: Strategies for Women's and Children's Health

Empowering women and children is crucial for advancing global health and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ensuring their health and well-being leads to stronger, more resilient communities. Prioritizing the needs of women and children and involving them in decision-making processes fosters a healthier, more equitable world for all. Women make up the majority of the health work force and provide most of the informal care in communities.

2024 marks the thirtieth anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), held in Cairo – a landmark moment in which 179 governments committed to placing sexual and reproductive health and rights, women's empowerment, and the reduction of inequalities at the core of sustainable development. Despite progress, significant opportunities remain to fully achieve the Cairo agenda, particularly regarding women's health.

The health of women and children is of critical concern because systemic inequalities remain, particularly in marginalized & underserved communities. Social and economic inequalities, such as limited access to health care and education, intensify their vulnerability. Additionally, gender inequality and the risk of violence and exploitation further impact their well-being. Furthermore, women carry a significant burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions and health services that address their specific needs. To advance women’s and children’s health, it is crucial to uphold commitments, prioritize reducing health disparities, accelerate research and innovation, and build new partnerships.

Looking forward, embracing diversity and equity in health care policies and practices is essential to ensuring that all individuals have equal access to quality health care and opportunities for healthy development. Honouring the commitments made at Cairo and leveraging new opportunities for collaboration and innovation empowers future generations to thrive in a healthier and more equitable world. Furthermore, bridging gendered and diverse leadership gaps and advocating for inclusive health agendas is essential for achieving the SDGs and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Innovative strategies and diverse leadership are needed in realizing sustainable progress in women's and children's health.

The Climate-Health Nexus: Pathways to Action for Equity

The intersection of climate change and health presents an urgent global challenge with significant impacts on human well-being. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and changing ecosystems contribute to health issues such as heat-related illnesses and the spread of infectious diseases. Increased heatwaves can lead to heatstroke and exacerbate cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, while natural disasters disrupt healthcare services and cause long-term mental health problems. Additionally, shifting weather patterns affect the distribution of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, as well as waterborne diseases from contaminated supplies.

The G20 is committed to addressing these challenges by strengthening climate-resilient health systems, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and mobilizing resources for climate-health initiatives. It emphasizes community-driven solutions, cross-sector partnerships, and the complex relationships between climate change, health, and migration to support vulnerable populations.

Building on the momentum from COP28, which introduced the first Health Day and the UAE Declaration on Climate and Health, the World Health Summit will unite key actors from relevant fields to further integrate health considerations into climate policies. The summit will feature dynamic sessions exploring the climate-pandemic connection, identifying gaps, and fostering cooperation among stakeholders. Attendees will discover grassroots solutions, forge partnerships, and assess efforts to address escalating climate-related health risks. The Climate Overshoot Commission will launch a policy paper outlining strategies to mitigate global warming. Furthermore, participants will emphasize climate-health financing initiatives. Following the summit, COP29 will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024, continuing the focus on the critical links between climate change and health.

Integrating health considerations into climate policy is essential for promoting public health and equity. Community engagement and education are vital to empower individuals to act, while interdisciplinary collaboration among health professionals, environmental scientists, and policymakers is necessary to develop effective strategies. A holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health will be crucial in safeguarding well-being for current and future generations.

Fostering Youth Leadership: Strengthening Voices for Impact

Young people, are vital contributors to the global health agenda. Involving them in decision-making is essential for substantial progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and will help realize a healthier, more equitable world. As the next generation of global health leaders, their perspectives and innovations are crucial to shaping a sustainable future. Fostering youth leadership involves not only providing platforms for their voices to be heard but also equipping them with the skills and opportunities to influence policy and drive change. The World Health Summit (WHS) provides a space for youth to speak and further promotes intergenerational exchange and collaboration, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Youth Council, the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA), and the International Pharmaceutical Students' Federation (IPSF) are organizations that demonstrate how youth can be powerful catalysts for change, leveraging their unique perspectives and energy to influence global health policies and practices. Furthermore, the Young Physician Leaders (YPL) program identifies medical leaders worldwide and provides them with advanced leadership skills and networking opportunities to effectively influence health systems.

Youth can take centre stage in various fields, including digital health transformation, where their technological fluency, fresh ideas, and innovative perspectives are particularly valuable. By actively participating in the development and implementation of digital health technologies, youth bridge the generational gap and drive the innovation process forward.

Encouraging and strengthening youth voices in these discussions not only promotes a diverse range of solutions but also inspires a new generation of leaders committed to improving global health.

Artificial Intelligence: A New Era in Digital Health

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing global health by introducing unprecedented changes and opportunities. With an aging population and rising chronic diseases, the urgency to adopt AI lies in its potential to improve patient outcomes, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and address system inefficiencies. AI excels at analyzing vast medical data, identifying patterns beyond human detection, thus enhancing early disease detection and personalized treatment plans. AI-powered tools interpret medical images with remarkable accuracy, often surpassing human radiologists, and aid in targeted cancer therapies. Additionally, AI streamlines administrative tasks, reduces errors, and optimizes resource allocation, improving operational efficiency. Virtual health assistants and chatbots provide 24/7 patient support, while predictive analytics enhance healthcare delivery. Digital health solutions integrate AI for remote monitoring, telemedicine, and personalized health recommendations, further advancing patient care.

However, trust in AI systems is crucial for widespread adoption and there is a significant governance gap. Ensuring transparency, data privacy, and robust regulation is essential for building this trust and addressing ethical concerns such as algorithmic bias and access inequality. To address these issues, a series of sessions will explore various aspects of AI in health, including enhancing public trust in science, examining real-world impacts of AI on health outcomes, maintaining human connection in digital healthcare, leveraging technology for equitable services, addressing the digital gap in global health, showcasing youth's role in driving innovation, and improving mental health support through digital tools. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and addressing these critical areas responsibly, the healthcare industry can harness AI's full potential, paving the way for a more efficient, accurate, and patient-centered future in global health.