Delegation trip to the WHS Regional Meeting in Nairobi
The WHS Regional Meeting is one of the most important international platforms for global health. With more than 2.000 participants from politics, international cooperation, academia, civil society, and the private sector, the meeting provides a forum for exchange and collaboration. Given declining funding for international health cooperation, a growing burden from non-communicable diseases, and the simultaneous resurgence of infectious diseases, such international meetings are more important than ever. They enable the development of joint responses to global challenges and the setting of priorities for high-performing and resilient health systems. Discussions focus on topics such as the sustainable financing of health systems, strengthening primary health care, developing local health industries, and the management and prevention of non-communicable diseases.
For the German Health Alliance (GHA), the WHS Regional Meeting offered an opportunity to discuss new approaches to solutions in the international health dialogue and to highlight the contributions of German stakeholders from industry, science, and civil society. The aim was to break down existing silos and strengthen cross-sectoral collaboration. Against the backdrop of reduced funding, particularly from the USA, Germany and its stakeholders are playing an increasingly important role in the field of global health.
For this reason, the GHA, together with the German-African Business Association, sent a delegation of companies, non-governmental organizations, and academics to the region. The composition of the delegation reflected the breadth of our membership and united perspectives from industry, humanitarian aid, research, and practical implementation. The aim of the delegation's trip was to deepen partnerships, initiate new collaborations, and work together with international and local partners on sustainable solutions for global health.
A key component of the framework program organized by the GHA was a roundtable discussion with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The focus was on how development cooperation and German companies can collaborate more closely and effectively to strengthen local industry and value creation in the healthcare sector. The discussion highlighted the role that structured public-private partnerships can play in building resilient healthcare systems. Specific projects from Merck, BASF, Bayer, B. Braun, and Sysmex were presented, demonstrating how investments in local production capacities, training, and sustainable business models can have a long-term impact.
The visit to the Nairobi County Emergency Operations Center also provided practical insights. Established in cooperation with GHA member Malteser International, the center is a key component for coordinating health emergencies and crisis responses in Nairobi County. The delegation learned about the center's operations and discussed how integrated emergency structures and collaborative approaches can contribute to strengthening the resilience of health systems.
On Thursday, the delegation continued its program with further high-level meetings. They visited Aga Khan University, whose clinic is considered the most modern medical facility in East Africa. The delegation also met at the Ministry of Health with the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Olunga, as well as representatives of the Kenya Medical Supply Institute and other government organizations, to discuss current health policy priorities and opportunities for cooperation with German stakeholders. The day concluded with a roundtable discussion with local non-governmental organizations, focusing on the health ecosystem in Kenya.
The delegation trip to the WHS Regional Meeting underscores the German Health Alliance's commitment to promoting cross-sector collaboration and strategically integrating German stakeholders into the international healthcare context. The insights gained and contacts made will inform the GHA's ongoing work and form an important basis for future collaborations and projects.