World Health Summit (WHS) 2023 under the theme ‘A Defining Year for Global Health Action’ concluded
The World Health Summit, a leading global health conference and network, brings together stakeholders from politics, science, the private sector, and civil society from around the world to set the agenda for a healthier future by inspiring innovative solutions for better health and well-being for all. The event takes place in Berlin, Germany and online from 15–17 October under the theme “A Defining Year for Global Health Action”.
Central topics at the World Health Summit 2023 include:
- learning from COVID-19 for future pandemic prevention;
- preparedness and response;
- recommitting to universal health coverage;
- sustainable health for people and planet;
- G7/G20 measures to enhance global health equity and security;
- harnessing the power of digital technologies for global health;
- the World Health Organization’s 75th anniversary; and
- innovations to accelerate the fight against tuberculosis.
Key Outcomes of WHS 2023:
- Statement on Green Health: It supported commitment to build climate-resilient, low-carbon sustainable health systems. For this, it encouraged all health leaders to join The Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH).
♦ ATACH, a World Health Organization (WHO) initiative, works to realize the ambition set at COP26 to build climate resilient and sustainable health systems. - M8 Alliance Declaration: It called for global cooperation and integration for addressing climate change and health threats and addressing disparities and the needs of the most vulnerable.
♦ M8 Alliance is the academic foundation of WHS and consists of 31 members (India is a Member).
WHO has identified climate change as the ‘single biggest health threat facing humanity’. Climate change directly affects the environmental and social determinants of health.
Other Initiatives for climate-resilient health systems:
- Climate Resilient Health Systems Initiative under Adaptation Action Coalition
- Pacific Island Action Plan on Climate Change and Health
About World Health Summit (WHS)
- Founded in 2009 and held annually in Berlin, WHS brings together different stakeholders to set the agenda for better health and well-being for all.
- It has developed into one of the world’s leading global health conferences. It was held for the first time on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Charité.