Global Health
© ©iStock/shironosov Few research fields are as socially relevant as human medicine. While global in importance, health challenges and conditions vary significantly across regions. Addressing them requires international collaboration and an interdisciplinary approach—especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the impact of infectious diseases in an interconnected world. Recognizing this, the German Centers for Research and Innovation (DWIH) have chosen Global Health as their focus topic for 2025.
Global Health represents an interdisciplinary approach to improving health worldwide. It unites stakeholders from government, academia and society to address cross-border health challenges. While combating infectious diseases remains a priority, other issues are becoming increasingly important, including chronic diseases, mental health, health inequalities and the impact of climate change on public health. The goal is to develop sustainable solutions that strengthen health systems worldwide and enhance the overall quality of life.
Closely related is the “One Health” approach, which integrates human, animal and environmental health. Since 75% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic—originating in animals and transmitted to humans—understanding and addressing these interconnections is essential for global health security.
Digitalization and New Challenges
Digital transformation presents immense opportunities for global health. Innovations such as telemedicine, health apps, and AI-driven diagnostics are expanding access to medical care, especially in remote areas. However, significant challenges remain—climate change, humanitarian crises, and the fragmentation of global social systems continue to hinder progress. Unequal resource distribution further exacerbates health disparities, making coordinated international cooperation essential for establishing global standards and sustainable healthcare systems.
The integration of new technologies is crucial for the future of global health. AI-powered diagnostics and wearable health technologies enable more precise diagnoses and personalized treatments. However, technological advancements must always be balanced with ethical standards and social responsibility. The spread of misinformation, increasing distrust in science, and political debates—such as the ongoing debate about reproductive rights in the U.S.—illustrate how deeply health issues are intertwined with political and societal concerns.
“Global health challenges transcend national boundaries, making international collaboration essential. Such cooperation should involve diverse stakeholders from medicine, society, politics, and business. The One Health approach exemplifies this need, as it takes a comprehensive view of the interactions between humans, animals, and the environment—crucial for addressing global threats such as zoonotic diseases and pandemics. The German Centers for Research and Innovation (DWIH) play a pivotal role in promoting Germany’s expertise abroad and integrating it into global collaborations. By fostering cooperation among science, industry, and politics, they help develop and implement technological solutions that strengthen healthcare systems.”Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Germany’s Commitment to Global Health
Germany plays a leading role in global health initiatives. Through initiatives such as the Global Health Hub Germany and its support for international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Germany works to further integrate health issues into global development cooperation. German research institutions, startups, and technology pioneers contribute innovative solutions that advance global health and help reduce inequalities.
The German Centers for Research and Innovation (DWIH) foster global dialogue on health challenges by connecting researchers, businesses, and policymakers. Their interdisciplinary approaches ensure that local conditions and challenges are reflected in global discussions. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the immense value of sharing knowledge between nations.
Through events, support for research collaborations, and knowledge exchange, the DWIH-network drives innovation that addresses both technological and social challenges, thus making a vital contribution to the sustainable advancement of global health.