CHB recently attended the World Health Summit (WHS) 2024, which took place in Berlin from October 13–15, under the theme “Building Trust for a Healthier World.” Bringing together top health leaders, government representatives, scientists, and innovators, this year’s summit emphasized collaboration on solutions to global health issues, including antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, and advancing health equity.
The urgency of tackling AMR was a prominent theme at the summit, and our team was particularly interested in discussions surrounding this critical health threat. As AMR continues to compromise treatments for infectious diseases and increase the risk in surgeries and cancer therapies, WHS sessions focused on innovative strategies to curb its impact. A session titled “Milestones and Challenges in Tackling AMR” reaffirmed the need for countries to remain committed to the WHO’s 14th General Programme of Work (GPW 14) through targeted funding and policy initiatives aimed at enhancing antimicrobial stewardship, advancing microbiological surveillance, and accelerating the development of new antibiotics. Speakers included prominent global voices such as Germany’s Ambassador on Antimicrobial Resistance Muna Abu Sin, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Public Health Authority Abdullah Algiwizani and AMR Hub Lead for CGIAR in Kenya Arshnee Moodley. Each speaker highlighted critical pathways for action, from investing in robust surveillance and diagnostics to promoting responsible antibiotic use across sectors. The session underscored the urgency of global collaboration, with a focus on creating resilient health systems and sustainable funding models to combat AMR effectively.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) also emerged as a key topic at the summit, underscoring its rapidly growing potential to transform healthcare. In sessions like “AI in Health: From Promise to Practice” and “Can AI Enhance Public Trust in Science?” attendees explored how AI is reshaping the health landscape, from diagnostic tools that aid physicians in early disease detection to predictive analytics that enhance patient outcomes and optimize resource allocation. AI-powered diagnostics were noted for their ability to identify patterns and anomalies in medical imaging with high accuracy, often surpassing traditional methods, while real-time patient data monitoring supports personalized treatment plans. Further, the session “AI and Digital Inclusion in Global Health” tackled the challenges of the AI-driven “digital divide,” especially in low- and middle-income countries. Expanding AI’s reach in under-resourced areas requires addressing barriers such as infrastructure, training, and cost, while ensuring data sets include local languages and cultural nuances to minimize algorithmic bias.
Strengthening Global Health Through Pledges and Partnerships
Countries and organizations alike made significant pledges at WHS 2024 to enhance the World Health Organization’s (WHO) financing and operational capacity. The pledging event “All for Health, Health for All: Signature Event for the WHO Investment Round,” attended by high-level speakers including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation. Several countries, including Germany, France, and Norway, pledged new resources to support WHO’s efforts in pandemic preparedness, AMR, and digital health equity initiatives. In conjunction with the summit, WHO launched its Health Impact Investment Platform, aimed at securing sustainable funding for health infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries and driving access to innovative health technologies globally.
Looking Ahead
WHS 2024 has renewed CHB’s commitment to pioneering health solutions that bridge gaps in access and innovation. We look forward to integrating the insights gained at the summit into our work, focusing on health resilience, digital health, and partnerships that support WHO’s goals.