Fondation Sociale Suisse du Nord Cameroun

06.02.2026

Health data governance is an enabler for AI ambitions

devex Opinion: The upcoming World Health Assembly can accelerate the responsible use of artificial intelligence in health by grounding action in the ethical and responsible access and use of health data.

03.02.2026

WHO launches 2026 appeal to help millions of people in health emergencies and crisis settings

World Health Organization "The World Health Organization (WHO) today launched its 2026 global appeal to ensure that millions of people living in humanitarian crises and conflicts can access health care. In 2025, WHO and partners supported 30 million people funded through its annual emergency appeal. These resources helped deliver life-saving vaccination to 5.3 million children, enabled 53 million health consultations, supported more than 8000 health facilities, and facilitated the deployment of 1370 mobile clinics."

30.01.2026

Communities unite to address stigma and discrimination affecting people with neglected tropical diseases

World Health Organization "Marking World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that millions of people living with NTDs continue to face profound and often unseen suffering due to discrimination, social stigma and untreated mental health conditions. Under the rallying theme "Unite. Act. Eliminate.", WHO and partners urge governments to integrate mental health care into NTD elimination efforts, ensuring that no one is left behind in pain or isolation."

30.01.2026

Cuts leave deadly mines in the ground and push hundreds of women out of work

The Guardian "De-mining organisations forced to cut staff, many of whom were women, despite landmines littering Zimbabwe-Mozambique border"

26.01.2026

Has the golden age of global health ended? The health takeaways from Davos 2026

euronews "Health experts met in Davos to discuss challenges and opportunities for the future of global health. Here are the key takeaways. From artificial intelligence to mental health, and healthy lifestyles, global health experts discussed the future challenges at Davos 2026 amid the growing crises worldwide. Health remained a central pillar of the World Economic Forum’s agenda with leaders stressing prevention, accessibility, and technology’s role in strained systems. These are the health topics that dominated the conversation at Davos."

23.01.2026

World is short of nearly a million midwives, report warns

The Guardian "Shortage raises rates of maternity intervention, while improving access to care could potentially save 4.3m lives a year, say experts."

23.01.2026

Not All Diseases Are Equal: How a World Economic Forum Report quietly reshaped the NCD agenda

Health Policy Watch "The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) latest report on acting early on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) signals more than urgency. It signals a shift in what counts. Beneath familiar calls for earlier action sits a quieter move: a re-ordering of NCD priorities themselves. Some diseases now sit firmly at the centre of the agenda. Others, no less prevalent or consequential, are absent or muted."

23.01.2026

Can digital public infrastructure reshape donor-reliant health system?

devex "Recent cuts to foreign aid have threatened to reverse decades of progress for Africa’s health sector, highlighting the urgent need for more sustainable, locally owned solutions. Digital public infrastructure, or DPI, could prove an essential component in this reimagining of health care across the continent — if done right, said experts. "Historically, many African countries have relied on external donors to fund digital health projects. But these were often discrete and lacked integration with other digital services, making them less effective than they could have been."an digital public infrastructure reshape donor-reliant health systems?

29. April 2026 – 9:30am - 4.00pm, Hotel Kreuz, Bern, Switzerland

Between Drought and Dignity: How Climate Change Threatens Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

MMS Conference: 29 April 2026 in Bern

Medicus Mundi Switzerland Climate change is not gender-neutral - and it is not rights-neutral. As the climate crisis accelerates, its impacts increasingly intersect with sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), deepening existing inequalities and creating new risks for girls, women, and marginalized populations worldwide.

22.01.2026

Gates and OpenAI Team Up to Pilot AI Solutions to African Healthcare Problems

Health Policy Watch "The Gates Foundation and OpenAI announced a $50 million “pilot” on Wednesday to “advance AI capabilities for health” in Africa. Horizon 1000 promises “funding, technology, and technical support” to roll out AI solutions to 1,000 African primary healthcare clinics by 2028."

19.01.2026

Most Vaccine Hesitancy can be Successfully Overcome, New Lancet Study Finds

Health Policy Watch "Fears over the side effects of COVID-19 jabs, which led to initial vaccine hesitancy, mostly gave way to acceptance in the course of the pandemic, with only a small minority remaining unvaccinated due to deep-seated mistrust, a new major study published in The Lancet finds."

16.01.2026

US Congressional Leaders Agree to $9.4 Billion for Global Health – Countering Trump Proposal for Deeper Cuts

Health Policy Watch "The $9.4 billion package agreed to by the US Senate and House Appropriations Committees, is more than double the $3.7 billion requested by the Trump Administration, and signals bipartisan support for maintaining significant global health aid – although the package still must be approved by both Senate and House, and could also be vetoed by president following passage."

16.01.2026

Cloth wraps treated with ‘dirt cheap’ insecticide cut malaria cases in babies

The Guardian "Soaking fabrics in a commonly used insect repellent is a simple and effective tool as mosquito bites become more common during daytime, study shows"

12.01.2026

Advancing detection of preeclampsia

Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute "Swiss TPH in partnership with MOMM Diagnostics, has been awarded a grant from the Gates Foundation to advance early and timely detection of preeclampsia – a leading cause of maternal and neonatal mortality worldwide."

15. January 2026 – online

Online Information Session: MBA in International Health Managment - Application

Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute "Unleash the full potential of your management and leadership skills in global health and shape the future landscape of health! Join the information session to explore how the flexible programme can support your career goals, meet the Study Directors, and ask your questions."

12.01.2026

“When the community comes together to create change”

Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute "In Rubavu, Rwanda, young people are taking the lead in improving community nutrition and health. Through the Nutrition in City Ecosystems (NICE) project, youth groups are helping families build kitchen gardens, promote healthy eating, and create new income opportunities. We spoke with Deo Ngoga Kalisa, Youth Coordinator for the Rubavu District, about how the NICE project inspires youth to take action and create real impact in their communities."

12.01.2026

Parents’ Activity Patterns Shape Children for Years, Cohort Data Show 06.01.2026

Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute "New long-term data reveal that parents who sit less and move more have children who are more active – and this influence persists for years. The study provides evidence on how parental activity patterns shape children’s movement behaviour over time and how the roles of mothers and fathers differ. The research was conducted by Swiss TPH and partners in the frame of the SOPHYA cohort. Results were published today in the Journal of Activity, Sedentary and Sleep Behaviors. Together with an earlier SOPHYA publication, the findings highlight the value of long-term cohort research in guiding public health policy."

12.01.2026

Scientists Achieve Landmark Breakthrough in the Fight Against Malaria

Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute "In a landmark study published in Nature today, scientists from the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) and the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in Tanzania, in partnership with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) and the Imperial College London as part of the Transmission Zero programme, have successfully developed genetically modified mosquitoes in Tanzania that block the transmission of malaria."

08.01.2026

FAIRMED provides emergency aid in Sri Lanka

Fairmed Severe flooding and landslides led to a nationwide state of emergency in Sri Lanka at the beginning of December. The death toll stands at more than 330. According to disaster control authorities, around 20,000 homes were completely destroyed, forcing more than 100,000 people to seek shelter in government emergency accommodation.

08.01.2026

‘We were sitting with our calculator saying “we can afford that!”’ Joy for families as cystic fibrosis drug prices fall within reach

The Guardian "The cost of medication was too high for thousands of CF sufferers around the world. Now a Bangladeshi company is making a generic version that will change lives."

08.01.2026

Ensuring Pandemic Financing for Middle-Income Countries

Project Syndicate "During the COVID-19 pandemic, middle-income countries struggled to invest in vaccines and other medical countermeasures. To avoid repeating the same mistake, policymakers from these countries must demand that multilateral development banks make at-risk financing available as soon as the next outbreak occurs."

08.01.2026

WHO validates Brazil for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV

World Health Organization "The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Brazil for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, making it the most populous country in the Americas to achieve this historic milestone. This accomplishment reflects Brazil’s long-standing commitment to universal and free access to health services through its Unified Health System (SUS), anchored in a strong primary health-care system and respect for human rights."

06.01.2026

UN human rights branch ‘in survival mode’ as funding dries up

Geneva Solutions "As the world celebrates Human Rights Day, the system meant to protect people’s rights worldwide is reeling from a funding crisis resulting in 300 job cuts, shrinking operations and leaving defenders on the ground exposed."

05.01.2026

A Model to Keep Multilateralism Alive

Project Syndicate As the world becomes more multipolar, geopolitical tensions are hampering efforts to devise common solutions to shared problems, and developments within many countries are threatening the institutions on which multilateralism depends. Mission-driven, public-private partnerships like Gavi may offer the only way forward.

05.01.2026

After cyclone Melissa: shelters built with Swiss support have helped protect hundreds of people in Haiti's south

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) "At the end of October 2025, Hurricane Melissa, one of the most destructive tropical storms ever recorded in the Atlantic, caused severe flooding and extensive damage to infrastructure in Haiti, Jamaica and Cuba."

05.01.2026

❝After a year of disruption, global health needs leaders with backbone"

Geneva Solutions "Funding shocks, political U-turns and weakened institutions have laid bare the flaws in a global health architecture long overdue for reform – and the need for courageous leadership to stop it from unravelling, writes Priti Patnaik, global health journalist and founder of the Geneva Health Files."

05.01.2026

US ‘adapt, shrink or die’ terms for $2bn aid pot will mean UN bowing down to Washington, say experts

The Guardian "Afghanistan and Yemen excluded from list of 17 priority countries chosen by Trump administration to receive aid laden with demands"

23.12.2025

WHO Global Summit charts a bold future for traditional medicine

World Health Organization "The second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, jointly organized with the Government of India, concluded today in New Delhi, marking a major milestone for global health as it drew over 16 000 online registrations and brought together 800 delegates from more than 100 countries, including ministers from over 20 nations. Combined with a strong line up of 160 speakers, the global traditional medicine community shared insights on how traditional medicine (TM) can strengthen health systems with more safe, evidence-based, and affordable care. "

22.12.2025

Global Health Workers Strengthen US National Security

Project Syndicate "The US government’s new global health strategy calls for shifting 270,000 frontline health-care workers from US-funded NGO programs to recipient government payrolls. But this could cause an exodus from the profession, undermining the disease-surveillance system and putting American lives at risk."

22.12.2025

UNAIDS board launches new process for transition amid sunset calls

devex "The working group will issue an interim report in June 2026, with final recommendations due by late October — a compromise between calls for a June decision and concerns about moving too quickly."

MMS Bulletin #175

December 2025

SRHR at a Crossroads: From Gender Backlash to Reclaiming Rights, Empowerment and Justice

Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) have been a central pillar of global health and sustainable development for decades, supported by the progress of the ICPD agenda. However, these achievements are coming under increasing pressure as the world finds itself in a phase of multiple crises from climate change and conflict to political polarization and digitally amplified disinformation. At the same time, growing anti-gender movements and regressive political action threaten the foundations of gender equality and reproductive rights that have been painstakingly built up. Against this backdrop, the question of how SRHR can be protected, expanded, and defended as indispensable human rights is more urgent than ever. In this bulletin, we explore these questions.

MMS Bulletin #175

December 2025

Maîtriser sa fertilité - une compétence libératrice

Le programme éducatif de planification familiale naturelle "Maternité Désirée" au Bénin

Là où la contraception médicalisée trouve une acceptation faible, la démographie reste galopante. C'est le cas en Afrique de l'ouest. À la recherche d'une méthode culturellement et socialement adaptée, le programme "Maternité Désirée" est développé au Bénin depuis 2013. Les formatrices répondent à l'appel des femmes rurales pour les informer sur le cycle menstruel et pour leur apprendre à identifier les jours fertiles. Les femmes et les couples deviennent autonomes en matière de gestion de la fertilité. Une évaluation d’impact conduite début 2025 a démontré un taux d'acceptation de 84% et une efficacité de 83%. Cette approche éducative apparaît comme alternative prometteuse répondant aux réalités locales, là où les méthodes artificielles sont moins accessibles ou acceptées.

MMS Bulletin #175

December 2025

Vom Erfolg zur Erosion: Die bröckelnde Basis sexueller und reproduktiver Rechte

Sexuelle und reproduktive Gesundheit im Wandel: Fortschritte, Bruchlinien und neue Herausforderungen

25 Jahre lang galt die sexuelle und reproduktive Gesundheit als globale Erfolgsgeschichte – sinkende Müttersterblichkeit, breiter Zugang zu HIV-Therapien, gestärkte Rechte. Doch dieser Fortschritt steht auf der Kippe, denn der Diskurs um Männlichkeit verschiebt sich gefährlich: In der „Mannosphäre“ entstehen toxische Männerbilder, die Gleichstellung als Bedrohung inszenieren und regressiven Ideologien Vorschub leisten. Was auf dem Spiel steht, ist nicht weniger als die Gesundheit, die Rechte und die gesellschaftliche Zukunft.

MMS Bulletin #175

December 2025

Lenacapavir en PrEP VIH : une opportunité majeure pour la santé sexuelle en Suisse

Avec son efficacité exceptionnelle et son administration semestrielle, le Lenacapavir à long effet d’action (LEN-LAI) représente une avancée majeure pour la prévention du VIH. Dans un contexte suisse où l’incidence ne baisse plus, où la majorité des nouvelles infections surviennent chez les HSH et/ou désormais à l’étranger et où la PrEP VIH orale reste insuffisamment déployée, cette innovation pourrait transformer la prévention. Mais son potentiel ne pourra être réalisé que si les obstacles structurels — prix, accessibilité, prise en charge, disponibilité territoriale — sont surmontés. Cet article explore les opportunités du Lenacapavir en PrEP VIH et les défis à relever pour garantir un accès équitable en Suisse.

MMS Bulletin #175

December 2025

Droits sexuels et reproductifs et inclusion : une approche équitable et sensible en République centrafricaine (RCA)

Une analyse des défis, des leviers et des perspectives pour garantir ces droits fondamentaux dans un contexte encore fragile.

En RCA, les droits sexuels et reproductifs sont essentiels pour la dignité humaine, mais fragilisés par des crises sécuritaires et des inégalités structurelles. Malgré la volonté de l’État et les engagements internationaux, les indicateurs restent alarmants : mortalité maternelle élevée, faible accès à la contraception et violences basées sur le genre. Pourtant, des opportunités existent pour inverser cette tendance en intégrant la santé sexuelle et reproductive dans les politiques publiques, les réponses humanitaires et les actions de développement. Cet article analyse les défis, les leviers et les perspectives pour garantir ces droits fondamentaux dans un contexte engagé mais encore fragile.

MMS Bulletin #175

December 2025

Reproductive injustice in the UK’s hostile environment

How anti-migrant policies create preventable crises for pregnant asylum seekers and undermine SRHR for all

"Pregnant asylum seekers are escaping reproductive injustices and gender-based oppressions in their home countries, but to what extent does the United Kingdom (UK) offer safe harbour? The hostile immigration environment has led to poor maternal and child health outcomes, though these preventable human rights abuses are often ignored. Currently, the UK press and politicians stoke fear of migrants, framing them as dangerous criminals and drains on social systems. Looking at the evidence, however, the real harms to all UK communities stem from years of austerity, neoliberalism, misogyny, and institutional racism. Scapegoating people seeking asylum is a xenophobic distraction; (re)building systems that uphold the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) of vulnerable migrants, would improve health outcomes for and protect the human rights of all. Together with asylum seekers in peer support circles, we have identified key barriers to maternal care and the most pressing areas for improving systems. "

MMS Bulletin #175

December 2025

Intersectional discrimination and SRHR: Why disability inclusion matters

An inclusive approach to SRHR at the intersection with disability

In the exercise of their rights, many people face intersecting factors of discrimination based on their gender, disability, race and other social statuses. Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are no exception. This intersectionality is significant in the case of women, girls, and gender diverse persons with disabilities as SRHR is the area where the impact of this intersectional discrimination is most conspicuous. Hence, the need for a disability-inclusive approach to SRHR.

MMS Bulletin #175

December 2025

Between progress and regression: The rise of anti-gender movements and their impact on SRHR

How we can reclaim Sexual and Reproductive Rights

Global progress on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) is coming under increasing pressure. Alongside crises such as climate change, conflict and economic uncertainty, an internationally networked anti-gender movement is forming that is working specifically to dismantle equality and protection mechanisms for women, girls and LGBTQI+ people. Its strategies range from restricting access to abortion and sex education to spreading disinformation.

18.12.2025

World leaders adopt a historic global declaration on noncommunicable diseases and mental health

World Health Organization Leaders from across the world at the Eightieth United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) have adopted the political declaration to combat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges through a fully integrated approach. This is the outcome of the intergovernmental negotiations in advance of and considered by the fourth high-level meeting of the UNGA on the prevention and control of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being, held on 25 September 2025.

18.12.2025

Malawi’s New Government Faces National Hunger, Dwindling Aid and Soaring Debt

Health Policy Watch "Just a few months into his new term, President Peter Mutharika is grappling with a triple crisis: a deep-seated food emergency, diminishing aid, and soaring debt. With over four million Malawians – 22% of the population – facing the threat of acute malnutrition until the next harvest in March, Mutharika last month declared a nationwide state of disaster."

18.12.2025

Countries adopt political declaration on diseases despite US pushback

devex "The U.S. sought to stop the adoption of the declaration via a procedural vote, but the appeal failed to secure the majority vote required, with only three countries — Argentina, Israel and U.S. — supporting it."

MMS Bulletin #175

December 2025

Frauen schützen – Istanbul-Konvention konsequent umsetzen

Was es braucht, um Femizide und häusliche Gewalt zu vermindern

Streit gibt es in jeder Familie. Doch es gibt Fälle, da eskaliert es. Wenn aus Diskussionen Gewalt entsteht, ist es Zeit zu handeln. Besonders betroffen von häuslicher Gewalt sind Frauen und Mädchen, dabei ist das eigene Zuhause für weibliche Personen oft eine Gefahrenzone. Hinter geschlechtsspezifischer Gewalt stecken patriarchale Machtstrukturen. Um Opfer zu schützen, braucht es rechtliche Massnahmen und ein klares Bekenntnis der Schweiz zur Istanbul-Konvention.

Introduction

From progress to pushback: The rising threat to gender rights

Defending sexual and reproductive rights in practice

MMS Bulletin #175

December 2025

Sexuelle Rechte unter Beschuss: Die neue Allianz gegen Selbstbestimmung

Wie religiöse Fundamentalisten, rechtsextreme Kräfte und autoritäre Regierungen gemeinsam die Menschenrechte, demokratische Institutionen und die internationale Ordnung untergraben

Die Angriffe auf sexuelle und reproduktive Rechte nehmen weltweit rasant zu und sie sind kein Zufallsprodukt einzelner Ereignisse. Vielmehr sind sie Ausdruck einer strategisch organisierten Anti-Gender-Bewegung, die längst nicht mehr nur aus konservativ-religiösen Akteuren besteht. Eine neue Allianz aus fundamentalistischen Gruppen, rechtsextremen Parteien und autoritären Regierungen treibt eine politische und gesellschaftliche Gegenrevolution voran, die weit über Fragen der Sexualität hinausreicht. Sexuelle Gesundheit Schweiz (SGCH) beobachtet diese Entwicklungen seit Jahren im Rahmen internationaler Partnerschaften und warnt: Die aktuellen Angriffe sind Teil eines breiten, transnationalen Projekts, das Menschenrechte, Demokratie und eine regelbasierte internationale Ordnung ins Wanken bringt.

MMS Bulletin #175

December 2025

The global pushback on gender equality

Women's rights under threat

Across the world, organised anti-gender movements are undermining progress on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and challenging democratic norms. In a recent podcast with Neil Datta the Executive Director and founder of the European Parliamentary Forum on Sexual and Reproductive Rights (EPF), he unpacks the strategies these groups use to exploit social anxieties, restrict rights, and influence political systems.

MMS Bulletin #175

December 2025

Cash, control & choice: Why billionaires are betting big on rolling back sexual and reproductive rights

The erosion of reproductive rights is a warning sign for democratic health

The erosion of SRHR across Europe is not accidental, it is financed, coordinated, and strategic. Anti‑gender actors have scaled up not just tactics, but structural and financial power: From Moscow to Washington, Brussels to Budapest, money is doing the heavy lifting in reshaping laws, policies, and public norms around gender, sexuality, and reproductive rights. Thirty years after governments pledged in Cairo to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (hereinafter SRHR), these rights are under threat. Anti‑gender movements, regressive laws and disinformation are reversing hard‑won gains, endangering the health and dignity of millions. Europe is no exception: new restrictions on abortion access, mounting stigma and direct attacks on reproductive rights health personal have created a hostile environment mostly for women, girls and gender‑diverse people. The erosion of reproductive rights becomes a barometer for wider social regression: when states allow abortion access to be narrowed, environmental regulation undermined or democratic oversight weakened, the same power dynamics are at play. Climate change, reproductive justice and democratic equity are interconnected: vulnerability to climate impacts overlaps with gender inequality; exclusion from reproductive healthcare overlaps with exclusion from climate‑adaptation resources. The implication is stark: the struggle for abortion rights, gender equality and bodily autonomy cannot be separated from the fight to tax the ultra‑wealthy, regulate corporate power, tackle climate breakdown and defend democratic public institutions. In short, defending SRHR is also defending democracy, equality and the planet.

11.12.2025

Rapid US health deals spark concerns over lack of public consultation

devex "Many are concerned that the State Department is signing these agreements with countries too fast and without public participation. The United States is on a rapid-fire quest to sign dozens of new bilateral health agreements with countries in the coming weeks. In the past week, it’s inked deals with Kenya, Rwanda, Liberia, and Uganda."

08.12.2025

More than Half the World’s Population Lacked Access to Basic Health Services in 2023

Health Policy Watch "Some 4.6 billion people, or more than half the world’s population, still lacked access to a basic package of essential health services in 2023, a new World Health Organization-World Bank report notes. And around 2.1 billion people faced financial hardship in getting vital health services. And at current rates, the world will fall far short of goals to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by the year 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, according to the 2025 UHC Global Monitoring Report, released on Saturday. "