Topics / Medicus Mundi Switzerland

Corona and the international cooperation

The disease caused by the corona virus has spread all over the world, which is why the World Health Organisation has declared a pandemic. While medical care is already reaching the limits of its capacity in European countries, it will be impossible in the global south with similarly increasing numbers. In this folder we offer background information on the situation in resource-poor countries and political analyses of the consequences for global health. In addition we inform how our member organisations and their partner organisations are affected by the situation and how they deal with it. (Photo: Coronavirus/EpicTop10.com/flickr, CC BY 2.0)

Digital health

Digitalisation is changing international health cooperation and confronting health systems with major challenges, as well as with new opportunities and potentials. The MMS network accepts its responsibility and is actively involved in this subject area. Crucial questions include: Are digital health technologies being used responsibly and with a clear strategy? Who has access to these technologies and how can already existing iniquities be avoided?

Global Health and Switzerland

The right to health means every human being having the right to be born and grow up, to work and grow old without their health being jeopardized by human-influenced actions or by circumstances that humans can influence. This right has to be implemented and protected by individual nation states, but also by the international community. The Medicus Mundi Switzerland network is therefore dedicated to an active, solidarity-based health policy for Switzerland. (Photo by Mat Reding on Unsplash)

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

Strengthening sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), including issues concerning HIV/AIDS, is central for a sustainable improvement in the health situation of people in developing and emerging countries. Following the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo in 1994, international health cooperation has been focusing on strengthening the rights of women and girls and setting up and providing access to sexual and reproductive health facilities. Such measures also improve the situation of expectant mothers, newborn infants and children, and lay the foundations for the social and economic development of societies and the promotion of equality between men and women. (Photo: World Bank Photo Collection/flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Human Resources for Health: Global Shortage

Worldwide there is a shortage of health personnel. Especially developing countries are affected, where the health systems are already weak. The shortage is threatening the health of the poorest. (Photo: Direct Relief/flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Chronic diseases: The global epidemic

The WHO’s first “Global Status Report” defines noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer or diabetes as a “slow-motion catastrophe.” Newly industrialized and industrializing countries are the greatest victims of these noncommunicable diseases. 80% of deaths due to cardiovascular disorders, cancer or diabetes were recorded among the poor and under-privileged populations in developing and newly industrializing countries. (Photo by Mykenzie Johnson on Unsplash)

Implementation Research

Implementation research (IR) is a new approach in the practice of international health cooperation. It is the scientific inquiry into questions concerning the implementation of health related policies, programs, or interventions. Using methods of different disciplines, IR tries to understand and address barriers to effective implementation. Implementation Research demand-driven and research questions are framed based on needs identified together with relevant stakeholders and implementers in the health system.It clearly goes beyond scientists to include policy-makers, the media and community members. In order to strengthen implementation research within the Swiss organizations of international health cooperation, MMS coordinates a thematic platform of its member organizations.

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