Other events

Every year some 17 million women in the world’s poorest countries deliver babies in health care facilities with inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), thereby increasing their risk of maternal sepsis. An event on the sidelines of the World Health Summit combined hard evidence with powerful storytelling to make the case for closing the WASH gap in health care facilities.

From 18 to 23 May 2026 representatives from all WHO Member States, multilateral and regional organisations, academia, civil society, NGOs, private sector and many more, congregated in Geneva for the 79th World Health Assembly – a week of formal negotiations, bilateral meetings, side events and discussion on global health concerns. This year’s theme was: “Reshaping global health: a shared responsibility”.

At WHA 2026 in Geneva, one message stood out: evidence alone is not enough. From adolescent health to maternal care and supply chains, discussions focused on turning proven solutions into financed, integrated action that truly reaches those most in need.

On the sidelines of the World Health Summit Regional Meeting in Nairobi, BMZ, GHA – German Health Alliance, and the German-African Business Association convened a high-level dialogue on the future of health cooperation in Africa. Representatives from governments, international organizations, and the African and European health sectors discussed how partnerships, investments, and local production can contribute to stronger and more resilient health systems. The event highlighted the healthcare industry’s growing role as a strategic partner in implementing BMZ’s reform agenda and fostering sustainable development.