The weekly International Health Policies (IHP) newsletter is an initiative of the Health Policy unit at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium.

Dear Readers,

This week we travelled to Berlin to attend the World Health Summit 2023. Sandwiched between the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly and its three high-level meetings on health and the forthcoming COP 28, the agenda reflected its theme, ‘A defining year for global health action’.

The agenda of the WHS seemed like a debriefing of meetings past and set the stage for health issues at meetings of the future (i.e., COP 28, ongoing negotiations re PPPR (e.g., Pandemic Accord), EB & WHA meeting next year…  ). Ismael covers the proceedings in his feature article. I was pleasantly surprised to see the heterogeneity of attendees and participants beneath the dark blazers. The three days delivered some interesting discussions and excellent panels, including panels which visibly had more women (and women in leadership positions). It was reassuring to hear stories from the field from people themselves – community health workers, survivors, NGO representatives. Discussions touched upon the chronic challenges facing global health from health worker shortages, to delivering quality care in low-resource settings, to newer challenges such as ensuring an interest in funding R&D for new generations of antimicrobials. What was, however, missing were the discussions we didn’t have. As we talked about the need to improve the health of women and children, many wondered which women and whose children. In an increasingly uncertain world, how do we ensure a kinder and liveable world for everyone?

Keeping this introduction short, even if there is much to say. The second half of 2023 has been quite eventful already. Your regular editor will be back next week!

Enjoy your reading!

The editorial team