Germany reaffirmed its support for the World Health Organization in a meeting on 3 November 2023, backing a global pandemic agreement and more flexible funding for WHO. Germany is the largest donor to WHO’s Contingency Fund for Emergencies.
Key points
- German officials met WHO leaders in Geneva on 3 November 2023; WHO reported the meeting on 8 November 2023.
- Germany urged countries to agree a pandemic agreement before the World Health Assembly in May 2024.
- Germany is the largest donor to WHO’s Contingency Fund for Emergencies and hosts the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin.
What Germany committed to
- Support for a pandemic agreement to improve how countries cooperate on emergencies, science, and research.
- Flexible, sustainable funding for WHO’s next work programme (2025–2028).
- Continued funding for the Contingency Fund for Emergencies, including €1 million for Libya and €3 million for Yemen emergency responses.
- Continued backing for the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin, launched in 2021.
The German delegation included UN Ambassador Dr Katharina Stasch, Ingo Behnel of the Federal Ministry of Health and Dr Gesa Miehe-Nordmeyer of the Federal Chancellery. They met WHO Assistant Director-General Dr Catharina Boehme, Emergencies Programme head Dr Michael Ryan and Chief Scientist Dr Jeremy Farrar.
What it means for nurses
- Pandemic preparedness depends on health workers: international agreements shape stockpiles, surveillance, and how staff are protected in the next emergency.
- Germany’s strong role in global health goes hand in hand with its active recruitment of international nurses.
Related on Nurses Notes
Sources
- Germany reaffirms its commitment to WHO and key health priorities, World Health Organization, 8 November 2023
This summary is for information only and does not replace official guidance or advice from a qualified professional.
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