Future-Proofing Global Health Research in Times of Geopolitical Shifts

Navigating Geopolitical Challenges

• ⚠️ Global health research faces turbulent times due to rising polarization, populism, protectionism, and plummeting spending.
• 💡 This crisis presents an opportunity for change and adaptation, moving beyond what was described as a "golden age" of global health funding.
• 📈 Significant positive changes have occurred since 2000, with centers of excellence emerging globally, including in Africa, transforming the research landscape.

Reimagining Global Health Research Systems

• 🎯 Key vulnerabilities include dependency on external funding, a lack of equity in agenda setting, and insufficient local investment in research.
• 🔑 The goal is to rebuild a resilient system capable of withstanding shocks, emphasizing trust, networks, partnerships, and shared purpose.
• 🌱 Lessons from COVID-19 highlight the value of established infrastructure and human resources in national responses, and the resilience of neglected tropical diseases research integrated into national health systems.

Shifting Power and Funding Dynamics

• 🌍 A fundamental shift towards plural leadership is needed, ensuring diverse voices are heard in setting global priorities and co-authoring agendas.
• 💰 Diversifying financing is crucial, with increased focus on domestic funding (national budgets, private sector, philanthropy) to reduce reliance on external sources.
• 🧠 A mindset shift is required for mutual learning and co-development, recognizing that expertise and innovation can flow in all directions, not just North to South.

Prioritizing Local Needs and Innovation

• ✅ There's an opportunity for African universities to define their own research priorities, moving away from externally driven calls.
• 💡 Emphasis should be placed on low-cost research in primary healthcare and prevention to achieve universal health coverage and health for all.
• 🗣️ Researchers must engage in the political space, advocating for research funding and demonstrating its value proposition to policymakers in an understandable way.

Germany's Role and Future Directions

• 🇩🇪 Germany aims to be a reliable partner in global health research, maintaining funding levels and evaluating investments for maximum impact.
• 🚀 There's a call for Germany and Europe to consolidate and not reduce support for global health international cooperation, particularly for impactful research and initiatives like EDCTP.
• 🤝 African stakeholders request co-creation of solutions with African universities and support for research that directly impacts primary healthcare.