Newsletter November 2023

Join us at the European Congress on Global Health

Wemos will be in full presence at the European Congress on Global Health (ECTMIH 2023), themed 'Shaping the future of equitable and sustainable planetary health'. We will host exciting sessions - and a thought-provoking game! - covering crucial global health topics, from financial justice to sexual and reproductive rights, and fair recruitment practices for international health workers. In Utrecht (the Netherlands), from 19-23 November.

Our assessment of the new text of the Pandemic Accord

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) started a process for a new international instrument to be better prepared to prevent and respond to future pandemics. On 30 October 2023, the latest proposal for the negotiating text was released. In our opinion, it is promising for access to medicines, but concerning when it comes to adequate financing. We outlined our recommendations that WHO member states should consider in the next negotiations.

CPHIA side event: advancing vaccine manufacturing in Africa

Afya na Haki and Wemos warmly invite you to our side event during the International Conference On Public Health In Africa (CPHIA 2023), where we will reflect on how to ensure that regional production of health products meets the needs and demands of the Eastern and Southern African region. At the side event, experts discuss the pros and cons of existing and emerging manufacturing initiatives in the region. You are welcome to join the discussion.

On 23 November 2023 (Thursday), at 12:00-13:30 CAT, via Zoom.

WHO EURO: stop international competition for health workers

WHO EURO member states should cease the international competition for health workers and work together to improve working conditions for health workers, so they can deliver the best possible healthcare for all European citizens. This was the main message of our joint statement with other non-state actors that our global health advocate Corinne Hinlopen delivered at the 73rd session of WHO EURO in Astana, Kazakhstan on 26 October.

Insights from UN General Assembly high-level meetings

The UN General Assembly adopted three political declarations: one on universal health coverage, one on pandemic preparedness, prevention and response, and one on tuberculosis. In two insightful articles, we delved into the content and process surrounding these political declarations, our engagement as civil society, and a behind-the-scenes look at the high-level meeting on universal health coverage.

Campaign ahead of Dutch elections: 'Vote for justice'

Together with more than 50 civil society organizations, we launched the election campaign 'Choose a different climate. Vote for justice.' We believe our new political leaders should take humanity and justice as their starting point when making choices that impact people in and outside the Netherlands.

Election debate on sexual and reproductive health rights

Wemos co-organized the Dutch election debate on sexual and reproductive health rights together with partners of the SRHR+ platform and several southern partners, including Wemos’ partner Akina Mama wa Afrika. The debate delved into how candidate members of parliament will engage at home and abroad to protect sexual and reproductive rights and health.