Latest content: Health

Blog by Janneth Mghamba, Health Adviser and Emily Gilmour, Health Officer  

The Commonwealth Advisory Committee on Health (CACH) has proposed a range of priority areas for health ministers to consider at the 36th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting in May this year, which will be held in the margins of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.

Officials attending the inaugural meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Procurement Network (HOPN) have underscored the importance of supporting countries to secure essential vaccines, medicines, and other health products.

A Commonwealth association representing health professionals and activists is encouraging health ministers to seriously consider their six-point plan to improve healthcare systems as they meet at the upcoming Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting (CHMM).

Stakeholders from across the Commonwealth shared inspiring and compelling messages calling for increased screening, vaccination, and heightened awareness to reduce the burden of cervical cancer.

Delegates at a two-day Commonwealth conference have outlined strategies and actions to achieve true equity and inclusion for all persons with disabilities.

The Commonwealth Secretariat has launched a new framework that offers governments a practical guide to addressing the rising burden of cancers and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

A high-level event on the intersection of climate change and mental health has considered how policymakers can best address the needs of vulnerable people, especially vulnerable women.

As the role of digital technologies becomes more critical in healthcare delivery, Seychelles has joined the list of countries seeking to assess their digital readiness using the digital health maturity assessment tool, a resource developed in partnership between the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Commonwealth Centre for Digital Health (CWCDH), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Guest blog by Salome Mosha and Gideon Gachihi, Commonwealth youth leaders and mental health advocates.

Last week’s UN High Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) provided an opportunity for leaders to rekindle their political commitments to achieving UHC, with a view to scaling up global efforts. But what does this mean for the Commonwealth, and where should efforts be prioritised?

This week from 5th- 7th July 2023, the Government of Zambia’s Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Commonwealth Centre for Digital Health (CWCDH), and the World Health Organization (WHO), is hosting a 3-day workshop under the Commonwealth Technical Country Support Programme on Enhancing Digital Health Maturity.

Speaking at an event in Trinidad and Tobago aimed at tackling male violence, especially young men, The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, KC, has called for societies to “act together” to reverse the tide of violence amongst men.

Youth leaders from across the Commonwealth have addressed Health Ministers at an intergenerational dialogue on youth mental health held in the margins of the 76th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.

Commonwealth Health Ministers and Heads of Delegation have reaffirmed their commitment to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and ensuring the most vulnerable and marginalised have equal access to health services across the 56 member countries by 2030.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, and Health Ministers from across the Commonwealth are set to meet in Geneva on Saturday, 20 May 2023, to forge a path forward on accelerating efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), during the 35th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting (CHMM).

Spouses and partners of Commonwealth Heads of Government have pledged to champion advocacy and action on eliminating cervical cancer in their countries.

After several years of online meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, last week, members of the Commonwealth Advisory Committee on Health (CACH) met in person for the first time since 2019 to discuss and advance key areas of health priorities ahead of the 35th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting (CHMM) next month.

Baroness Scotland calls for innovative finance mechanisms to close fiscal space on health in national economies.

A spirited debate, delivered by passionate sports and health experts, inspired powerful conversations among the audience gathered at Marlborough House, the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat, and those gathered online.