by Kerstin Nothnagel, Postgraduate researcher and PhD student, Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol
I recently got back from an inspiring and transformative few days at the World Health Summit 2024 in Berlin! Held from October 13-15, the summit brought together over 350 speakers and thousands of participants from across the globe, all united under the theme of “Building Trust for a Healthier World.” The discussions were not only enriching but a crucial reminder of how connected we are in tackling some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.
From pandemic preparedness to climate change, health equity, and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, the topics covered were vast. But what truly set this summit apart was the focus on local, community-based primary care as a bottom-up solution to global health issues. Over and over, the message came through loud and clear: real progress happens at the community level. It’s the front line where access to high-quality essential health services can be delivered equitably, making community-driven healthcare not just an idea, but the foundation of a sustainable health system.
One of the most thought-provoking sessions was titled “Working Together to Accelerate Community-Based Primary Care,” where experts highlighted how empowering local communities can transform healthcare access. This shift away from top-down strategies toward bottom-up care is pivotal in reducing disparities and ensuring health equity for all. For me, this resonated deeply and reflects a growing global commitment to addressing health challenges where they are most urgent—on the ground.
But that wasn’t all. One of the major stars of this year’s summit was artificial intelligence (AI). Yes, AI in healthcare is no longer a futuristic dream—it’s here, and it’s transformative. AI was front and centre in many discussions, with experts showcasing how it’s revolutionising everything from diagnostics and treatment personalisation to data-driven decision-making. The potential of AI to create more efficient, connected, and accessible healthcare systems is, simply put, unprecedented.
A standout moment was hearing from John Quinn, Chief Information Officer of the NHS. He acknowledged that despite the resources of the NHS, it lags behind countries like Brazil and India in terms of digital healthcare implementation—a surprising realisation given the NHS’s size. These countries are leading the charge, showing how digital and AI technologies can modernize health systems, even in resource-limited settings.
The summit also featured inspiring talks from global health heavyweights like Olaf Scholz, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and John-Arne Røttingen of the Wellcome Trust. Particularly memorable were the insights from Alan Dangour and Richard Horton from The Lancet, who both underscored the need for long-term investments in health equity and sustainability, alongside embracing cutting-edge technology like AI to solve the world’s biggest health challenges.
Though it was a bit disappointing that the UK wasn’t represented in some of the key discussions on leveraging global health strategies, the event was nonetheless invaluable. I had the chance to engage with international researchers, clinicians, and policymakers, building connections with experts all working towards a healthier future. These collaborations are vital in pushing for common health goals and driving progress forward.
Key themes from WHS 2024 included:
- Financing Global Health Solutions: Turning pledges into real, actionable progress.
- Antimicrobial Resistance: Roadmaps for building future resilience.
- Women’s and Children’s Health: Empowering future generations through equitable care.
- Climate Change and Health: Developing pathways to health equity through climate action.
- Fostering Youth Leadership: Strengthening young voices for impact.
- Artificial Intelligence: Ushering in a new era in digital health innovation.
- Community-Based Primary Care: Accelerating access to high-quality, equitable health services.
In the end, the World Health Summit 2024 left me more inspired than ever to champion bottom-up, community-based healthcare and the growing role of AI in health. The challenges we face are significant, but with collaboration, innovation, and the determination to build trust, we can truly make a difference in the lives of people worldwide.
Let’s work together to harness the power of AI and community care to build a healthier, more equitable world for all!
