"Welcome Message" by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to today's MMS Symposium
Basel, 4 November 2020
MMS At today's symposium of the Network Medicus Mundi Switzerland on "health in the digital age", Federal Councillor Ignacio Cassis delivered a welcome message. In his video speech, the Swiss Foreign Minister emphasized both the potential of digital technologies to ensure access to health for all and the important role these technologies play in combating the current pandemic.
He also points out the dangers that digitization can bring to healthcare worldwide. To seize the opportunities, he said, the use of digital technologies in the health sector must be based on good governance, human rights and clear ethical principles. The Federal Council considers Switzerland well situated to play a responsible role internationally. In the Foreign Policy Strategy 2020-2023, digitalization is one of the four priority areas.
The Federal Councillor concludes with a commitment to a leading role for the country: "Switzerland has the potential to become a leading force for responsible development and implementation of digital health technologies - thanks to our inclusive democracy, our regulatory framework and the commitment of the stakeholders in our healthcare system".
World Health Organisation (WHO) "Digital tools are an increasingly popular approach to improving health worldwide – particularly among adolescents and young people, who are accessing the internet at earlier stages of life. Youth-centred digital health interventions is a new framework developed by WHO, HRP, UNESCO, UNICEF and UNFPA. It provides guidance on effective planning, development and implementation of digital solutions with and for young people to address the many health challenges they may face as they grow into adulthood."
Aidsfonds "In 2016, global community agreed to work together to end AIDS by 2030. United Nations Member States backed UNAIDS’ Fast-Track strategy to realise this vision. Key populations, such as gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with, transgender people, sex workers and people who inject drugs, were recognised as being central to achieving this ambitious goal. These marginalised communities continue to bear the brunt of the epidemic, prevented from seeking HIV services by stigma and criminalisation." (Photo: AIDS 2018/MMS)
Geneva Health Files "(...) Our story this week, takes a close look inside Gavi’s COVAX Facility - its governance structures and contracts with countries. Thorny issues of liability provisions and cost-sharing, especially with respect to low-income countries continue to be hashed out. Read on. In addition, we also try to understand why Remdesivir was prequalified a day before WHO announced the results of its Solidarity Trial, declaring its ineffectiveness in treating COVID-19. This was brought to our attention by one of our sources." (Photo: Jernej Furman/flickr; CC BY 2.0)
Devex "In a village in Kenya, women wait to fill their jerrycans. While 2 Kenyan shillings ($0.01) should be payment enough, oftentimes the men operating the informal pumps, boreholes, or kiosks demand a higher price. Sometimes, it’s not just money they’re after. In many households that lack access to safe, readily available water at home, the responsibility of visiting the nearest clean water facility often falls to women and girls. But experts warn that leaves them vulnerable to harassment, sexual assault, or abuse. (...) Such acts of sextortion — defined by the International Association of Women Judges as “the abuse of power to obtain a sexual benefit or advantage” — for access to water have been recorded in Kenya, South Africa, and Colombia. Experts believe the practice is widespread elsewhere, too." (Photo: UNICEF Ethiopia/flickrCC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Forgot your password?
New user?