Due to diverse globalization processes, epidemics such as Ebola and Zika but also other health phenomenon like antimicrobial resistance transcend national borders and spread rapidly across the globe. Demographic changes, the lack of qualified health staff and the unavailability of medicines are increasingly becoming global challenges. New strategies and approaches are needed to cope with them. SDC has therefore established the Global Programme Health (GPH) in order to influence and to participate in the global health policy dialogue.

The overall goal of the GPH is to improve the health status of poor and vulnerable people in low and lower middle-income countries by addressing specific global health risks. This is done by engaging in policy dialogue with numerous multilateral institutions (see below) as well as by supporting global initiatives within selected thematic fields. Specifically, the GPH aims to foster initiatives that develop innovative solutions for the health needs of vulnerable and poor people without adopting any specific geographical focus.

It, thus, aims to contribute to greater equity worldwide and to the gradual fulfillment of human rights for all, including the right to health. Through both avenues – policy work and programme support – the GPH strives to fulfil its mission, namely to influence agenda setting and shape policy formulation at the global level and to advocate the Swiss perspective.

The GPH complements SDC-supported bilateral programmes. As a relatively small donor agency, the SDC relies on strategic partnerships with other donors, international NGOs, the private sector and multilateral agencies for influencing policy and providing effective support to initiatives at the global level.