Michael Wirsching’s scientific contributions

Climate change is contributing to conflicts and fragile environments, and conflict can contribute to climate change and reduce climate resilience. Following a biopsychosocial systemic model, physical health, mental health and social well-being are equally threatened by conflict and climate impacts. https://www.globalhealthhub.de/fileadmin/general_documents/202412_Poster_GH_in_Conflict_Settings_-_Mental_Health.pdf

We, members of the Global Health Hub Germany, welcome the initiative from the Federal Government to address connections between the environment, climate change and health in a holistic way. We hope that this marks the beginning of a collaboration between both scientists and industry-experts as well as “experts-by-experience”, i.e., those affected by climate change and/or living with mental health concerns. In this policy brief, we focus on two central themes: 1. The climate crisis as also a crisis of mental health that requires transdisciplinary thinking and collaboration at all levels. 2. Examples of good practice exist both nationally and internationally that can guide the implementation of actions.

This policy brief aims to provide a comprehensive framework with key policy recommendations and actions that highlight the critical importance of addressing the health challenges faced by migrants and refugees in host countries. By addressing facilitators, barriers, frontline worker experiences, system integration, and specific healthcare needs, the brief aims to inform policymakers and other relevant stakeholders in Germany about the measures needed to ensure equitable and effective healthcare for this vulnerable population and the opportunities that migrants can offer to the host countries. There is a crucial need to address the disconnect between global policy on migration and individual national responses towards migrants and refugees. Displaced populations, particularly those in low-resource settings, grapple with specific health challenges that demand focused attention. Addressing their health needs is paramount for advancing global health outcomes. The imperative to acknowledge their distinct health concerns calls for strategic measures. There is a need to raise awareness about these challenges and foster tangible actions to mitigate them.

The Global Health and Migration Community was invited to submit a statement to the German Bundestag's Sub Committee on Global Health on shortages of the health workforce in Germany and its impact on global health dynamics. Sub Committee members appreciated the feedback, stating that the Community’s “in-depth analysis brought very valuable information to the policy debate". The Sub Committee is considering uploading the statement on the official website of the Bundestag.

For the first time since the foundation of the Global Health Hub Germany in 2019, the members voted on an overarching and crosscutting topic for 2022: mental Health and well-being. By choosing this topic, Community members aimed for a deeper understanding of the relevance of mental health for the work of various Hub Communities and to start a conversation on the cross-cutting topic of mental health and health system strengthening. The Communities include key stakeholders across the fields of academia, clinical practice, civil society, and private sector in Germany and therefore hold a unique and multifaceted perspective on the Global Health landscape in Germany. https://www.globalhealthhub.de/fileadmin/user_upload/20230511_GHHG_Policy_Brief_Mental_Health.pdf

This policy brief highlights the opportunities and challenges for human health in cities worldwide and formulates corresponding recommendations for action. Key messages are: 1) health promotion must be prioritised in urban planning and urban development, 2) each city must set its own priorities for improving urban health on the basis of a “city diagnosis”, 3) cities need an integrated health management oriented towards the guiding principle of structural prevention. The Hub Community “Global Urban Health” of the Global Health Hub Germany has identified “opportu­ nity spaces” and developed recommendations for action for city administrations, civil society, business, national governments, international organisations and research funders.