Published on 5 August 2024

Health in Swiss International Cooperation

The overall goal of SDC’s cooperation in health is to improve population health with a special focus on poor and vulnerable groups. Improving the health status of populations provides opportunities for enhanced livelihoods and well-being and, thus, reduces poverty and vulnerability. SDC’s humanitarian and development cooperation is channelled through a mix of bilateral, multilateral, and global cooperation efforts. The agency supports its partners to move beyond project-based approaches towards a coordinated programme and sector approach promoting ownership. SDC systematically fosters the participation of its partners in national, regional, and international debates and exchanges.

Project Map

On the map below, you find an overview of health projects supported by SDC.

SDC's Engagement in the Health Sector

Global Level

At a global level, SDC supports and interacts with numerous multilateral institutions and global health initiatives, as well as international NGOs, research centres for development, and public-private partnerships. SDC aims to strengthen the coherence and impact of Swiss engagement in international health and to actively engage in the global health policy dialogue.

Bilateral development cooperation

At regional and national levels, SDC actively coordinates and promotes synergies with all development actors – from bilateral and multilateral development agencies, the public and private sector to civil society.

Humanitarian cooperation

In the context of emergencies and disasters, SDC’s humanitarian aid in the health sector complements its development cooperation. It is either short-term, with an emphasis on saving as many lives as possible in a short amount of time, or medium- to long-term, with the aim of promoting sustainability through a relief-to-development continuum.