Themes & Resources

The health of individuals and communities depends on a multitude of economic, social, cultural and environmental factors. These factors are closely interlinked and require an integrated approach based on the inextricable link between human health and the health of the planet.

Switzerland views basic healthcare as a key requirement for economic and social development. It also considers the discrepancies in the provision of basic healthcare to be an unacceptable violation of fundamental human rights.

Switzerland works through specific programmes and its active participation in international organisations to improve sexual and reproductive health, promote sexual and reproductive health rights, and support the health of mothers, infants and young children.

Social protection seeks to protect people from social and economic risks across their life-cycle and therefore from poverty and vulnerability and ensure sustainable livelihoods.

Health systems’ resilience is necessary to prevent and efficiently respond to health shocks. Yet health systems in a large number of low- and middle-income countries suffer from a lack of investment and poor management of available resources, with services relying too heavily on external funding.

Global health governance has gained in importance during the last decade. This development is due to the impact of globalisation and the awareness that many health challenges can no longer be solved through domestic actions alone but need to be tackled jointly by the global health community and its various actors through a coherent system of governance.

The COVID-19 pandemic, the Ebola outbreak and the HIV epidemics, among others, highlighted the challenges of prevention preparedness and response of contagious diseases.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and mental health issues, are a serious global challenge for sustainable development. They are responsible for 74% of deaths globally, with 86% of premature deaths from NCDs occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Yet, resources for addressing NCDs are inversely proportional to the global burden of disease, and the fight against NCDs is largely neglected on the international cooperation agenda.

Below, you will find all essential documents provided by the SDC and the Swiss public administration. These resources offer guidance for partner countries, implementing partners, and SDC staff.