Ambassador Wilhelm von Trott attended the World Health Summit in Berlin. In one of the side events, Malteser International had invited international experts for a Workshop About W.A.S.H.

“A Health Facility without safe water and hygiene is not a Health Facility”, stated Dr. Maria Neira (WHO), moderating the panel Malteser International organized at this weekend’s World Health Summit in Berlin together with WaterAid. We were proud to collaborate with WaterAid in a vital discussion on WASH in healthcare facilities (HCF) and its role in preventing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The session brought together 30 key stakeholders from donor organizations, the WHO, universities, and NGOs to explore community-based approaches, regulations, and training for healthcare workers.

Key takeaways: A WaterAid study shows that WASH in HCF can provide cost-effective disease and AMR prevention.  Malteser International and WaterAid demonstrated effective on-the-ground solutions. Communities, often co-managing HCFs, can take the lead if awareness is strengthened.  AMR is a global issue, affecting both low- and high-income countries, but the risk is much higher in Africa due to poor health systems. Behavior change in general, as well as training of clinicians in WASH is essential and in need of new approaches.

We are proud to be part of this innovative network with World Health Organization, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, KfW, Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ) and the German WASH Network. Together, we can achieve sustainable health outcomes through a One Health approach, benefitting both people and the planet.

Thank you Malteser International for having organized this important exchange of experiences and ideas – a most welcome occasion for networking with the international health experts and decision makers.