At the Center for Global Health (CGH) TUM we are actively engaged in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here, we keep you updated with our work.

Updated: 01.02.2022

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Policy Brief: Pandemic Treaty

The Covid-19 pandemic has shown the importance of sustainable epidemic/pandemic preparedness for the prevention of emerging infectious diseases. In particular, it has highlighted the crucial role of the One Health (OH) approach in pandemic prevention. The Policy Brief “One Health as a pillar for a transformative pandemic treaty” commissioned by the Graduate Institute Geneva and authored by Prof. Andrea Winkler, co-director Center for Global, TUM, together with colleagues from Canada, Norway, and Ghana, presents the rationale for integrating a OH approach in a pandemic treaty as discussed at a special session of the World Health Assembly in November 2021. Based on a rapid review of relevant international treaties, agreements, declarations and universally accepted principles, the policy brief provides explanations on the central role that an equity-oriented OH approach can play in pandemic prevention and preparedness. As a final remark, the authors provide recommendations for the integration of a One Health approach into a prospective pandemic treaty.

To read up on the policy brief for pandemic treaty, click here.

Click here to view the World Health Assembly Special Session.

 

Public Engagement

New Release: Planetary Health

Life cycles and transmission of many infectious diseases are inseparably linked to climate, and in a globalized world we are also affected by infectious diseases that are not endemic in Europe. It is not clear yet if this trend can be halted in the near future, unless systemic, socio-economic changes are rapidly intiated by policy makers.

In our chapter "Infectology", we dive deeper into the impact of the climate crisis on infectious diseases, especially with a focus on Europe.

In our chapeter "Neurology" we dive deeper into the impact of the climate crisis on brain health.

Now available with a 10€ discount here

 

 

 

COVID-19 Associated Headache - Webinar - August 4, 2021, 5 pm (CEST)

As headaches are the most common COVID-19-associated neurological symptom, the need for further study and research is increasing. To learn, discuss, and educate about Covid-19-associated headaches, the Global Migraine and Pain Society, in collaboration with the Global COVID-19 Research Coalition, has organized a webinar featuring international experts. Prof. Andrea S Winkler will give the opening speech of the webinar, which will be moderated by Betül Baykan and Paolo Marteletti. During the webinar, there will be nine different presentations on topics including research challenges, characteristics, and phenotypes of COVID-19-associated headache as well as Long-COVID headache and much more. Case discussions and project proposals on the topic will finish up the event.

Find the Registration here!

Domestic violence in times of Corona - a balance sheet? - Workshop

July 22, 2021, 4-5.30 pm (CEST)

To what extent does concern about job loss and the associated financial burden increase intra-family tensions? The record of collateral damage from the measures taken to contain the pandemic includes the rise in domestic violence, which mainly affects women and children. In addition to the reported cases, the suspected number of unreported cases is to be much higher. Often, those affected are unable to take advantage of available support systems or were not aware of them. This Workshop by Women in Global Health Germany, Prof. Janina Steinert (TUM) and Dr. med. Saskia Etzold (Charité Berlin) will discuss the background and possible solutions concerning this problem. The workshop is conceptualized and organized by Prof. Andrea S. Winkler (Center for Global Health TUM, Department of Neurology) and Dr. Martina Kloepfer (Institut für Gender-Gesundheit e.V.). The workshop will be in German. 

Register until 18.07.21 HERE

 

11th Edition of the COVID-19 Lectures Series by TUM:

Neuro-COVID and Post-COVID: Acute and Chronic Effects on the Neural System 

In the COVID-19 lecture from July 7, 2021, Prof. Andrea S Winkler and Prof. Paul Lingor from the Department of Neurology at the Klinikum Rechts der Isar presented insights into acute and chronic effects of COVID-19 on the neural system. In the lecture, moderated by Prof. Marion Kiechle, they discussed what is already known about the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the nervous system and presented evidence for the occurrence of chronic neurological symptoms after surviving an infection with the virus. Additionally, Prof. Winkler and Prof. Lingor presented research approaches that are currently being pursued to better understand these important COVID-19 related complications.

Watch the recording here!

 

 

10th Edition of the COVID-19 Lectures Series by TUM:

Why is there Glory in Prevention?

Protecting patients and employees from infections with SARS-CoV2 was and is a challenging task that had to be solved in an interdisciplinary manner. Infection prevention and hygiene have moved into the spotlight as central control points in the clinics. In addition to protective equipment and training for employees, spatial and organizational structures had to be created to prevent virus transmissions. Prof. Prazeres da Costa and Dr. Wantia discuss the various current protective measures against the historical background of the Spanish flu and the 2003 SARS pandemic, and provide insights into everyday clinical practice and its challenges, especially at the beginning of the pandemic. Good protection concepts with effective resource management and contact tracing allow all staff to work safely.

 

Visit this page to attend the lecture! 

 

 

TUM Global Week by the Technical University Munich: July 5 – 9 2021

Covering a large variety of global topics, the TUM Global Week offers events with experts open for everyone to join and participate. Prof. Andrea S Winkler and Prof. Clarissa Prazeres da Costa (co-founders of the Center for Global Health TUM) took part in the event with experts on the topic of "Global Health and Latin-America" on July 6th. The event focused on the dynamics in the area of Global Health and the potential of research and teaching in Latin America as well as region-specific funding opportunities. Hands-on insights into research activities in the field of global health were presented by researchers from the TUM (TUM Center for Global Health & Professorship for Global Health) and TUM’s Brazilian partner, the São Paulo State University (UNESP).

 

 

For more information click here

 

Intertwined - Diseases of Man and Beast and their Impact on Lives and Livelihoods (WHO Webinar Series)

We celebrated World Zoonoses Day on July 6, 2021, to raise awareness about zoonoses worldwide. In support of this day, Prof. Andrea S Winkler took part in the webinar “Intertwined - Diseases of Man and Beast and their Impact on Lives and Livelihoods“. This webinar is part of the LearningSavesLives webinar series by the World Health Organization (WHO), which invited a global panel of experts and practitioners to discuss the impact of zoonotic diseases on our lives, health, and livelihoods, as well as how to build the capacity and systems to address the impact of zoonotic diseases. The objectives of the webinar were to present a common definition of zoonoses, to discuss the correlation to One Health and how zoonoses can be considered within a One Health approach. In addition, experts discussed what needs to be done to effectively address zoonoses. With more than 4000 people registered and 800 participants, the webinar attracted the attention of many interested participants.

The recorded webinar is available to stream on YouTube, click HERE to watch it!

May COVID19 - Neuro Clinical Exchange

To promote discussions on neurological health care in terms of COVID-19, clinicians located all over the world share their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic within the Clinical Exchange. 

On May 18th 2021, the experts focus on Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT) in the context of COVID-19 vaccinations. Prof. Andrea Winkler hosts an interactive talk with David García-Azorín (Spain), Prof. Hoo Fan Kee (Malaysia), and M. Netravathi (India) to discuss their experiences on CVT related to COVID-19 vaccines. The discussion includes aspects of diagnosis of VITT- CVST, risks of CVST in COVID-19 associated with vaccination, current evidence on management of VITT-CVST, suspected underlying mechanisms and the impact on vaccination programs in LMICs. 

This special series of expert discussions are co-organized by The Global Health Network and World Health Organization (WHO) Neurology & COVID-19 Global Forum and include different topics related to COVID-19.

Register Here

Or find out more here

 

Webinar Series: Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa

This special series of webinars is organized by the Benin Society of Immunology (SIB) in collaboration with the team of Prof. Clarissa Prazeres da Costa at the CGH. The webinars focus on various scientific aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic with a spotlight on sub-Saharan Africa.

In the second installment of the webinar series, Prof. Tomabu Adjobimey (SIB) and Prof. Prazeres da Costa (CGH) hosted experts to discuss opportunities and challenges for the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in Africa. Our keynote speaker, Prof. Don J. Diamond (USA) presented promising potential of his sMVA vaccine candidate against variants of concern in humans. An interactive Q&A session highlighted the impact of co-present pathogens on vaccine efficacy, vaccine hesitancy, and alternatives to vaccines; the role of manufacturing capacities and the impact of patent waivers in facilitating largescale vaccination.

Find the flyer here

 

The first installment of the webinar series focused on the immunological aspects of COVID-19 in relation to the ‘African paradox’. Prof. da Costa shared her experiences as a member of the COVID-19 taskforce at the Klinikum Rechts-der-Isar (TUM). The interactive webinar concluded with stimulating discussions between all the participants enlivening questions from scientists and experts from all over the world.

Find the flyer here

 

Eighth Virtual Inconception Meeting on Maternal Newborn & Child Health (MNCH)

On the 31st March, Prof. Prazeres da Costa presents on the  "Challenges for Women's Health in Sub-Sahara Africa: A Life course Approach" as part of the 8th virtual inception meeting on MNCH. Her guest lecture contributes to the scheme "Grand Challenges Africa" which has been initiated by the African Academy of Sciences to address and significantly impact major health problems in Africa. To tackle the scientific roots of this issue, GC Africa promotes Africa-led scientific innovations to help countries better achieve the SDGs by awarding seed and full grants to the continent's most impressive solutions.

Global Health Conference: Strengthening the role of the EU in the context of Global Health

Global health knows no borders. No country is safe until every country is safe. Dealing with this global challenge calls for a holistic, inclusive and coordinated strategy. In addition, COVID-19 has shown the importance of global solidarity in the response to common threats and the growing health diplomacy in the multilateral system. As Germany is handing the presidency of the European Council over to Portugal, the portuguese Ministry for Health is organising this exciting conference on Global Health. The central issues covered are Global Health diplomacy, leadership in the plan for universal health coverage and the impact of climate change on health.

In this context Prof. Andrea Winkler is leading the session on the Impact of Climate Change on zoonotic vector borne-diseases. This event is happening on the 25th of march 2021.

Find out more here & here

Annual Meeting of the German Society for Parasitology

Professor Winkler is one of the keynote speakers at the annual meeting of the German Society for Parasitology. She and State Secretary Dr. Maria Flachsbarth (BMZ) will talked about the latest developments concerning One Health within the field of parasitology. This year’s focus was on combating neglected tropical parasitic diseases under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), helminth immunology, drug development and One Health approaches. The Annual Meeting happened digitally from the 15th to the 17th of march. 

Prof. Clarissa Prazeres da Costa, and her group held key presentations on translational aspects of the laboratory and field research she is leading on novel diagnostics, drug development and understanding the immunological aspects of important neglected tropical diseases (e.g. schistosomiasis, neurocysticercosis), targeted by the WHO new roadmap 2020-2030 for control/elimination and SDG achievement.    

Find out more here

Women in Global Health Netzwerktreffen

During the 4. Networkmeeting of Women in Global Health Germany Prof. Winkler, Dr. Assia Brandrup, Dr. Bernadette Ateghang and Dr. Claudia Hanson will talked about COVID-19, One Health and vulnerable Groups.

Learn more about WGH here

 

TUM COVID19 Lecture Series

Researchers of TUM and MRI have been invited to give lectures about their work related to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Moderated by Prof. Marion Kiechle, our Co-directors represented the global health perspective on COVID-19. With guests Faith Osier, Fabian Leendertz and John Amuasi, we discuss how global health is implemented in COVID-19 measures and gain insights into COVID-19 developments in the Global South.

Watch the TUM Lecture Series on YouTube here

Mask-Alliance Bavaria: New partners advance the alliance

High quality and effectiveness of protective masks, particularly those for medical personnel, are indispensable prerequisites to provide protection from airborne infections and thereby contribute to containing the current corona pandemic.The Bavarian Mask-Alliance (Maskenverbund Bayern) is working on development of more effective, safe and sustainable face masks. Our Co-director, Prof. Prazeres da Costa will join the Alliance and contribute her comprehensive expertise to this effort to contain the ongoing pandemic. Insights obtained from this cooperation could also be applied to protective masks for children or to a second generation of simpler mouth-nose-protection masks.

Learn more about the Mask-Alliance Bavaria here

and read about new developments here

 

Webinar „Back to Normal? Social Justice and the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease in the COVID Era“ -  December 7, 2020 at 18 00 - 20 00 CET

The most disadvantaged in our society have been most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and they bear the greatest health, social, and economic burden. This is especially true of women and children. The health crisis has highlighted and exacerbated underlying gender, ethnic and socioeconomic inequalities within our societies. In this webinar we will focus on social justice arguments and possible ways to address health and social inequalities exposed by COVID-19. In particular, we seek to put critical social science analyses into conversation with Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) research.

 

Join us as our Co-director Prof. Prazeres da Costa explores the question of what the new normal should look like within a framework of health and social justice.

 

Watch the recoring of the webinar here

World Health Summit 2020 - Pandemics and Operationalizing One Health

The World Health Summit 2020 took place from 25-27 of October in Berlin and for the first time the event was fully digitalised and available to everyone for free. All 50 keynote sessions, panel discussions and workshops were broadcast live via Zoom and are now individually available on Youtube.

Prof. Andrea Winkler, in her role as Co-Chair of The Lancet One Health Commission hosted two sessions on Monday. She chaired the session on Pandemics and Operationalizing One Health together with Dr. John Amuasi (Co-Chair, The Lancet One Health Commission). Panellists included Dr. Maria Flachsbarth (Parliamentary State Secretary, BMZ), Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare (Presidential Advisor on Health, Ghana), Dr. Camilla Stoltenberg (Director General, Norwegian Institute of Public Health) and Jean Scheftsik de Szolnok (Head Animal Health Unit, Boehringer Ingelheim). The session focused on the Global Action Plan (GAP) for Sustainable Development Goal 3 and how the One Health Approach could catalyse the paradigm shift that the GAP demands in order to accelerate progress towards SDG 3. Further, the panel explored the added value of One Health and how One Health could be operationalised in the fight against pandemics, such as COVID-19.

Watch it here

 

World Health Summit 2020 - Climate Change and One Health - Critical Action for a Sustainable Planet

The second session entitled Climate Change and One Health – Critical Action for a Sustainable Planet with Dr. John Amuasi (Co-Chair, The Lancet One Health Commission), Prof. Dr. Tony Capon (Director, Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Australia, Prof. Dr. Sabine Gabrysch (Professor for Climate Change and Health, Charité Berlin), Dr. Benjamin Roche (Research Director, Infectious Diseases and Vectors, IRD, France) discussed climate change from a One Health and Planetary Health perspective and used different example such as urban health, infectious diseases and food security to illustrate the relevance of a One Health approach to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Watch it here

 

Webinar - Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pregnancy, Birth and Sexual & Reproductive Health and Rights

The Women in Global Health (WGH) Germany COVID-19 Task Force along with WGH Somalia co-hosted a webinar on the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the daily work of midwives and obstetricians as well as on the general health care services in both countries. This transformative exchange brought together experts from Germany and Africa to highlight the common challenges faced by healthcare workers in both countries as well as the difficulties of access and availability of key healthcare services. 

 

              

 

Watch it here 

Read it here

Register for future webinars here (Link to follow)

This is first in a series of webinars organized by The Women in Global Health Germany COVID-19 Task Force.
 

Webinar - The “Triple Dividend”: Investing in Gender Equality within the Global Health Workforce

Prof. Andrea Winkler (Founding Director, WGH Norway, Advisor to and Member of WGH Germany) and Prof. Clarissa Prazeres da Costa (Member of WGH Germany) have inspired the establishment of a COVID-19 Task Force across both networks and are, along with the team at CGH, active members of Women in Global Health Germany.
 

Webinar - The Lancet One Health Commission Webinars

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, The Lancet One Health Commission has conducted a webinar series under the title One Health – Reconnecting for Our Future, covering topics such as the importance of a One Health perspective during pandemics as well as its importance for health security in the future, and which challenges and opportunities young professionals should expect in the field of One Health.

You can register for future webinars here 

 

               

 

Or watch the previous ones here

 

Prof. Andrea Winkler, as co-chair of The Lancet One Health Commission together with Dr. John Amuasi (KCCR, Kumasi, Ghana) is advising the German Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) on their potential One Health approach.

 

 

Virtual Discussion - LET ME…talk about it @TUM