Helmholtz Association and Gates Foundation sign Letter of Intent to collaborate on Global Health Research and Development
Berlin, 14 October 2024 – The Helmholtz Association and the Gates Foundation today signed a Letter of Intent in Berlin to strengthen collaboration in global health research and development. The aim of the collaboration is to reduce global inequalities in the health sector. To this end, new tools and strategies are to be developed to effectively combat the greatest health threats.
The cooperation is initially planned for a period of five years and is based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Sustainable Development Goal 3 around “Good health and well-being.“ During this time, both organizations plan to meet annually to assess progress, develop new strategies and identify possible further areas of cooperation. They also intend to coordinate their activities, pool resources and promote the exchange of knowledge in order to make efficient use of the latest scientific findings.
“Through this partnership, we are joining forces with one of the world’s leading philanthropic organizations in the field of health,” said Otmar Wiestler, President of the Helmholtz Association. “Our common goal is to significantly accelerate the pace of innovation in global health through cutting-edge research and the promotion of international collaborations, thereby improving the quality of life of millions of people around the world.”
“The Gates Foundation and the Helmholtz Association have a shared commitment to improve global health equity,” said Trevor Mundel, President of Global Health at the Gates Foundation. “By working together, we create more opportunities to accelerate progress against some of the greatest health challenges facing the world’s most vulnerable people.”
Detecting diseases in good time, treating them early or even preventing them – that is the goal of Helmholtz Health. This work is carried out at six Helmholtz Centers throughout Germany and focuses on research into cancer, metabolic, cardiovascular, infectious and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, Helmholtz Health conducts research into systems medicine and the question of how environmental influences affect human health. Together with partners from university medicine, biotechnology and industry, Helmholtz Health contributes to the transfer of research results into clinical practice.
