The Value of Global Health

Against the backdrop of geopolitical fragmentation, fiscal consolidation pressures, and a changing political discourse, questions are increasingly being raised about the national benefits of Germany’s engagement in global health in particular and development cooperation more generally. This study addresses these questions without losing sight of the intrinsic value of health and the primacy of values-based action. Germany’s engagement in global health saves lives, strengthens health systems, and protects Germany itself from cross-border health risks. Its primary value lies less in short-term financial returns than in prevention, crisis avoidance, and the strengthening of health as a foundation for prosperity and societal resilience. Investments in global health help prevent macroeconomic damage, secure supply chains, and create export opportunities, particularly for Germany’s health sector. At the same time, the study shows that Germany has not yet fully realized this potential due to fragmented ministerial structures and a limited integration of development, economic, and innovation policies. International research cooperation in global health strengthens Germany’s research institutions, innovation capacity, and global visibility. Particularly valuable are long-term networks, trust-based partnerships, and opportunities for “reverse innovation.” However, these benefits can be quickly undermined by funding cuts and the loss of established cooperation structures. Global health engagement enhances Germany’s reputation, builds trust among partner countries, and strengthens its capacity to act in foreign and security policy. Especially at a time when other international actors are reducing their commitment, global health offers Germany an opportunity not merely to finance multilateralism but to actively shape it. Looking across individual dimensions of impact, the overall value of Germany’s engagement in global health appears greater than the sum of its parts. Its benefits are reflected in safeguarding the foundations upon which democratic and prosperous societies depend and in enabling people to live with dignity. The study was commissioned by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and conducted by the Charité Center for Global Health. Please note, to date the analysis is only available in German.