Outline:
What are the key issues in global health this year? We contacted specialists to emphasize the areas that are expected to be the main focus, and the subjects that are likely to be central in 2026.
Changes in global health leadership, along with concerns about climate change and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, will influence policies, spark discussions, and define who takes the lead in global conversations.
Who is the main player in global health?
The global health sector experienced a significant setback last year following the announcement by the United States’ Donald Trump administration of substantial reductions in humanitarian and development assistance.
Since that time, many nations have taken similar actions, changing their focus and restricting funding forinternational health programmes.
Recent funding halts for global health programs are causing obstacles to progress, and the impact might last until 2026 if the uncertainty remains,” said Anja Langenbucher, director of the Gates Foundation’s Europe office. “This happens at a time when child mortality is beginning to rise again for the first time this century.
She mentioned that there are still grounds for “cautious optimism,” highlighting AI-powered tools that can enhance the efficiency of health services, advanced vaccines, and climate-friendly agriculture that boosts resilience and output.
“With secure platforms and more consistent financial support – sectors where the EU and other entities are already well positioned to take the lead – 2026 might be the year when far-off ideas in healthcare turn into practical answers,” Langenbucher said to Health.
The Global Fund against AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria emphasized malaria as a major issue to address in the coming months.
The group mentioned that the slow progress in reducing malaria and the rise in drug resistance highlight the effects of insufficient funding and weakly coordinated prevention, basic healthcare, and community service systems.
“Overall, the coming year will be shaped by difficult decisions, yet it also presents a chance to redirect global health efforts towards impact, integration, and national leadership – with the final test being whether we can shield the most vulnerable from diseases that can be completely prevented,” said a representative from the Global Fund.
Increasing prospects for technological advancement
AI and various emerging technologies are anticipated totransform healthcarethis year, there have been significant progress in diagnostics, medication development, and easing the burden on healthcare workers.
Philips, a worldwide health technology firm, highlighted the ability of AI to decrease the routine tasks of healthcare professionals as one of the most encouraging developments.
“Healthcare is stepping into a new era, where AI is opening up fresh opportunities for the delivery and experience of care, and assisting in understanding an ever more complicated system,” said a Philips representative to Health.
By reducing bureaucratic burdens, medical professionals can dedicate more of their time and energy to patient treatment, with AI operating behind the scenes to enhance productivity, the representative stated.
Throughout Europe, biotechnology is also experiencing swift progress, with the recently introducedEU Biotech Actwill be the main focus in policy debates.
“If we were to summarize, what we anticipate for 2026 is the year of biotechnology for Europe to support strategic independence and enhance the continent’s competitiveness,” a representative from Spanish biotech pharmaceutical company HIPRA told health.
HIPRA also emphasized the increasing importance of biotechnology in security and biodefense—aimed at addressing biological threats and facilitating a swift reaction to health crises like potential future pandemics via advanced diagnostics, vaccines, and other medical solutions.
“All these infrastructures, all these investments get us ready for any type of threat, whether it’s natural or a pathogen that transfers from humans or animals, or one that is made in laboratories,” said HIPRA’s representative, adding that this readiness will be crucial for Europe’s competitiveness.
Stressed healthcare systems and staff members
A significant issue that healthcare systems are encountering is a decreasing number of workers despite increasing needs, an aging population, and deteriorating mental well-being among staff.
“Workforce limitations are expected to continue being a key topic in health policy discussions in 2026,” stated Katherine de Bienassis, a health policy analyst at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
She mentioned to Health that ongoing shortages of nurses, general practitioners, and specialists are widespread among OECD nations, limiting the system’s ability to function effectively and increasing disparities.
“Strategies to enhance the efficiency of healthcare systems are expected to grow in importance as systems aim to provide better services with limited resources, while still upholding patient results,” de Bienassis mentioned.
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With the impacts of global warming becoming more severe,new health challenges emerge– from the quicker transmission of mosquito-borne illnesses to the effects of declining biodiversity and increasing pollution levels.
“Science indicates that this [climate] crisis is not showing any signs of slowing down, even though EU policy focus is directed elsewhere,” Génon K. Jensen, director at the Health and Environment Alliance, said to Health.
She mentioned that decision-makers should take advantage of the chance to cut expenses, enhance efficiency, and avoid illnesses by focusing on environmental and climate policies – such as updating the EU’s chemical regulations.
“Health of the people must be at the core of this year’s climate resilience plans, with nature-based solutions serving as a fundamental part of climate adaptation,” Jensen stated.
Competitiveness tug of war
The medicine industry has been dealing with anunstable trade environmentIn the past few months, characterized by tariffs and geopolitical conflicts that are expected to influence financial markets in 2026.
“Europeans have been ignoring the reality that Americans spend two to three times more on patented medications compared to their own,” stated Elizabeth Kuiper, associate director of the European Policy Centre.
She mentioned that Trump’s warning about imposing tariffs on pharmaceutical products acted as a wake-up call to handle the sector with greater strategic planning, as it is one of the main factors driving innovation and economic development in the EU.
A chance to explore fresh directions
2026 might also be the year when new health issues rise to the top of the priority list.
“We also strongly hope that the increasing awareness of the gender health gap observed in 2025 will lead to specific funding and robust political support, such as an EU Women’s Health Strategy,” said Ffion Storer-Jones, a senior policy and advocacy officer at DSW, an international non-profit organization focused on sexual and reproductive health.
She also cautioned that the increasing prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and drug-resistant bacteria will continue to pose a transnational public health risk that should not be ignored.
“We sincerely hope that 2026 doesn’t turn into another year of disregard within the global health ‘panic and neglect’ pattern,” Storer-Jones stated.