Outline:
What are the key issues in global health this year? We consulted with specialists to identify the main areas that are expected to be central to the discussion, and the subjects that are likely to be at the forefront in 2026.
Changes in global health leadership, along with climate change and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, will influence policies, spark discussions, and decide 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 after the United States’ Donald Trump administration declared major 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 challenges for advancement, with potential impacts lasting until 2026 if the uncertainty remains,” said Anja Langenbucher, director of the Gates Foundation’s Europe office. “This occurs 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-resilient agriculture that boosts both 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 Euronews Health.
The organization dedicated to combating 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 increasing 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, collaboration, and national leadership – with the key indicator 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 decreasing the workload for healthcare professionals.
Philips, a leading health technology firm worldwide, highlighted AI’s ability to decrease the routine tasks of healthcare professionals as one of the most encouraging developments.
“A new era is unfolding in healthcare, as AI opens up fresh opportunities for the delivery and experience of care, and assists in understanding an ever more complicated system,” said a representative from Philips to Euronews 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, the field of biotechnology is also experiencing swift progress, as recently showcasedEU 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,” said a representative from the Spanish biotech pharmaceutical company HIPRA to Euronews health.
HIPRA also emphasized the increasing importance of biotechnology in security and biodefence – aimed at addressing biological threats and facilitating a swift reaction to health crises like upcoming 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 developed 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 demographic, 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 Euronews 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.
“Approaches to maintaining efficiency within the healthcare system are expected to grow more important as systems aim to provide better services with limited resources, while still ensuring positive patient results,” de Bienassis mentioned.
Climate change and new challenges Climate change along with rising dangers Environmental changes and developing risks Global warming and emerging perils Changing climate and new threats Evolving climate issues and emerging dangers Alterations in climate and emerging challenges Current climate shifts and emerging hazards
With the worsening impacts of global warming,new health challenges emerge– from increased transmission of mosquito-borne illnesses to effects of declining biodiversity and increasing pollution.
“Science indicates that this [climate] crisis is not showing any signs of decreasing, while EU policy focus continues to be on other issues,” Génon K. Jensen, director at the Health and Environment Alliance, stated to Euronews Health.
She mentioned that decision-makers should take the chance to cut expenses, enhance efficiency, and avoid illnesses by focusing on environmental and climate measures – such as updating the EU’s chemical regulations.
“Health of the people should be the focus of this year’s climate resilience plans, with nature-based solutions serving as a key element in adapting to climate change,” 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 them,” 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 industry in a more strategic manner, given its role as a major factor in innovation and economic development for the EU.
A chance to adopt fresh priorities
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 financial support and robust political dedication, 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 antibiotic resistance will continue to pose a transnational public health challenge that should not be ignored.
“We sincerely hope that 2026 won’t turn into another year of disregard within the global health ‘panic and neglect’ pattern,” Storer-Jones stated.