Health & wellbeing

Interview: Health in humanitarian crises

As the world marks World Health Day 2026 under the theme “Together for health. Stand with science,” the spotlight turns to the vital role of evidence, collaboration, and solidarity in protecting health in an increasingly complex world. From conflict and displacement to climate change and funding cuts, today’s health challenges rarely exist in isolation and neither can the solutions. In this context, we spoke with Ludmila Lobkowicz, Global Health Advisor at Malteser International, about what drives her work in humanitarian health, the realities she encounters in crisis-affected settings, and why integrating physical and mental health is essential for dignified and effective care. She also shares how scientific cooperation and locally led approaches can help build more resilient health systems and what gives her hope for the future of global health.

Health is the foundation for development

We aim to support a life in Health and Dignity for people in need. How, though, do we even know what that means for different people in different places, cultures, climate zones around the world? As our Global Health and Program Advisor, it is Ludmila's job to monitor the health situation in our project countries, witness health-related challenges, talk to our partner organizations and in-country staff and – most importantly – the people we would like to offer our support. Ludmila and her colleagues in our Quality team ensure that our measures are needs-based and sustainably effective. We talked to her about her job, health around the world and Malteser International’s most important health measures. Read the interview here!

Combating child mortality together

There has been a positive downward trend in global child mortality for several years - the number has more than halved since 1990. Nevertheless, in 2021, an average of around 13,800 children worldwide died before the age of five every day. That means more than five million children will not live to see their fifth birthday. Many of these deaths are preventable. The child mortality rate shows: There is still extreme inequality between poor and rich countries, and between rich and poor populations within a country.

Thinking about health globally

Prevention measures against the spread of COVID-19 are now integrated as standard in all MI health projects. The challenge now is to learn from the experience and improve the health situation of people in our project countries in the long run.

While the initial goal at the beginning of the pandemic was to continue vital relief programs despite lockdowns and restrictions, prevent the spread of the disease by supporting and strengthening health systems and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and alleviate the economic impact of the pandemic on the poorest and most vulnerable through social programs, the goal today is already a step further.

EBOLA: EDUCATION, PREVENTION AND MEDICAL CARE

The Ebola virus is one of the most dangerous pathogens in the world. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an average of 50 percent of people infected with Ebola die. In the past, the mortality rate has fluctuated between 25 and 90 percent, depending on the type of Ebola virus and the medical conditions.

Malteser International was active in the countries that are most at risk of an outbreak of Ebola such as Guinea and Liberia over many years and today supports people in the DR Congo in their fight against the disease with education and prevention measures as well as protective equipment and other supplies. Learn more about the symptoms and treatment of the Ebola virus disease and how we are working to contain the disease.

Cholera: our actions against the infectious disease

Cholera is a highly contagious infectious disease that causes vomiting and severe diarrhea. It is particularly prevalent in regions, where poor hygiene in drinking water and food, and poor sanitation conditions, pose an increased risk of recurrent cholera outbreaks. According to WHO, there are 1.3 to 4 million cases of cholera worldwide each year, of which up to 143,000 are fatal. Through health projects, Malteser International works to ensure safe access to clean water and sanitation in cholera risk areas, such as Nigeria, and provides emergency relief in the event of acute outbreaks to contain the spread of the disease and protect people from fatal courses.

ONE HEALTH: INTEGRATED HEALTH FOR HUMANS, ANIMALS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

The One Health approach considers humans, animals and the environment as an interconnected system, which is necessary to improve global health and reduce health risks such as the spread of epidemics and pandemics.

The focus is specifically on diseases of zoonotic origin, i.e. diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans, and antibiotic-resistant germs. To improve the exchange of knowledge and data, actors from the fields of human medicine, veterinary medicine and the environment are working together across sectors.

WHAT IS TUBERCULOSIS?

Tuberculosis is among the most common infectious diseases worldwide, and for vulnerable people it is often fatal. In the course of the disease, symptoms such as weight loss, pain when breathing and, in the later stages, coughing up blood, become apparent. Tuberculosis is transmitted via droplet infection, though it is not as contagious as other infectious diseases. Regions with inadequate hygienic conditions and a lack of health care are particularly at risk. According to the World Health Organization, around two billion people are infected worldwide.

Coronavirus: Malteser International committed to its mission for the most vulnerable

As the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, continues to spread globally, Malteser International will continue to deliver the lifesaving assistance that vulnerable people around the world need. Displaced families and people living in poverty or without access to healthcare face greater risk from the pandemic.

Malteser International is ramping up its response to the outbreak and adapting its programs to mitigate the spread of the virus.

A global problem: Maternal and child mortality

Every eleven seconds a pregnant woman or a newborn baby dies. Even though the number of deaths has decreased by half for children and by more than a third for mothers there are still many children and woman dying during birth worldwide. In order to reduce the maternal and infant mortality rate we are actively involved in prenatal care and obstetrics.

Ebola: education, prevention and medical care

The Ebola virus is one of the most dangerous pathogens in the world. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an average of 50 percent of people infected with Ebola die. In the past, the mortality rate has fluctuated between 25 and 90 percent, depending on the type of Ebola virus and the medical conditions.

Malteser International was active in the countries that are most at risk of an outbreak of Ebola such as Guinea and Liberia over many years and today supports people in the DR Congo in their fight against the disease with education and prevention measures as well as protective equipment and other supplies. Learn more about the symptoms and treatment of the Ebola virus disease and how we are working to contain the disease.

What is malaria?

Malaria occurs mainly in the tropics and subtropics and is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases. Worldwide, more than 100 countries on all continents (except Australia) are affected by the disease. In 2020, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were approximately 241 million cases of malaria worldwide, 95% of which were in Africa. 627,000 of these cases were fatal. More than two thirds of deaths were among children under the age of 5 living in the African Region. Malteser International has been working to raise awareness, provide medical care and train health workers in malaria-endemic areas through information campaigns and relief programmes since 2003.

Psychosocial care - what is it?

Strengthening affected people mentally is especially important following conflicts and disasters in order to help them to re-establish control over their lives. Psychosocial care aims to help traumatized people to return to an independent existence. Our experts from emergency humanitarian relief, social work, and psychotherapy offer a range of services to those affected.

Climate change and health

Tackling climate change and its causes is a challenge that needs a sensitive, coordinated, and holistic approach, but the benefits of doing so will reach far beyond merely averting ecological disaster. However extensive work is also needed to help communities to adapt and prepare for its effects.