
“Health diplomacy can build bridges”
- TRANSFORMERS.health
- October 7, 2024
- GLOBAL TRANSFORMATION
- 0 Comments
Germany and Israel have been working closely together in healthcare for years – long before the COVID-19 pandemic. As Germany becomes more focused on innovation, it’s increasingly looking to Israel for its experience and leadership in digital health. But it’s not a one-way street: for Israeli companies, Germany isn’t just Europe’s largest healthcare market; it’s a crucial partner for shaping the future of health together, explains Lea Ledwon from the German Israeli Health Forum for Artificial Intelligence (GIHF-AI).
The German-Israeli cooperation in health research has a long-standing tradition. What have been the most significant developments in recent years?
The collaboration began in the 1960s and has been continuously expanded over the years. Since 2021, ELNET, through the German Israeli Health Forum for Artificial Intelligence (GIHF-AI), has brought new impetus to the partnership, especially in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare. This cooperation has been supported by the German Federal Ministry of Health. Key findings have, for example, been incorporated into Germany’s Health Data Utilization Act (GDNG). Another milestone was the mutual recognition of medical training between Germany and Israel since 2022.
In which areas of medicine and technology do you see the greatest successes in the German-Israeli cooperation?
There have been remarkable achievements, especially in cancer research. By 2018, over 1,520 joint publications had been produced in this field. Building on long-standing scientific contacts, the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and the Weizmann Institute (WIS) worked closely together during the COVID-19 pandemic to study the virus.
We have intensified research on mental health, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder and digital mental health.
The fields of neuroscience, AI, and Big Data are also central focus areas. Recently, women’s health has been gaining more attention, and since October 7th, we have intensified research on mental health, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder and digital mental health.
What are the concrete benefits of collaborating with Israel for German hospitals?
Israel has digitized almost 99% of its health data, making it a valuable asset for research and enabling deep insights. German hospitals benefit from exchanges with Israeli health innovation centers like the ARC Innovation Center at Sheba Medical Center and IMed at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. These centers offer a model for integrating research and practice. Additionally, regulatory sandboxes in Israeli hospitals support the rapid implementation of new technologies, which is something German facilities could learn from.
How is the current geopolitical situation affecting the cooperation?
The Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th and the subsequent events have changed the situation significantly; we are seeing a decrease in collaboration between Israeli and European researchers. At the same time, Israeli scientists report increasing incidents of discrimination. It is therefore more crucial than ever to strengthen existing partnerships. Expressions of solidarity from German institutions, the delivery of medical supplies, and new mental health projects are positive signs. I am convinced that health diplomacy can build bridges even in times of crisis. A good example is the Rozana Project, which brings together Israeli and Palestinian doctors.
Can you give us some successful examples of Israeli companies that have established themselves in the German market?
Yes, there are several remarkable examples. MDClone, with their ADAMS platform, offer an innovative data analytics solution; after introduction in Switzerland through the University Hospital Basel, they are now gaining traction in Germany, too. Another example is Aidoc, whose six AI algorithms support the University Medicine Essen in detecting and prioritizing acute pathologies. Additionally, binah.ai, a video-based AI solution, is used at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) to automate the measurement of numerous health indicators.
Conversely, what opportunities exist for German companies to position themselves in the Israeli market?
German companies benefit from Israel’s innovation culture and comprehensive health data. Many German firms have already invested in Israeli startups or established their own R&D centers there. The combination of German quality and the innovative spirit of the “Startup Nation” is highly promising. During our delegation trips, German companies can experience this firsthand and build valuable connections.
What are the next steps and activities for the German Israeli Health Forum for Artificial Intelligence (GIHF-AI)?
We have recently launched a partnership with the Saxony State Chancellery to develop innovative solutions for the digitization of Saxony’s healthcare infrastructure. A delegation trip to Israel is planned for November to draft policy recommendations and establish new partnerships. At the European level, we are planning to expand our activities within the framework of EU4Health and the European Health Data Space (EHDS). An additional focus could be strengthening health diplomacy in the Middle East, particularly through collaborations with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in the context of the Abraham Accords.
Thank you, Lea.
Lea Ledwon has been leading the German Israeli Health Forum for Artificial Intelligence (GIHF-AI) at ELNET – The European Leadership Network since 2021. Before that, she managed communications for several hospitals and ran the office of the Friends of Charité association. During her time living in Israel, she worked at the Peres Center for Peace.