Health, education and social welfare

Although the HIV/AIDS situation in Africa has improved in recent years, medication can still be difficult to obtain, and those affected continue to struggle against stigmatisation and social exclusion. This particularly impacts young people. The SDC supports a programme in Zimbabwe in which young people help their peers to cope with the disease and combat stigmatisation.

Five young and ambitious data science entrepreneurs from the Gaza Strip embark on a life-changing journey to Switzerland. For the coming four months, these talented individuals are getting exposure to an international working environment as interns in Swiss start-ups and research laboratories at prestigious universities in Lausanne and Fribourg.

The year 2022 was replete with major challenges: climate disasters, the war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as energy and food crises. Switzerland's engagement made an important contribution to efforts to overcome these pressing issues. The Swiss International Cooperation – Annual Report 2022 has compiled the key stories, facts and figures from this year.

As every year, from 22 to 25 May, a week at the UN in New York will be devoted to the protection of civilians. This is also one of Switzerland's thematic priorities for its membership of the UN Security Council. Find out how Switzerland is working in this area at the multilateral level and directly on the ground in conflict areas.

Over the past 30 years, the Kantha Bopha children's hospitals founded by Dr Beat Richner have significantly improved healthcare for people in Cambodia. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has backed these efforts since the very beginning and will continue to support the hospitals until 2027. SDC Director General Patricia Danzi signed an agreement to this effect with the Kantha Bopha Foundation on 17 February 2023.

Two hundred and twenty-two million children and young people around the world are affected by violent conflicts and humanitarian crises. Switzerland is working to protect these children, in the UN Security Council as well as in other bodies and through its international cooperation work. Syrian refugee children in Jordan and Lebanon are just one example of how Switzerland is restoring access to education – a key pillar of sustainable peace and development.