Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
How can countries in the Global South strengthen their health and social systems to support rapidly aging populations? This World Health Summit 2025 workshop examined the rising challenges of chronic disease, frailty, and mental health concerns among older adults, as well as the social and economic implications of demographic change.
The session explored emerging evidence on aging in low- and middle-income countries and discussed strategies to strengthen primary care, expand long-term care models, and reduce social and geographic inequities. Speakers highlighted the importance of intergenerational approaches, community engagement, and the potential of digital health and social innovations to improve access and resilience in resource-constrained settings.
Participants also considered future directions for leadership and governance, focusing on how institutions and communities can build adaptive capacity to support inclusive development in aging societies. The discussion underscored the need for better data, cross-sector collaboration, and contextually grounded solutions to ensure healthier and more equitable aging trajectories.
This workshop was part of the World Health Summit 2025 in Berlin and was co-hosted by The Aga Khan University and the WHS Academic Alliance. Moderator and speakers included Anthony K. Ngugi (The Aga Khan University), Alexandre Kalache (International Longevity Centre Brazil), Muthoni Gichu (Ministry of Health, Kenya), Erwin Tan (AARP), and Jinkook Lee (USC).
The World Health Summit 2025 was a global platform that brought together leaders from science, politics, the private sector, and civil society to advance health and well-being worldwide. Learn more: worldhealthsummit.org
How can countries in the Global South strengthen their health and social systems to support rapidly aging populations? This World Health Summit 2025 workshop examined the rising challenges of chronic disease, frailty, and mental health concerns among older adults, as well as the social and economic implications of demographic change.
The session explored emerging evidence on aging in low- and middle-income countries and discussed strategies to strengthen primary care, expand long-term care models, and reduce social and geographic inequities. Speakers highlighted the importance of intergenerational approaches, community engagement, and the potential of digital health and social innovations to improve access and resilience in resource-constrained settings.
Participants also considered future directions for leadership and governance, focusing on how institutions and communities can build adaptive capacity to support inclusive development in aging societies. The discussion underscored the need for better data, cross-sector collaboration, and contextually grounded solutions to ensure healthier and more equitable aging trajectories.
This workshop was part of the World Health Summit 2025 in Berlin and was co-hosted by The Aga Khan University and the WHS Academic Alliance. Moderator and speakers included Anthony K. Ngugi (The Aga Khan University), Alexandre Kalache (International Longevity Centre Brazil), Muthoni Gichu (Ministry of Health, Kenya), Erwin Tan (AARP), and Jinkook Lee (USC).
The World Health Summit 2025 was a global platform that brought together leaders from science, politics, the private sector, and civil society to advance health and well-being worldwide. Learn more: worldhealthsummit.org
