Dr. Mariam Jashi Joins KAS-UNITE Parliamentary Dialogue in Geneva
Dr. Mariam Jashi, CEO of the Global Sepsis Alliance, Board Member of the UNITE Parliamentarians Network, and Secretary General of the Medical Women’s International Association, participated in the KAS–UNITE Parliamentarian Dialogue Program on Women’s Health held in Geneva on January 20–21. The high-level dialogue brought together parliamentarians and senior representatives of the UN and global health institutions to address pressing challenges in women’s health and strengthen political leadership for gender-responsive health systems.
During meetings at the World Health Organization (WHO), UN Women, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and UNITAID, discussions focused on gender equity, sexual and reproductive health and rights, non-communicable diseases, and innovation in global health financing. Parliamentarians also engaged with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on women’s rights within the UN human rights system, as well as with Médecins Sans Frontières on health challenges in conflict and humanitarian settings.
The dialogue included a special presentation delivered by Dr. Mariam Jashi on “Sepsis and Women,” addressing gender-specific dimensions of Sepsis, disparities in early recognition and treatment, and the urgent need for stronger political and health system responses. Drawing on her experience as a former parliamentarian and global health leader, Dr. Jashi emphasized the critical role of policymakers in prioritizing Sepsis within national health agendas and ensuring equitable access to timely diagnosis and care for women and girls. Her contribution reinforced the importance of integrating Sepsis into broader discussions on women’s health, antimicrobial resistance, and resilient health systems. The presentation resulted in expressions of interest from parliamentarians to be more actively engaged in Sepsis-related advocacy to save lives, including through the World Sepsis Congress and World Sepsis Day movements.
In addition to multilateral engagements, the dialogue also featured public–private discussions on global health priorities, fostering exchange between parliamentarians and key global health agencies and partnerships. These discussions engaged the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), Medicines for Malaria Venture, GSK, United Robotics Group Health & Food GmbH, Siemens Healthineers, Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARD-P) and Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), highlighting the importance of collaboration across sectors to strengthen resilient and equitable health systems.
UNITE Parliamentary Delegation included:
· Hon. Dr. Éctor Jaime Ramírez Barba – Member of Parliament, Mexico
· Hon. Sascha van Beek – Member of the German Bundestag
· Hon. Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle – Former Member of Parliament, Sri Lanka
· Hon. Hamida Ali Kibwana – Member of Parliament, Kenya
· Hon. Daniel Molokele – Member of Parliament, Zimbabwe
· Hon. Prof. Nomafrench Mbombo – Member of Parliament, South Africa
· Hon. Dr. Orjola Pampuri – Former Member of Parliament, Albania
· Hon. Penilla Gunther – Former Member of Parliament, Sweden,
· Hon. Dr. Peter Stachura – Member of Parliament, Slovakia
This visit was kindly supported by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. The UNITE Parliamentarians Network and the Global Sepsis Alliance express their sincere appreciation to Andrea E. Ostheimer, KAS Representative to the United Nations Geneva, and Sarah Ultes, Research Associate at KAS Multilateral Dialogue Geneva, for their excellent coordination, substantive support, and strong partnership in making this Parliamentary Dialogue possible.
