This session will explore how neglect shapes health outcomes, contributes to persistent inequities, and undermines progress toward sustainable health and wellbeing.
registerWhen: 17/08/2026, 9:00-10:00 CEST
Where:
On-site at USI Campus Est - Aula Polivalente, Sector A, Ground Floor
Online on Zoom: the link will be provided soon!
About: Neglect is one of the most pervasive yet often overlooked barriers to better health. While much attention is given to disease, technological advances, and healthcare delivery, the effects of neglect—whether of populations, health systems, environments, or long-term societal challenges—often remain fragmented and even hidden in plain sight. Clearly neglect is too often not in direct focus of scientists and public health actors. In this plenary, Marcel Tanner will explore how neglect shapes health outcomes, contributes to persistent inequities, and undermines progress toward sustainable health and wellbeing. Drawing on decades of experience in global public health, research, and policy, he will challenge participants to look beyond diseases alone and reconsider what is overlooked in current approaches to health promotion, health systems strengthening and global public health action.The session will offer an opportunity to consider what may be missing from today’s health agenda and how greater attention to these neglected issues can help foster healthier and more equitable health and social systems and thus contribute to the well-being of societies.
The Chair of the Summer School, Prof. L. Suzanne Suggs, will welcome participants and facilitators in Lugano and online and give an overview of the general programme.
