In the summer of 2024, with the kind recommendation of my mentor Dr. Button Zhao and the generous support of the International Organization Internship Scholarship funded by AEGON-INDUSTRIAL Fund Management Company and Shanghai Wealspring Asset Management Company leadership, and Mr. Chengfei Dong, I embarked on a journey to Geneva, Switzerland. Driven by a deep passion for global health, I began my field research and internship at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
The Wallet of Global Health: Innovative Financing
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is an international financial institution founded through a public-private partnership, dedicated to combating three of the world’s deadliest diseases. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the Fund has been actively working across more than 150 countries and regions since its establishment in 2002, fueled by contributions from both institutions and individuals.
During my internship, I served as a Data Analysis Assistant and conducted research on the topic: “How Innovative Financing Mechanisms are Utilized in Global Health Programs Among International Organizations: A Qualitative Research.” Unlike traditional bilateral aid models, innovative financing integrates diverse funding sources—including government aid, private sector investments, and philanthropic contributions—offering a more flexible framework to address health financing needs, especially in the context of global pandemics.
My research focused on several innovative financing mechanisms, including Advance Market Commitments (AMC), blended finance, vaccine bonds, debt2health, and Micro-levies. These approaches complement conventional development aid and vary in effectiveness depending on a country’s fiscal capacity, policy stability, and willingness to collaborate. My research explored the practical challenges faced during the implementation of these mechanisms—such as risk management, regulatory frameworks, and multi-stakeholder coordination, and proposed potential strategies to address them.
The Humanitarian Aspects of Financial Tools
Through in-depth interviews with experts and staff from the Global Fund, Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance), Unitaid, and the World Bank, followed by meticulous data analysis, I gradually developed a clearer understanding of the concept of innovative financing.
One interviewee noted, “Innovative financing isn’t magic money—it’s about finding ways to access tomorrow’s money today.” This insight was a revelation for me, capturing the very essence of innovative financing. Another interviewee, while explaining the concept of debt2health, mentioned how these instruments convert developing countries’ debts into funding for healthcare services for vulnerable populations, such as refugees. At that moment, I deeply felt the humanitarian aspects of these financial tools.
Through engaging with staff across various international organizations, I also gained insight into how each plays a distinct yet complementary role in the ecosystem of innovative financing. The Global Fund acts primarily as a funding body—it allocates resources but does not directly manage health programs, with a strong emphasis on transparency and results. Gavi excels in leveraging market mechanisms, with greater flexibility in project design and financing strategies. Unitaid focuses on piloting innovative products and mechanisms, aiming for niching points rather than large-scale coverage. The World Bank, meanwhile, operates from a macro-structural perspective, engaging with ministries of finance to strengthen national-level financing frameworks.
These organizations, each with their own focus and strengths, complement one another within the broader landscape of global health governance. Sometimes coordination itself can be a challenge, requiring a delicate balance of political will and technical capacity to achieve shared goals.
Encountering People and Cultures from All Walks of Life
Geneva is a quiet and leisurely city—a tranquil harbor for my mind during the intense pace of my internship. On weekends, my favorite activity was strolling along the shores of Lake Geneva, soaking in the charm of what Henry James once described as “a lake of an extraordinary blue.” I watched the Jet d’Eau standing all day and night in the middle of the lake, while swans gracefully preened and glided through the water, as I waited for the magnificent moment of sunset. Sometimes, on a whim, I would hop on a train to explore nearby towns—rowing on the crystal-clear waters of Interlaken, or savoring local cheese fondue and cured ham.
The Geneva Album through the Lens of Julia
My roommate was an art student from abroad, and through her, I had the chance to assist at a lakeside exhibition organized by her university. Helping with photography work, I had gained a glimpse into students from entirely different disciplines and from all over the world. In Geneva, I also met many peers from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. We shared stories, exchanged ideas about the future, and reflected on what brought us each to this city. One of them—a girl interning at the UN Language Center—was about my age. Her clarity of purpose and ambition inspired me to reflect on my own career direction and sense of belonging.
Looking back, my two-month journey in Geneva was not only about the research I conducted—it was also a valuable exercise in cross-sector collaboration, interpersonal communication, and intercultural understanding. More importantly, it helped me develop a problem-oriented mindset. Whether in healthcare, education, or climate finance, true innovation doesn’t lie solely in mechanisms—it stems from a deep understanding of real-world problems and the ability to tailor solutions to specific contexts.
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A Note to Future Students
Start planning early, and apply what you learn. Before starting the DKU program study, you may begin reflecting on what kinds of projects you hope to work on and which country you’d like to conduct your fieldwork. Once on campus, actively engage with professors and clarify your research goals as soon as possible. For example, in the first semester, I committed to working on an “Innovative Financing” project under the guidance of Professor Button Zhao, focusing on qualitative research. Based on this direction, I enrolled in Qualitative Research Methods taught by Professor Marius Wamsiedel. The course content aligned closely with my research, allowing me to directly apply what I learned in class to my project. This “learning by doing” approach turned out to be incredibly efficient and rewarding.
Embrace different cultures and connect with different people. If you have the opportunity to conduct field research or intern abroad, don’t hesitate to take some time to immerse yourself in the local culture. Explore the surroundings, meet new friends, and listen to their stories and career journeys—always with safety as your top priority. These encounters not only broaden your horizons but also help you better understand your own aspirations, encouraging a more grounded and open-minded exploration of future possibilities.
Written by Julia Ching，Wuyue Qian and Zhangyang Pan
