ZIG 2 aims to improve global public health through the generation, evaluation, and use of strategic information. By doing so, it provides the scientific evidence for prioritisation, and effective implementation, of international health policy and projects.

Scientists and science managers trained in public health, sociology, anthropology, epidemiology, medicine, philosophy, health economics, and law form a global health research team. Its biggest strength is that personal characteristics are as diversified as academic trainings.

The unit employs a wide spectrum of global health research methods ranging from rapid literature reviews, to large scale, multi-country, primary data collection-based projects. Further, projects are implemented in partnership with public health authorities and academic institutions from Eastern, to Southern, Western, Central Africa, to Germany, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.