Driving the agenda around global health
This May, the World Health Assembly (WHA) convened global health policymakers and other key stakeholders in Geneva, Switzerland to shape future health objectives. With a focus on universal health coverage and fair access, political leaders, ambassadors and influential voices, with business increasingly present on the sidelines of the event. Key discussions revolved around pandemic preparedness, health regulation amendments, WHO’s upcoming 2025-28 roadmap and the urgency for solid mental health policies. Please find below our reflections on the events, and some key topics of interest.
UNITING FOR HEALTH
“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together”. The pandemic demonstrated that collaborations can accelerate the time to implement health solutions. At WHA 77th edition, the promotion of collaboration among member states and public and private stakeholders was strongly encouraged. While recognizing that various parties are pursuing slightly different objectives, they will all be part of the solution when it comes to key topics, such as universal health coverage, sustainable development goals, health equity, pandemic preparedness or antimicrobial resistance.
RETHINKING DISEASE MANAGEMENT AND BREAKING DOWN THE SILOS
The importance of viewing diseases, particularly noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), as interconnected issues rather than isolated conditions, also gained increasing recognition. This perspective shift is largely prompted by the WHO’s emphasis on the need for a comprehensive approach to disease management. NCDs such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer are often interlinked, with common risk factors such as unhealthy diets, tobacco use and physical inactivity. By viewing diseases as interconnected, we can develop more effective strategies for prevention, treatment and control, ultimately improving global health outcomes.
CLIMATE CHANGE’S TOLL ON HEALTH: A CALL FOR COLLECTIVE RESPONSABILITY AND ACTION
Climate change and its impact on health are gaining more and more attention; echoing the recent prioritisation of climate change by the WHO. This topic was very present on the official agenda of WHA and the side events. While UNICEF was shining a light on the devastating impact of climate change on child health and well-being, other organizations were emphasizing the fact that it disproportionately affects low- and middleincome countries. While the WHO and policymakers have a key role to play, experts advocate for this society wide responsibility to be tackled via a cross-sectoral approach.
PREPARING FOR FUTURE GLOBAL HEALTH CRISES
If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it’s the importance of global cooperation and coordination to tackle health threats, which know no borders. While WHO Member States were not able to align on the terms of a pandemic agreement this year, they did agree to extend negotiations another year, highlighting their resolve to finding an agreement to ensure more equitable access to life saving medicines and information. Additionally, Member States agreed to a definition of what constitutes a pandemic emergency, allowing for more effective response to preventing and responding to future pandemics and cementing the foundation for a future pandemic agreement.
DIVING DEEPER INTO DISCUSSIONS
Universal Health Coverage Starts with New Financial Models
What is UHC? This might seem like a simple question but considering it has been the topic on the global agenda for years, it has been facing – dare I say – lacklustre results.
So, what is it? UHC means that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. That’s right, all. Despite 30% of countries making progress on service coverage and financial protection since 2000, there is an increasing global trend towards sliding back on financial protection.
Attaining UHC requires health system financing, which faced a shift in funding with the pandemic in 2020. In OECD countries, government schemes were accrued by an annual average of 26% to respond to the emergency situation (Health at a Glance Report, 2023).
Reaching UHC and addressing health needs should not be based on a return to pre-pandemic levels of health funding, but on ensuring sustainable financing for health becomes central to conversations around future-proof health systems.
“While UHC is pivotal in fortifying health systems for pandemic response and non-communicable disease management, its attainment hinges on resilient health systems,” explained Roberto Bertollini, Global Public Health Expert. “Unfortunately, these topics are not consistently discussed together, possibly due to siloed approaches in policymaking, where different aspects of health are treated as distinct issues. Recognizing their interdependence is essential for holistic and effective healthcare planning.”
Currently, an ageing population living longer, but not necessarily in good health, is increasing budget pressure – putting further strain on health systems already experiencing workforce shortages. We are facing an urgent need to foster collaborations between health and finance departments, improve management of public funding and pilot new financing models that value health and health outcomes.
Only then can we hope to see the 50 commitments of the Political Declaration on UHC to progressively expand access to essential health services in action. An international coalition for UHC to enable fully financing of primary health care and a new UHC Knowledge Hub in Tokyo planned in 2025 to help countries strengthen coordination between health and finance sectors are important initiatives going in the right direction.
Is the world ready to address the global mental health crisis?
In the wake of the pandemic, the WHA has placed a heightened emphasis on mental health and well-being. The WHO has drawn attention to the strides made through its Special Initiative for Mental Health, which has enabled nine countries to broaden access to mental health services, impacting nearly 20 million people.
However, as underscored by The Economist’s report, ‘Rethinking mental health care‘, there’s still a significant path ahead. This involves transforming public perception and combating the stigma associated with mental health, including at the policy-making level. It also necessitates ensuring the availability of high-quality data and the development and retention of the workforce. Finally, while the heightened attention towards overall well-being is indeed a positive development, it is crucial to differentiate between general well-being and the specific support required for individuals living with serious mental health disorders.
Only a few months ago, the WHO unveiled its artificial intelligence-powered avatar, S.A.R.A.H., designed to provide information across major health topics. Despite still being a prototype, the chatbot has been criticized for inconsistency, an issue that the WHO’s Department of Digital Health and Innovation is addressing. At the WHA, experts also discussed the role that AI can hold in addressing serious mental health issues.
On May 29th, the WHA ratified a resolution to bolster mental health and psychosocial support across all stages of emergencies, encompassing conflicts, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises. Almost all individuals impacted by such emergencies will suffer psychological distress, with one in five likely to experience a mental health condition.
For more information, please get in touch with our expert.
