The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical interdependence between health and economies, revealing that promoting, providing, and protecting health and well-being requires collaboration across all government sectors. In response to this challenge, the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly of the World Health organisation has passed a landmark resolution urging countries to restructure their economies to serve the health of people and the planet.
KEY POINTS OF THE RESOLUTION
The pandemic highlighted the need for a holistic approach to health that goes beyond the purview of Ministries of Health. The resolution passed by the Health Assembly underscores the necessity for multi-sectoral financing and collaboration, emphasizing that healthy populations and a thriving planet are prerequisites for sustainable development.
Building on the recommendations of the WHO Council on the Economics of Health for All, the resolution highlights that the state of health and well-being reflects how people live, what they eat, how they learn and work, and their access to healthcare without the risk of impoverishment. The goal is to align actions across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, with a clear focus on health for all.
MANDATE FOR WHO: DEVELOPING A STRATEGY BY 2026
The Health Assembly has mandated WHO to develop a comprehensive strategy on economics and financing for health by 2026. This strategy will guide countries in advancing a bold new vision of economies built around health and well-being, outlining priority actions and providing technical support to strengthen national capacities.
The strategy will define priority actions, including:
- Strengthening National Capacities: Building robust health systems that can withstand economic shocks and ensure access to healthcare for all.
- Improving Fiscal Policy: Advising on fiscal policies that promote health equity and sustainable financing for health systems.
- Engagement with Economic Associations: Collaborating with economic associations to integrate health considerations into economic planning and policy.
- Partnerships with International Finance Institutions: Partnering with international finance institutions and development banks to secure funding for health initiatives.
MULTI-SECTORAL COLLABORATION
To achieve economies cantered on health and well-being, the resolution calls for better alignment of actions across various sectors. This includes integrating health considerations into policies related to education, employment, environment, and social services. Such a holistic approach ensures that all aspects of society contribute to the overall health and well-being of populations.
International and regional financial institutions play a crucial role in supporting countries to restructure their economies. By providing financial assistance and technical expertise, these institutions can help countries implement the necessary reforms to build resilient health systems and promote sustainable development.
A TRANSFORMATIVE VISION
The resolution passed by the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly marks a significant step towards transforming economies to prioritize health and well-being. By adopting a multi-sectoral approach and aligning actions across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, countries can build resilient health systems that protect and promote the health of all citizens.
