Strengthening global health cooperation

The recent adoption of more than 20 decisions and 13 resolutions at the 79th session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) affirms the determination of countries to strengthen multilateral cooperation to build an effective global health system, ensuring that no country is left behind.

The Vietnamese delegation attended the 79th World Health Assembly. (Photo: VNA)

This is particularly important given the potential for outbreaks of new diseases, climate change, and increasing geopolitical instability.

Reforming the global health structure through a common process led by member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) was a key topic discussed at the 79th session of the WHA. The General Assembly devoted considerable time to discussing emerging issues in the global health system such as digital health, artificial intelligence (AI), data interoperability, and digital governance in health.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged WHO member states to quickly translate resolutions into concrete action. He stressed that achieving global health goals requires political commitment, sustainable funding, and ongoing coordination among countries, partners, and communities. Currently, the WHO is facing a budget shortfall and is forced to drastically cut staff and scale back operations.

Looking back at the period when the Covid-19 pandemic raged, casting a dark shadow over global economic and social life, many low- and middle-income countries struggled to cope with a lack of access to vaccines, medicines, personal protective equipment, and outdated healthcare networks, along with a severe shortage of healthcare workers who lacked proper training. These were the main reasons why these countries lagged behind in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Drawing lessons from the past, countries are now emphasizing cooperation and sharing, considering this the "key" to overcoming health challenges together and protecting people's health. WHA-79 President Victor Atallah Lajam pointed out that geopolitical conflicts are increasing, health emergencies are occurring more frequently, and the multilateral system still faces many challenges. In this context, the successful completion of the entire agenda of the 79th Session further affirms the determination to strengthen multilateralism in the field of health.

During the WHA meeting, the world witnessed a surge in Ebola virus infections in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in addition to these two main affected countries, many other countries are also at high risk, including South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, Zambia, Burundi, Somalia, and others.

Previously, the Hanta virus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship, along with the increasing number of infections in Argentina, raised concerns about a dangerous pandemic. Many experts believe that extreme weather events accelerate the rapid spread of viruses, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. The recent Ebola and Hanta virus outbreaks are clear evidence that the world is not yet safe from pandemic risks.

After challenging periods in the past, the world has become increasingly aware of the importance of solidarity, sharing, and cooperation. The current threat of disease outbreaks highlights the urgent need not only for each country to strengthen its healthcare system, but also to enhance coordination and sharing among all parties to detect risks early and proactively create a solid "shield" to protect people's health.

BAO VY

Source: https://nhandan.vn/tang-cuong-hop-tac-y-te-toan-cau-post966823.html