Establishing a Global Governance Framework for Health

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.

By Grace Crossette-Thambiah
February 17, 2025

A global governance framework for health is paramount in addressing infectious disease outbreaks and improving population health outcomes. As we navigate global health complexities, it’s evident that a robust infrastructure is needed to enable nations to swiftly identify and control diseases while also preventing their international spread.

One example highlighting this need is the response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa (2014-2016). The delayed and fragmented international response to the crisis underscored the lack of coordinated governance mechanisms for addressing infectious disease outbreaks on a global scale.

While the World Health Organization (WHO) plays a crucial role in global health initiatives, there’s still a pressing need for global governance and accountability. The Ebola outbreak prompted calls for WHO reform to strengthen its capacity to respond to health emergencies effectively. However, the WHO’s response to certain crises has been criticized for being slow and inadequate, often due to political constraints, funding shortages and bureaucratic hurdles.

To address these challenges and establish a robust global governance framework for health, several steps can be taken:

• Strengthen Global Health Institutions: Provide sufficient funding and resources to empower existing global health institutions like the WHO. Reform these institutions to enhance their capacity to respond rapidly to health emergencies and coordinate international efforts effectively.
• Promote Transparency and Information Sharing: Establish mechanisms for sharing health data, best practices and lessons learned among nations. Timely and accurate data are essential for monitoring disease outbreaks and implementing effective response measures.
• Leverage Technology and Innovation: Invest in digital health technologies, such as telemedicine, mobile health applications and digital surveillance systems, to enhance disease surveillance and management. Support research and development efforts to develop new vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tools.
• Promote Health Literacy and Education: Launch education campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination, hygiene practices, and disease prevention strategies. Empower individuals and communities to take proactive measures to protect their health.
• Foster International Cooperation and Solidarity: Forge partnerships between governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to mobilize resources and expertise. By working together collaboratively, the global community can build a more resilient and responsive health system capable of addressing current and future threats.

In an increasingly interconnected world driven by globalization, health risks and challenges transcend national borders. For example, the spread of Zika virus across multiple countries in the Americas (2015-2016) demonstrated how infectious diseases can rapidly spread across regions.

Moreover, in addition to infectious diseases, climate change presents another significant threat to global health. Glaciers melting due to rising temperatures has the potential to exacerbate disease outbreaks in several ways: as glaciers recede, previously frozen pathogens, such as ancient viruses and bacteria, may be released into the environment, posing new risks to human health.

Creating a comprehensive framework requires active engagement from the international community. Years of faltering multilateralism have resulted in an ad hoc approach to global health issues. A structured framework could establish standards, enhance accountability and enable effective monitoring in the face of infectious disease outbreaks.

The future of global markets hinges on the health and welfare of populations. Addressing health challenges is not only crucial for economic growth but also international security. It’s imperative for nations to collaborate closely in establishing a cohesive partnership that will lay the foundation for a global public health framework.

As we confront the challenges of global health, the interconnectedness of health on a global scale cannot be overlooked. Indeed, the establishment of a comprehensive global health governance framework will be the cornerstone of human development and prosperity.

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Author: Dr. Grace Crossette-Thambiah is a data expert with a Ph.D. and a solid background in public administration in health. She specializes in data management, analytics, and evidence-based decision-making. She is passionate about leveraging data to improve service delivery, optimize health outcomes, and drive innovation in public administration and healthcare initiatives. Grace can be reached at [email protected]

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