A Call for Global Health Security
As we gather for the Munich Security Conference, let’s reflect on a critical lesson from the COVID-19 pandemic: global health is essential for security. Six years ago, I warned that COVID-19 posed a significant threat, calling it “public enemy number one.” Many dismissed this warning, but the pandemic transformed our world, highlighting how intertwined health, society, and economies truly are.
Lessons from History
In past conflicts, disease often claimed more lives than battles. For example, during both the Napoleonic Wars and the American Civil War, many soldiers succumbed to illness. The lingering effects of war also lead to health crises, as conflict disrupts healthcare systems and spreads disease. Recent statistics show a troubling trend: last year, WHO recorded over 1,300 attacks on healthcare facilities, leading to nearly 2,000 deaths. These attacks underscore the vulnerability of health workers in conflict zones like Ukraine and Sudan.
The Invisible Enemy
Today, we must prepare for the next pandemic, an invisible foe that knows no borders. Health security is national security. Despite significant investments in defense, many countries invest less in preventing health crises, which can be far more damaging. The COVID-19 pandemic cost the global economy over $10 trillion and claimed an estimated 20 million lives.
Global Responses to Future Threats
In response to these challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) has taken several initiatives over the past few years. Working with the World Bank, we launched the Pandemic Fund, which has already mobilized nearly $7 billion for global health security in 75 countries. We also opened the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin, which uses AI to swiftly identify new health threats.
To enhance cooperation, we established the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme in South Africa, sharing vital vaccine technology with 15 partners. Efforts also include the creation of the WHO BioHub in Switzerland, facilitating the swift exchange of biological samples to aid research.
Looking Ahead: The Pandemic Agreement
The recently adopted WHO Pandemic Agreement marks a historic step forward. This international framework aims to promote better global coordination in facing future pandemics. Claims that it undermines national sovereignty are inaccurate; the agreement respects national laws and policies.
While there’s still a long road ahead, recent negotiations focus on ensuring rapid detection of infectious pathogens and fair access to vaccines and treatments for all nations. This ongoing dialogue is a testament to the importance of multilateral cooperation, even in today’s divided world.
The Path Forward
Ultimately, health is a basic human right that plays a crucial role in achieving peace. Without health, no society can flourish. As we look to the future, we must prioritize strengthening global health frameworks. The scars of past conflicts remind us of the cycle of despair that can arise without peace and security.
In the end, the best medicine is indeed peace—a truth as vital today as it ever was.
Thank you for your engagement with the WHO’s mission. Your interest drives us to strive for a healthier, more secure world.
