Global Health Policy

1295 Words3 Pages

The Significance of Global Health Policy in Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
Sandra Meria Keavey
Nova Southeastern University
College of Health Care Sciences
Department of Health Science
Christine Legler PA-C, DHSc, MS
Global Health Policy - DHS 8095
Assignment Week 3
January 24, 2016

The Significance of Global Health Policy in Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
Introduction
Throughout history, the awareness of other cultures has advanced as man as reached out beyond his boundaries in travel, exploration, and trade. As part of this extension into other cultures, with their foods, manner of dress, traditions and business opportunities have included the exposure to new illnesses. Diseases or illness that is local to …show more content…

This means looking after the well-being of their population, particularly the young and the vulnerable. “Global health diplomacy brings together the disciplines of public health, international affairs, management, law and economics and focuses on negotiations that shape and manage the global policy environment for health” (Global Health Policy, n.d.). The relationship between health, foreign policy and trade is at the forefront of global health diplomacy.
Global health problems such as HIV/AIDS and Ebola with their high morbidity and mortality have are labeled as threats to national security and foreign policy interests (Michaud & Kates, 2013). The risk of influenza pandemic annually with the significant impact on economies as well as people has led to a high level of international cooperation. In 2014, in a report to CNBC Anmar Frangoul stated the cost to the global economy of SARS is estimated to have been $54 billion, according to the World Bank. The estimate is that a 'severe flu pandemic' could cost over $3 trillion, nearly five percent of the global gross domestic product. The high economic impact of any global health event with its subsequent impact on the social, civil, and personal cost makes it worth the effort for countries to cooperate in preventing outbreaks and pursuing …show more content…

The goals to eradicate extreme poverty/hunger, provide universal primary education, promote gender equality, decrease child mortality and improve maternal health, fight HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases and to ensure environmental sustainability were not fully met but did achieve significant success. The MDG’s acted as an impetus for the UN to set larger and more ambitious goals called the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The focuses of the new goals are broader addressing three dimensions of sustainable development - economic, social and environmental (From MDGs to SDGs, WHO launches new report, 2015).
The development and execution of these goals represent global health diplomacy in action. The expansion of goals and progress to improve the health and lives of the impoverished is the significance of global health diplomacy. Improving the health and well-being of a population creates a baseline upon which international relationships can grow based on achievement. These efforts create new opportunities for other endeavors, in areas beyond health.

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