Global Health Diplomacy

by Alanna Shaikh · 2009-06-18 13:07:00 UTC
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(UN Plaza. Photo credit: Matthias Rosenkranz)

A January 2007 edition of the World Health Organization bulletin (that I just ran into online) features an idea that I think we'll see more of. It calls for a new commitment to global health diplomacy.  They define global health diplomacy as the "multi-level and multi-actor negotiation processes that shape and manage the global policy environment for health." Essentially, taking the skills that used to end wars and create trade agreements to develop cooperation and structure in the field of global health.

They recommend full-time health attaches for diplomatic missions. The logic, which I agree with, is that diplomats with a health background are better equipped to navigate the complex series of public and private alliances required to support global health. The learning curve is just too steep to start diplomats from scratch, or to expect health people to quickly learn to negotiate. The discussion reminded me of Michael Keizer's mention of global health law, and the lack thereof. Health-specific diplomats might be the first step in developing that body of law.

The other interesting thing about this recommendation is that the WHO is explicitly recognizing that it can no longer they the arbiter for all multi-lateral efforts on global health. There are too many topics to cover, and too many players involved. To quote the bulletin, "The venue of global health diplomacy has shifted to include other spaces of negotiation and influence, and the number of organizations dealing with health has increased exponentially. At all levels we are witnessing a diversification of actors, the most illustrative development being the growth of public-private partnerships and platforms around a multitude of health issues, all clamouring for attention and funds." I think that's really forward thinking of the WHO, and I am impressed to see them shifting their role in response to the changing world.

Alanna Shaikh
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