Every September, one of the most important days on the foreign policy agenda is the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). World leaders and representatives of all United Nations member states gather to tackle pressing global issues. 

As we approach the midway point of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set for 2030, the 78th UNGA session has emphasized rebuilding strong international agreements to address global safety, health and peace concerns. Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly, declared the UNGA will work toward “rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.” Here is how the UNGA is responding to global health challenges.

UNGA’s Response to Global Health Challenges

The World Health Organization (WHO) urged leaders and members of the UNGA to prioritize global health as an urgent topic requiring immediate attention. UNGA scheduled three high-level meetings on global health: Pandemic prevention, preparedness and response (PPPR), Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the fight against tuberculosis (TB). 

Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPPR)

Under the overarching theme of “Making the World Safer,” the PPPR, buoyed by the momentum from the COVID-19 pandemic, has been met with greater urgency and prominence. UNGA structured the discussion of PPPR in two distinct panels: one focused on governance and accountability, ensuring all stakeholders, both public and private, uphold their commitments to PPPR; the other centered on building capacity and securing innovative and sustainable equity in the PPPR process. These themes address different facets of the broader PPPR framework, contributing to a holistic and equitable recovery strategy. The outcome of this meeting was a declaration mobilizing political commitment at local and international levels to address pandemic risks and responses. 

Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

The document outlining the UNGA agenda covered health outcomes, primary health care–oriented systems and essential public health functions. It renewed the declaration of 2019: “Universal health coverage: moving together to build a healthier world.” The existing agreements to further UHC have made huge impacts — between 2013 and 2020, health care workers increased by 29% globally. The 2023 meeting identified steps toward meeting the goal of universal health coverage by 2030. 

The Fight Against Tuberculosis (TB) 

UNGA holds this meeting with the goal of “advancing science, finance, and innovation and their benefits to urgently end the global tuberculosis epidemic, in particular, by ensuring equitable access to prevention, testing, treatment, and care.” The UNGA revisited the 2018 tuberculosis target declaration of the first General Assembly high-level meeting. Attendees brought forward plans to advance and end the tuberculosis epidemic by 2030. With 1.6 million deaths annually, the discussion highlights the need for stronger integration of affordable access to TB services. 

Health as an Investment

The World Health Organization advanced the principle that “health is an investment, not a cost.” Embracing this notion carries profound implications, especially for those living in poverty. The 78th UNGA addressing global health equity represents a change within the global agenda. By recognizing health as an investment, global governance takes a more holistic approach to discussing global health equity, contributing to broader health goals and addressing global health challenges. A healthy population can participate in education, employment and community — fostering economic growth. Commitment to this principle is vital to navigate the path toward a healthier future for all.

– Bella Oliver-Steinberg
Photo: Flickr