118 CHA

The Covid-19 pandemic taught us that health cannot be addressed from individualistic perspectives. In a globalized, interconnected and interdependent world, it is impossible to put borders to health challenges. Hence the importance of building shared responses to develop joint, coordinated and sustainable actions. In this context, From multilateralism, cooperation and solidarity, Spain defends global health, because it is not a privilege, it is a shared right for all humanity. The recent approval of the Global Health Strategy in the Council of Ministers represents a firm commitment in the protection of global health, where our country again demonstrates its leadership in the field.

With the Spain Global Health Strategy, its main role as defender of a fairer, inclusive and resilient global health. The Spanish strategy is a key tool to face health challenges, in addition to the preparation and response against pandemics or future health crises, others such as the effects on the public health of climate change, emerging infectious diseases or antimicrobial resistance, among others, all under a single health approach (One Health), which integrates human, animal and environmental health. It also pursues the purpose of strengthening resilient public health systems that can protect the population, especially the most vulnerable people and that they can deal with denialist discourses that cut together confidence in science and democratic institutionality.

Health is a fundamental human right, whose defense demands cooperation, dialogue, common vision and shared responsibility. Now working for global health is an opportunity to build a more fair, equitable and safe world for all humanity.

Carmen Montón is a permanent observer ambassador to the OAS and PAHA. Former Minister of Health, Consumption and Social Welfare