How Science Diplomacy Removes Political Barriers

“Global Health” refers to a new context and approach in matters of international health. Global Health focuses on the impact of global inter-dependence on the determinants of health and the policy response of countries, international organizations and other actors in the global health arena. 

Global Health is about politics and therefore needs a Global Health diplomacy. Global Health diplomacy primarily aims at the pursuit of health and health equity as a collective goal. It negotiates health in the face of other interests; creates alliances for health outcomes; improves relationships between states and between actors through health; and contributes to health security and peace building.

My presentation will build on some of my personal experience of health diplomacy in the fight against HIV/ AIDS meant as the pursuit of a Global Public Good. It will also review how the new context of the Sustainable Development Goals and how recent changes in demography and global economics impact on the response to infectious diseases and Global Health diplomacy.