Health Diplomacy Alliance

Tag: health diplomacy

  • Health Diplomacy House

    Health Diplomacy House

    Health Diplomacy House

    Calendar
    Register

    On the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly, we will convene the Health Diplomacy House on Thursday, 21 May 2026, in Geneva.

    The Health Diplomacy House is an informal, co-creation space where organizations can host sessions, lead discussions, and work together on practical health policy issues. It is part of the “Predictable Uncertainty” series of events held by the Health Diplomacy Alliance throughout the year and brings together policymakers, diplomats, academia, civil society, philanthropic organizations, patient groups, and other partners engaged in global health.

    The aim is to provide a setting that supports open exchange and practical collaboration, outside formal formats, while addressing complex and evolving health challenges.

    The venue is located in the historic Rothschild buildings, originally built in the 19th century as a hospital and later repurposed. The space is modest and practical and suited for focused discussions and exchange.

    The House will host a series of discussions, roundtables, and smaller exchanges throughout the day, as well as provide space for bilateral meetings and media interactions.

    While the agenda remains open, sessions are expected to focus on

    • One Health, including global health security and antimicrobial resistance
    • Climate change and health
    • Health financing
    • Global health architecture and governance

    We encourage sessions that are guided by a clear agenda but remain flexible in format, without pre-set questions or scripted interventions, to allow for open and responsive discussion.

    The day will conclude with an informal outdoor* gathering, providing an opportunity to continue discussions with Assembly participants.

    If your organization would like to contribute by hosting a session or discussion, please indicate your interest via the short form below by 24 April 2026. Space is limited, and the agenda is currently being finalized.

    We look forward to welcoming you to the Health Diplomacy House during the 79th WHA.

    * Subject to weather conditions. 

     

    Join the Health Diplomacy House

    Multiple sessions happening simultaneously; please register in advance to secure your seat.

    MORNING SESSIONS

    OPENING

    8 :00AM- 9:00AM CET

    Reflection in an era of Predictable Uncertainty

    The opening session of the Health Diplomacy House brings participants into a focused, informal conversation on how global health is changing across governance, financing, and institutional processes. It sets the tone for subsequent partner organization sessions within the Health Diplomacy Alliance, including our strategic priorities—AMR, climate change and health, health governance, and sustainable financing—and how these connect to wider reform processes. The session is designed as a space that goes beyond standard exchanges, supporting reflection on how current shifts connect across agendas and shape future cooperation and coordination in global health.

    Panelists:

    Katherine Urbáez
    Executive Director – Health Diplomacy Alliance
    Read MoreClose

    Speakers and facilitators to be announced. 

    Registration

    9:30AM- 11:00AM CET

    What’s at Stake and What Comes Next for Global Health Reform

    This interactive session explores the future of global health reform at a critical moment for international cooperation. As numerous reform initiatives emerge, it has become increasingly challenging for stakeholders to track developments and engage meaningfully.

    The session will provide clear and accessible insights into the structural drivers behind global health reform, highlighting four key paradigm shifts shaping the future. It will also examine major milestones—from the Gavi Leap and Accra Reset to ongoing WHO-led processes—while addressing both opportunities and risks for meaningful change.

    Participants will be invited to engage, reflect, and contribute to shaping the next era of global health.

    Panelists:

    Dr Anders Nordström
    Director, PIPDH | Former Swedish Global Health Ambassador | Former Acting DG, WHO

    More speakers and facilitators to be announced. 

    Registration

    LUNCH SESSION

    AFTERNOON SESSIONS

    Events to be announced. 

    CLOSING SESSIONS

    CLOSING

    17:00PM -18:30 PM CET

    CHECK THE BOX

    The closing session of the Health Diplomacy House will focus on tracking political commitments on antimicrobial resistance, assessing the distance between declaration and implementation, and identifying the diplomatic and policy levers needed to accelerate action.

    Panelists:

    Katherine Urbáez
    Executive Director – Health Diplomacy Alliance
    Read MoreClose
    Mattar headshot
    Dr. Caline Mattar
    Professor of Medicine & Public Health | Infectious Diseases Specialist
    Read MoreClose

    More speakers and facilitators to be announced. 

    Registration

    More Events to be announced. Stay Connected.

    Program

    Latest Events

  • Uncertainty That is Predictable: Diplomacy and Power Shifts

    Uncertainty That is Predictable: Diplomacy and Power Shifts

    Rationale 

    The beginning of 2026 continues to mark a critical juncture in international relations, defined by shifting geopolitical power balances, emerging alliances, evolving diplomatic practices, and complex regional dynamics. This landscape is shaped by unprecedented challenges—including escalating conflicts, financial market uncertainties, and increasing pressure on global governance frameworks. 

    In this context, the Health Diplomacy Alliance recognizes the need to move beyond a narrow focus on health alone and to engage deeply with the broader geopolitical environment. Understanding how these global shifts influence the environment in which health decisions are made is essential to advancing effective health foreign policy. 

    This online panel is part of the Alliance’s commitment to exploring the intersection of geopolitics, diplomacy, and health governance. By fostering integrated diplomatic responses, the event will draw on the expert analysis of distinguished speakers with deep knowledge of global power dynamics and international diplomacy. They will unpack how shifting geopolitical realities shape the environment in which health decisions are made, enabling policymakers and practitioners to apply these insights for more informed and effective health strategies. 

    Objectives 

    • To analyze key geopolitical and diplomatic trends, shaping the international system in 2026. 
    • To assess the evolution of regional cooperation and its impact on global stability. 
    • To explore shifts in multilateralism amid rising nationalism and fragmented new alliances. 
    • To examine the interplay of war, conflict, and economic volatility in diplomacy. 
    • To understand the implications of geopolitical changes affecting global health architecture and governance reform.  

    Panelists

    Professor Simone Susanne Dietrich

    Associate Professor of Political Science and International Relations, University of Geneva

    Professor Funmi Olonisakin

    Vice President (IES), King’s College London; Professor of Security, Leadership and Development

    Professor Ole Petter Ottersen

    Professor of Medicine, University of Oslo; Former President, Karolinska Institutet

    Professor Ja Ian Chong

    Associate Professor of Political Science at the National University of Singapore (NUS)

     

  • WHO Launches Civil Society Task Force on AMR

    WHO Launches Civil Society Task Force on AMR

     In a significant step to strengthen global action against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Civil Society Task Force on AMR during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) 2025. The initiative brings together nongovernmental organizations and civil society groups from around the world to coordinate efforts, provide evidence, identify gaps, and promote engagement between governments, communities, and stakeholders.

    The Task Force aims to amplify the voices of affected communities and ensure that civil society organizations can contribute meaningfully to global strategies to combat AMR. Its objectives include fostering collaboration across sectors, supporting capacity building, promoting advocacy, and advancing WHO’s GPW14.

    The Health Diplomacy Alliance (HDA) will be co-sharing the Steering Committee of the Task Force, bringing expertise in health diplomacy and cooperation. HDA’s involvement strengthens efforts to highlight the impact of AMR at global, regional, and national levels, while supporting civil society to engage in advocacy, strengthen regulatory systems, increase access to quality-assured antimicrobials, and integrate the One Health Approach into planning.

    AMR continues to pose a severe global health threat. In 2019, drug-resistant infections were associated with approximately 4.95 million deaths, and by 2021, an estimated 1.14 million deaths were directly attributable to AMR. Without effective measures, healthcare costs could rise by $1 trillion by 2050.

    By including civil society voices alongside technical expertise, the Task Force ensures that AMR responses are locally grounded, equitable, and evidence-based, helping governments and communities implement effective, sustainable solutions.

    HDA’s participation in the Task Force underscores its commitment to promoting long-term, political system-level solutions to address the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

  • 2025 Global Intergenerational Dialogue on AMR

    2025 Global Intergenerational Dialogue on AMR

    The 2025 Intergenerational Dialogue on AMR was a key initiative in the Health Diplomacy Alliance 7-7-7 Campaign during World AMR Awareness Week that highlighted seven actions on AMR led by seven stakeholder groups through seven days in the week.  

    The dialogue built on global momentum amplified youth perspectives through findings from a pre-event survey that seeked to understand their initiatives, concerns, and solutions towards an inclusive global governance on AMR, promote cross-generational exchanges on effective solutions, foster capacity-building and partnership, especially in last-mile settings, and develop actionable recommendations to embed inclusive engagement and health diplomacy within the global instruments governing AMR response grounded in a One Health approach.

    Summary

    Welcome and Introduction

    Diana RIZZOLIO | Coordinator, Geneva Environment Network | Co-Moderator

    Diana Rizzolio, Coordinator of the Geneva Environmental Network, opened the session by conveying warm greetings and setting the stage for the dialogue. She welcomed participants, framed the significance of the exchange, and underscored the value of bringing diverse voices together. In concluding her introduction, she invited the audience to turn their attention to the next speaker and formally introduced Katherine Urbáez.

    Katherine URBÁEZ | Founder & Executive Director, Health Diplomacy Alliance | Co-Moderator

    Katherine Urbáez, Executive Director of the Health Diplomacy Alliance, offered her opening remarks by outlining the purpose and spirit of the gathering. She described the AMR Week 7-7-7 Campaign, explaining how it showcased seven core actions from seven stakeholder groups across the seven days of the week. She noted that the Health Diplomacy Alliance highlighted AMR efforts in Geneva, online, and through hybrid formats, all while prioritizing engagement with global audiences in a multilingual, cross-sectoral, and intergenerational way. She walked participants through the key initiatives of the campaign, including the display of campaign and HDA flags on the Pont du Mont Blanc; an awareness stand at Geneva’s main train station, Gare Cornavin, featuring messages and activities from multiple supporting organizations; a social media effort spotlighting contributions from diverse global actors alongside the seven key actions on AMR; and the blue illumination of the Jet d’Eau at the center of Lac Léman. She concluded by underscoring the core aim of the campaign: to involve every category of stakeholder, bridge generations, and ensure the broadest possible diversity in AMR awareness and action.

    Presentation of findings from pre-event youth survey

    Bill Whilson A. BALJON | Working Group Liason, Health Diplomacy Youth Network

    Bill Whilson A. Baljon, Working Group Liaison of the Health Diplomacy Youth Network, presented outcomes and key messages from the pre event youth survey on AMR. He outlined three clear priority areas guiding youth perspectives on AMR. He emphasized the need to strengthen education and awareness efforts, expand surveillance and data-sharing mechanisms, and regulate antibiotic use more effectively, particularly within agriculture and livestock systems. He noted that young people unmistakably want to be part of the solution, and the wide range of activities they are eager to pursue—research, awareness initiatives, international negotiations, and digital advocacy—reflects their strong drive to contribute. He highlighted that this momentum reveals substantial potential at the global level, where youth feel more genuinely included and more encouraged to participate than they do within local or national settings.

    Keynote Address: Advancing national action on AMR

    H.E. Amb. Fernando LUGRIS | Member, the Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance, Ambassador of Uruguay

    H.E. Amb. Fernando Lugris, Member of the Global Leaders Group on AMR and Ambassador of Uruguay, delivered the keynote address by presenting Uruguay’s stance on advancing national efforts against AMR and strengthening support for youth. He described how Uruguay marks AMR Awareness Week by convening institutions working across the issue to demonstrate ongoing progress. He affirmed that AMR remains a pressing challenge with far-reaching effects across health systems and the environment, stressing that “it is time to turn commitments into concrete actions.” He explained that Uruguay invests across multiple sectors—vaccines, pharmaceuticals, research, and veterinary sciences—to reinforce national readiness. He emphasized the value of collaboration between academia and government ministries, including partnerships with the Caribbean region, and underscored the significance of empowering young people in schools and universities. He encouraged stronger implementation of AMR action plans and noted the need for greater investment in diagnostics, innovation, and policymaking. He concluded by stressing that it is essential to ensure that future generations inherit a world safeguarded from the escalating risks posed by AMR.

    A cross-sectoral One Health discussion on key actions to prevent and mitigate AMR

    In the context of the triple planetary crisis, what key actions are needed to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR)? 

    Jacqueline ALVAREZ | Head, Chemicals and Health Branch, UN Environment Programme

    Ms Jacqueline Alvarez emphasized that very few people recognize AMR as an environmental concern or understand the reasons behind it. She framed her remarks within the context of the triple planetary crisis—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution—explaining how rising temperatures heighten disease risks, and greater disease burdens intensify AMR. She noted that extreme weather events similarly exacerbate the issue, while shifts in soil health and biodiversity reveal the emergence and spread of resistance even when it cannot be directly observed. She underscored priority actions: strengthening governance, legislation, and regulatory frameworks; expanding knowledge and evidence through research to better understand the problem without delaying action, since resistant genes are already present in the environment; and maintaining a focus on prevention, where small steps can yield significant impact. She added that healthcare facilities pose major challenges and stressed that, for UNEP, children and youth are essential partners, as the rapid spread of information among younger generations is key to delivering the right messages.

    How do you envision that emerging professionals like you are contributing to solutions at the intersection of animal welfare and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and what are the challenges you understand are still needed in your region?

    Prothoma KALIDAHA | Chair, Standing Committee on Animal Welfare 2025-2026, International Veterinary Students’ Association

    Ms Prothoma Kalidaha explained the intrinsic link between animal welfare and AMR, noting that animals fall sick more easily when their conditions are inadequate, resulting in heavier antibiotic use. She emphasized that promoting proper welfare is already a strong step toward ensuring healthier animals. She highlighted that even as students, young people can contribute meaningfully through awareness and action, particularly in regions where antibiotics are perceived as the quickest solution, making education vital. She pointed out that research is an area where young and undergraduate students can already participate. She also acknowledged persistent challenges, including the shortage of qualified veterinarians—especially in rural areas—which leads communities to rely on less qualified and cheaper alternatives. She closed by stressing that together, young professionals can make a real impact through prevention and by strengthening One Health, which she described as the most important point.

    How inclusive are the implementation of GAP and IPEA processes in ensuring intergenerational and multisectorial representation?

    Jean Pierre NYEMAZI | Director, Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Head, Governance & Strategic Initiatives Unit, AMR Department, World Health Organization

    Dr Jean Pierre Nyemazi highlighted the significance of the independent panel and affirmed that youth have been engaged as key stakeholders in its work. He explained that AMR becomes easier to address when coordination exists across all sectors and communities. He stressed that young people are not only beneficiaries but critical actors; therefore, early-career inclusion in AMR dialogue is essential. He noted that youth must be better represented at the national level, where they are often under-included, and emphasized that efforts must continue to expand their presence. He added that youth participation is needed in implementation as well, emphasizing that at every level, young people are indispensable.

    What are the key AMR challenges and awareness efforts in the Pacific Islands, and how are last-mile actions and populations, such as in Papua New Guinea, being included in AMR solutions?

    Simeon PETER | National President 2025-2027, Papua New Guinea Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship

    Simeon Peter explained that Pacific Island countries remain under-resourced in combating AMR, particularly regarding surveillance capacity. He underscored the need for increased laboratory personnel and expanded stewardship training. He noted that a Fleming Fund country grant supported by the Australian government is helping to build laboratory and hospital capacity for surveillance data, which in turn is used to design tailored programs to confront AMR challenges. He added that governments in the region are implementing WHO recommendations to develop national AMR plans. He emphasized that regulatory challenges significantly impact pharmaceutical supply chains, with a portion of imported drugs in Papua New Guinea being substandard, and noted that these medicines are sold over the counter and sometimes even on the streets rather than through pharmacies. 

    How do you see the engagement of youth in your region as part of the current global AMR governance, how representative is their participation across sectors, and what steps can be taken to improve inclusivity? 

    Karina KHATIC | Quadripartite Working Group on Youth Engagement for AMR

    Dr Karina Khatic affirmed that young people are increasingly receiving opportunities, platforms, and recognition as champions working on AMR. She emphasized that young researchers studying AMR require support to synthesize evidence across One Health dimensions. She stressed that youth should play a role in the implementation of global action plans and other instruments guiding AMR responses.

    How is the FAO addressing the link between food security and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through, and what can be done to enhance representative participation and collective action? 

    Dominique BURGEON | Director, Geneva Liaison Office, Food and Agriculture Organization

    Dominique Burgeon emphasized the deep connection between food security and AMR, noting that misuse in agriculture and livestock production threatens human, animal, and environmental health, and ultimately the safety of the whole supply chain. He outlined the FAO action plan on AMR, which focuses on reducing unnecessary antimicrobial use in crops, livestock, and aquaculture; promoting good farming practices; improving biosecurity; and encouraging alternatives such as vaccines and probiotics. He described FAO’s commitment to strengthening global antimicrobial surveillance through InFARM, which monitors antimicrobial use worldwide. He highlighted the RENOFARM initiative and its 5Gs—good health services, good production services, good alternatives, good connections, and good incentives—designed to help farmers enhance animal health and productivity safely and sustainably without relying on antibiotics. He noted FAO’s close collaboration with WHO, WOAH, and UNEP to align strategies and support countries implementing National Action Plans, alongside engagement with the Multistakeholder Partnership Platform to coordinate collective efforts. He emphasized representative participation and a whole-of-society approach involving farmers, veterinarians, food processors, policymakers, researchers, and communities. He added that governments are crucial for setting targets and sharing data transparently; smallholders need incentives and technical support to adopt improved practices; the private sector can invest in stewardship programs; and civil society can raise awareness and shift behaviors.

    How is antimicrobial resistance (AMR) being addressed in conflict and humanitarian settings, what key actions have been taken?

    Duha SHELLAH | Vice Chair, WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) Youth Council

    Dr Duha Shellah described AMR as a daily reality in places experiencing prolonged conflict, where conditions that perpetuate resistance occur simultaneously—overcrowded shelters, damaged water and sanitation systems, shortages of essential antibiotics, and disrupted diagnostic and surveillance capacity. She detailed how the collapse of laboratory and clinical services restricts treatment options and complicates management for frontline young professionals. She noted that disrupted supply chains allow substandard and unregulated antibiotics to circulate, fueling resistance, while overcrowding accelerates infection transmission, including drug-resistant organisms, in environments with limited infection-control resources. She explained that data collection becomes fragmented, surveillance systems collapse, and access to laboratories narrows, creating a gap between the true AMR burden and what appears in national or global reports. She highlighted that youth-led networks are promoting safe antibiotic use, young researchers are contributing to community mapping and real-time recommendations, and youth volunteers are bridging health facilities and communities through triage and last-mile health education. She emphasized that experienced leaders provide strategic insight while youth mobilize on the ground, making intergenerational collaboration essential to AMR response. She concluded by stating that AMR must be integrated into emergency response plans, and that ensuring reliable access to quality-assured antibiotics and diagnostics, training frontline professionals in stewardship, strengthening surveillance capacity, and investing in youth-led efforts are critical.

    Antimicrobial stewardship is a national priority, and pharmacists play a key role in safe prescribing and guideline implementation. As a recent graduate, how would you use your understanding of stewardship to work with pharmacists and other professionals to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?

    Eleanor FONJI | Chairperson of Public Health, International Pharmaceutical Students Federation

    Eleanor Fonji emphasized the importance of informing and educating pharmacists and healthcare practitioners about how their actions influence AMR, paired with intervention training to strengthen stewardship practices. She explained that regularly updating knowledge through presentations on new developments and research is an effective educational approach. She noted that pharmacists contribute by reviewing antibiotic prescriptions in a timely manner, optimizing dosing, supporting clinicians with updated antimicrobial-therapy guidelines, and participating in case reviews and ward rounds. She stressed that stewardship is a collective responsibility in which all healthcare professionals understand the role they play in safeguarding antibiotics.

    What actions are needed in animal health to sustain global momentum on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and ensure the sector is involved in all multisectorial discussion and in the engagement  of all generations in the process?

    Javier  YUGUEROS MARCOS | Head of the Antimicrobial Resistance and Veterinary Products Department, World Organisation for Animal Health

    Javier Yugueros-Marcos explained that veterinary communities worldwide have faced around one hundred disease outbreaks in the past six months and emphasized that AMR stems from weak animal health systems, making their strengthening essential for veterinarians managing daily challenges. He described WOAH’s advocacy through bilateral engagement with Chief Veterinary Officers and regional conferences, supported by awareness campaigns. He highlighted the positive momentum within the animal-health community, noting that antimicrobial use in animals has shown a downward trend over the years. He referred to a 2024 WOAH economic study revealing that countries permitting antimicrobials as growth promoters use 45% more antimicrobials than countries that restrict such use. He emphasized that awareness, surveillance, and regulation are central to reducing AMR and noted that the youth pre-event survey aligns with these priorities. He mentioned that WOAH has created informative leaflets to translate complex UN political-declaration language into actionable steps for veterinarians. He emphasized the need to understand the planet as shared by humans and other animals, highlighting the interconnectedness and spillover potential between ecosystems. He stressed that education is a first priority to sensitize children to ecological interdependence, social responsibility, and AMR. He noted that multistakeholder coordination is essential for policy action, offering the example from WAAW where France released national antimicrobial-consumption reports for animals and humans, revealing a decline in animal use while human use rises—showing that progress in one sector does not guarantee system-wide success. He concluded by reaffirming WOAH’s commitment to helping youth establish cross-sectoral collaboration mechanisms at the national level to gain exposure and experience in addressing critical challenges.

    How can equity and access be strengthened in the design and implementation of key actions to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?

    Federica CASTELLANA | Secretary, Young World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA)

    Federica Castellana emphasized that equity and access begin by placing young professionals at the center of AMR discussions. She described how the Young WFPHA working group’s AMR chapter advances awareness, advocacy, and research while convening stakeholders from different regions within the youth age group, which helps highlight diverse needs and co-create solutions. She shared an example from Djibouti, where a community-centered One Health project championed by the Italian Red Cross has enabled community members and livestock owners to lead disease surveillance. Villagers are trained to collect and share data with local health authorities using a bottom-up approach, ensuring that AMR solutions reflect local realities.

    What is the role of health diplomacy in shaping and governing a collaborative, One Health–driven response to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), especially when there are other health and political priorities?

    Yasmine BAIROUK | Intern, Health and Environment, Health Diplomacy Alliance

    Yasmine Bairouk explained that health diplomacy ensures global and regional AMR commitments are translated into effective, context-adapted national policies. She emphasized that monitoring and accountability are essential to understanding the real impact of political commitments. She announced that the Health Diplomacy Alliance will launch the Click-The-Box Initiative next year to support governments and the Quadripartite in monitoring accountability around political commitments. She highlighted diplomacy as a key mechanism to strengthen budgeting and financing, mobilize non-traditional sectors, and support innovation, diagnostics, and science. She concluded by stressing that global AMR communication must remain accessible and understandable for all.

    Closing

    Ms Katherine Urbáez closed the dialogue by summarizing the discussion and highlighting the key themes explored by the panelists. She underscored the importance of addressing the triple planetary crisis, the misuse of antimicrobials, the global action plan, healthy communities, political engagement, food security, biosecurity, livestock production, conflict settings, and data collection, while noting the trend of reduced antimicrobial use in animals. She emphasized how youth remain central across each of these dimensions of the AMR equation. She concluded the event by outlining the next steps toward 2026, reaffirming the importance of continuing to engage quadripartite organizations each year during World AMR Awareness Week.

  • Retos y desafíos globales de la salud en personas con albinismo: Perspectiva de la República Dominicana

    Retos y desafíos globales de la salud en personas con albinismo: Perspectiva de la República Dominicana

    El albinismo es una condición genética caracterizada por la falta de melanina, lo que afecta la piel, el cabello y los ojos. Esta deficiencia no solo trae complicaciones médicas serias como una elevada sensibilidad al sol y problemas visuales, sino que también genera graves problemas sociales como el estigma y la discriminación. La forma en que se ve el albinismo varía mucho entre diferentes regiones, como en algunas áreas de África en comparación con Europa y América del Norte, lo que resalta la urgencia de abordar estas cuestiones desde un enfoque de cuidado integral. 

    Las personas con albinismo enfrentan numerosos desafíos. El riesgo de cáncer de piel es alto debido a la falta de melanina que protege de los rayos solares, y los problemas visuales asociados con el albinismo pueden ser limitantes. Además de los retos físicos, el impacto social puede ser destructivo. En algunos contextos culturales, los mitos y malentendidos sobre el albinismo pueden provocar persecución y violencia, lo que indica que la atención médica debe considerar también el contexto social. 

    Foto: Encuentro Anual Fundación Albinismo Solidario Asociado 2024.

    Es vital que la diplomacia en salud global priorice la educación y la mejora de la percepción pública como estrategias fundamentales para luchar contra la desinformación y los prejuicios asociados al albinismo. Informar adecuadamente sobre las causas genéticas y médicas de esta condición puede ayudar a eliminar estereotipos dañinos y promover un mayor reconocimiento social. 

    Además, es importante que las políticas internacionales fomenten la creación y aplicación de medidas de protección para las personas con albinismo. Estas medidas deberían asegurar acceso a servicios médicos especializados, como la dermatología y la oftalmología, y extender las protecciones legales para garantizar la seguridad y los derechos humanos de estas personas, especialmente en las áreas donde son más vulnerables. La colaboración internacional es esencial para compartir recursos, estrategias y prácticas óptimas, y para apoyar la implementación de programas que se adapten cultural y demográficamente a las necesidades de las comunidades afectadas. 

    Incluir las experiencias y perspectivas de las personas con albinismo en la formulación de estas políticas es fundamental para asegurar intervenciones efectivas y humanas. Con un compromiso y desarrollo continuo de estrategias de atención médica integradas, podemos avanzar hacia un futuro más justo y saludable para las personas con albinismo, eliminando barreras físicas y sociales. 

    Un ejemplo sobresaliente de apoyo al albinismo en América Latina es la inauguración de la Primera Clínica de Albinismo en la República Dominicana, resultado de la colaboración entre la Fundación Albinismo Solidario y el Instituto ChromoMED. Inaugurada el 17 de julio de 2024, esta clínica es pionera en ofrecer un cuidado médico especializado y comprensivo en la región, dirigida por un equipo de especialistas que incluye al Dr. Carlos Gómez, la Dra. Katlin De La Rosa Poueriet, y a mí, Dr. Bary G. Bigay. Con instalaciones modernas, la clínica no solo ofrece servicios médicos de alta calidad, sino que también se dedica a mejorar la inclusión social y la concienciación sobre el albinismo, indicando un avance relevante en la creación de un entorno de aceptación y apoyo continuo. 

    “A medida que se intensifican los esfuerzos globales por mejorar la salud de las personas con albinismo, es imprescindible reforzar la investigación en este campo. La inversión en estudios sobre terapias innovadoras, el desarrollo de tratamientos preventivos para el cáncer de piel en esta población y la creación de protocolos de atención médica adaptados son pasos esenciales hacia un futuro más equitativo y saludable. El compromiso con la educación, la investigación y la concienciación social seguirá siendo clave para garantizar que las personas con albinismo puedan vivir con dignidad y sin barreras, contribuyendo así a un mundo más inclusivo y justo.” 

    Los esfuerzos globales por mejorar la salud de las personas con albinismo han ganado impulso en los últimos años, pero aún queda mucho por hacer. Esta población enfrenta desafíos significativos debido a la falta de acceso a cuidados médicos adecuados, especialmente en lo que respecta a la prevención y tratamiento del cáncer de piel. El albinismo, que se caracteriza por una deficiencia en la producción de melanina, expone a las personas a un mayor riesgo de desarrollar cáncer de piel debido a la mayor vulnerabilidad de su piel a la radiación ultravioleta. 

    Por lo tanto, es fundamental invertir en investigación para encontrar terapias innovadoras que puedan reducir este riesgo y mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas con albinismo. Además, el desarrollo de tratamientos preventivos, como cremas solares de mayor efectividad y protocolos de atención médica adaptados a las necesidades específicas de esta población, será fundamental para proteger la salud de los afectados. 

    El enfoque en la educación y la concienciación social también es clave. Sensibilizar a la sociedad sobre las realidades del albinismo, los problemas de salud que conlleva y la necesidad de inclusión social puede ayudar a reducir los estigmas y la discriminación que a menudo enfrentan las personas con esta condición. Asimismo, fomentar la capacitación de profesionales de la salud para reconocer y tratar adecuadamente las afecciones relacionadas con el albinismo es esencial. 

    En última instancia, estos esfuerzos colaborativos en investigación, educación y desarrollo de políticas públicas son pasos esenciales hacia un futuro en el que las personas con albinismo puedan vivir con dignidad, sin barreras y tener acceso a una atención médica adecuada, contribuyendo así a un mundo más inclusivo y justo.

     

     

    Sobre el autor

    Nacido en San Pedro de Macorís, República Dominicana, es un respetado Médico Genetista Clínico & Molecular, y Director Médico Ejecutivo del Instituto ChromoMED en Santo Domingo, Pionero en Investigación en Medicina Traslacional y Genómica del Albinismo en República Dominicana. 

    Doctor en Medicina por la Universidad Central del Este y con especializaciones en genética y genómica en prestigiosas universidades de España y Francia como la Universidad de Valencia y la Universidad de Montpellier, posee múltiples estudios de Máster en Biología Molecular, Medicina Reproductiva y Oncología de Precisión Genómica. 

    Es autor de importantes publicaciones científicas y ha sido reconocido con diversos premios entre ellos el Latín American Quality Award 2024, y el Business Management Award 2024. Es director científico del Foro Permanente de Salud Global de Santo Domingo. 

  • 156th Executive Board – World Health Organization

    156th Executive Board – World Health Organization

    The 156th session of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Executive Board convened in Geneva from February 4 to 11, 2025, gathering representatives from Member States, senior WHO officials, and key stakeholders to address pressing global health matters, with discussions marked by a strong focus on health governance, financial sustainability, and the prioritization of key health challenges facing the global community.

    The meeting opened with significant attention to leadership and governance matters within the WHO. A central element of the governance discussions circled the Member State-led governance reform, with particular emphasis on enhancing transparency and strengthening decision-making processes. The review of the Standing Committee on Health Emergency Prevention, Preparedness, and Response was highlighted as a critical step in improving WHO’s ability to respond to global health emergencies effectively. Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu was appointed as Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, following the passing of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, while Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge was reappointed as the Regional Director for Europe, reflecting the confidence of Member States in his leadership. Dr. Ihekweazu’s interim appointment will remain in place until the formal election of a new Regional Director at the WHA78.

    A key theme was WHO’s financial health and sustainability. The EB debated the need for a flexible funding model that enables prompt responses to emerging health threats and geopolitical challenges, such as the decision of two Member States of the Americas, the United States of America and Argentina, to withdraw of the WHO. Dr. Cathrine Lofthus of Norway, Chair of the 41st Programme, Budget, and Administration Committee (PBAC), presented a decision paper that will align resolutions with the Programme Budget 2026–2027. The Board recommended that implementing requests to the Director-General—including those for WHA78—be contingent on finalizing this budget.

    This approach ensures that new initiatives are supported by clear funding strategies, where WHO will be required to assess the budgetary and operational implications of all resolutions and integrate these into the Programme Budget 2026–2027. Member States expect active consultation during prioritization, and progress will be reported to WHA78 through the PBAC.

    The Executive Board discussed and recommended several resolutions for adoption at WHA78, reflecting WHO’s commitment to addressing a wide range of global health issues. Among the most notable was the Global Action Plan on Climate Change and Health, which aims to bolster health system resilience to climate-related risks and mitigate the environmental determinants of health and acknowledges the growing impact of climate change on public health and calls for coordinated international efforts to protect vulnerable populations and strengthen emergency preparedness.

    Another important draft resolution, led by Côte d’ Ivoire, focused on skin diseases, seeking to address all skin disease conditions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, calling on the improvement of access to treatment, preventive measures, and tackling stigma and discrimination of patients, as well as improving research to combat these conditions.

    Vital discussion on the health implications of nuclear weapons and nuclear war, the proposal led by Samoa, emphasized the catastrophic humanitarian and health consequences of nuclear conflict and urged Member States to strengthen their emergency preparedness and response capacities, further reinforcing WHO’s role in raising awareness about the long-term health effects of nuclear exposure and advocating for global disarmament efforts.

    Strengthening health financing globally was another major discussed resolution, led by Nigeria, the draft calls for sustainable and equitable health financing mechanisms to support universal health coverage and primary healthcare systems; due to the pressing need to close funding gaps and mobilize domestic and international resources to achieve health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Board emphasized that robust health financing is essential to building resilient health systems capable of withstanding future health emergencies.

    The Executive Board concluded the session by reaffirming its commitment to strengthening WHO’s leadership, transparency, and financial stability; where Member States expressed a shared determination to work collaboratively at WHA78 to adopt resolutions that promote global health security, advance health equity, and bolster WHO’s capacity to serve the most vulnerable populations.

    With a clear roadmap laid out by the EB, the upcoming78th World Health Assembly scheduled to take place in Geneva from May 19 to 27,  promises to be a decisive moment in health diplomacy as Member States and many come together to tackle pressing health issues, the result of the negotiation of the Intergovernmental Negotiation Body to draft and negotiate a WHO Convention, Agreement, or other international instruments on pandemic, preparedness, and response, and the reinforcement of the role of WHO as the leading authority in international health.

     

  • One Health Podcast

    One Health Podcast

    Our Founder, Katherine Urbáez, presented a snapshot of the findings on her research about How does Health Diplomacy impacts One Health Implementation; The Cases of Switzerland and Rwanda.

    Conducted by the Global Health Center of the Geneva Graduate Institute The podcast “Implementing One Health through Health Diplomacy: Comparing Switzerland and Rwanda” explores the founding on how these two nations utilize diplomatic strategies to advance the One Health initiative, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health to address comprehensive health challenges.

    Switzerland uses its extensive health infrastructure and diplomatic clout to promote One Health principles on a global scale. The country integrates health into its foreign policy and fosters international cooperation to tackle global health issues comprehensively.

    In contrast, Rwanda focuses on embedding One Health into national policies and local governance. The country has achieved significant progress through community-based health strategies and multisectoral engagement. Rwanda’s approach highlights how effective One Health strategies can be implemented with strong political commitment and innovative local solutions.

    The podcast underscores the distinct and synergistic methods employed by Switzerland and Rwanda, demonstrating how different strategies can effectively achieve shared health goals.

    Listen to the podcast