Humanitarian Action in the Planetary Crisis
This Policy Brief examines how the OneHealth approach can transform humanitarian action amid rising natural disasters, conflicts, and displacement in low-resource settings. Developed collaboratively by leading academics and humanitarian experts, it offers four key recommendations and 28 actionable steps to enhance crisis response, disease prevention, and environmental sustainability. Read here
India’s Vaccine Diplomacy to Southeast Asia in the Context of “Act East Policy”
This chapter of the book, India and Southeast Asia in a Changing World, examines how India’s Act East Policy (AEP), initially implemented from 2014–2019 to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia, adapted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic through the emergence of vaccine diplomacy. With Southeast Asian nations identified as key partners, the chapter explores how vaccine diplomacy became a strategic tool for advancing AEP objectives during the global health crisis. It provides a detailed review structured in three parts: first, analyzing the strategic importance of Southeast Asia within India’s vaccine diplomacy efforts; second, outlining the specific modalities through which India implemented this approach; and third, assessing the impact of these efforts on the broader implementation and future trajectory of AEP in the region. This comprehensive analysis sheds light on how health diplomacy reshaped regional engagement during a critical period. View
Skin Diseases as a Global Health Priority
Skin diseases represent a critical, often underestimated global health challenge, impacting over 25% of the population and causing approximately 120,000 deaths each year. Beyond physical symptoms, they significantly impair quality of life, productivity, and social inclusion, leading to serious mental health challenges. Disparities in healthcare access, especially in low-resource settings, further intensify these impacts, while environmental factors like climate change and pollution exacerbate conditions globally. Addressing skin diseases as a public health priority within the WHO’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework is essential for equitable health outcomes. This integrated approach emphasizes the need for increased research, policy support, and sustainable funding. Through health diplomacy, international cooperation can mobilize civil society, healthcare providers, patient organizations, and governments to elevate skin health on the global agenda. An influential coalition supports prioritizing skin health, including: International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (GlobalSkin) International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) International Foundation for Dermatology (IFD) Health Diplomacy Alliance (HDA) Neglected Tropical Diseases Non-Governmental Organizations Network Skin Cross-Cutting Group (NNN Skin CCG) Anesvad Foundation World Alliance for Wound and Lymphedema Care (WAWLC) World Council of Enterostomal Therapists Pan Africa Association of Wound Care Experts Hôpitaux Universitaires Genève (HUG) We are committed to advancing policies and interventions that bridge healthcare gaps, reduce stigma, and ensure no UHC agenda is complete without addressing skin health for all. Read more about it: Background report – SkinDiseases
Health diplomacy in war and international conflict
In an era where international conflicts and wars are increasingly prevalent, Health Diplomacy has become critical to effectively address prevalent health challenges and the deterioration of health systems. This webinar will examine the distinct health needs of different conflict zones, the limitations and priorities of health diplomacy, and the relationship between health and humanitarian diplomacy. The discussion will also consider the role of Health Diplomacy in resource mobilization and the tools necessary to strengthen health systems in crisis settings, mitigate the impacts of conflict, and contribute to long-term peace-building. Date: Tuesday, 29 October 2024 Time: 14:00 – 15:30 CET Format: Webinar (via Teams) – In English Register here: https://tinyurl.com/HealthDiplomacyWar
CSO Participation INB
HDA Calls for Inclusion of CSO in INB Pandemic Agreement Negotiations The Health Diplomacy Alliance emphasizes the critical importance of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the ongoing Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) process for the pandemic agreement. As we approach the final and most crucial stage of these negotiations, HDA advocates for a comprehensive and inclusive approach that incorporates the invaluable insights and expertise of CSOs. Health diplomacy plays a pivotal role in shaping a robust and impactful pandemic agreement. It is through the collective effort of diverse stakeholders, including governments, CSOs, and academia, that we can address the multifaceted challenges posed by pandemics. The involvement of CSOs is essential to ensure that the agreement is grounded in equity, human rights, and the lived experiences of healthcare workers and communities. HDA firmly believes that the negotiation process should remain transparent, inclusive, and participatory. By fostering an environment where all relevant stakeholders can contribute meaningfully, the development of an agreement not only addresses immediate public health needs but also strengthens global resilience against future pandemics and health emergencies. Support for PAN\’s Open Call In alignment with our commitment to inclusive health diplomacy, HDA supports the open call by the Pandemic Action Network and is a signatory of their request. We stand with over 140 civil society organizations and supporters from 40 countries in urging Member States and the INB to ensure the official involvement of CSOs in all remaining negotiations. Join us and Sign on
