Multilateralism in Global Health: A New Paradigm

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fragile state of the global economy and the impact of newly emerging diseases can have. As the World Health Organisation (WHO) declares the pandemic over, there is a need to re-think the prevalent ideas of multilateralism and enable global cooperation in preventing and managing future pandemics and impacts of climate change. The global multilateral institutions have developed since their inception after World War II into large-scale organisations which route funds towards development in social, economic and health of the member nations. However, they continue to be helmed by the Global North, with priorities being increasingly influenced by private individuals and multinational corporations which provide funds. The G20 and its member nations seek equitable representation in the global institutions. With India at its presidency as the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the need of the hour is a reformed and equitable multilateralism with provisions for international cooperation, knowledge and data sharing in case of global emergencies, and pharmaceutical and vaccine supply chains that can work around the WTO’s TRIPS regulations in emergency conditions. The use of technology in healthcare services has gained momentum in the last decade and India’s call to declare digital health tools a public good is expected to be a major milestone in healthcare.