Last week, the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly passed a landmark resolution on the economics of health for all, advancing the recommendations from the WHO Council on the Economics of Health for All, chaired by Professor Mariana Mazzucato. This resolution underscores the critical need for multi-sectoral financing and collaboration beyond just the Ministries of Health, as highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, which showcased the interdependence between health and economies.
The new resolution aims to support countries in restructuring their economies to prioritise the health of people and the planet. It emphasises that healthy populations and a thriving environment are essential for sustainable development, reflecting on the broader determinants of health, including living conditions, nutrition, education, and work environments, and ensuring access to healthcare for all without financial hardship.
The resolution calls for Member States, international and regional financial institutions, and other stakeholders to align their actions across economic, social, and environmental dimensions with a clear focus on health for all. By 2026, the WHO is tasked with developing a comprehensive strategy on economics and financing for health, guiding countries toward building economies centered around health and well-being.
This strategy will outline priority actions, including strengthening national capacities and providing technical support to improve fiscal policies and engage with economic associations, international finance institutions, and development banks. This resolution represents a significant step forward in creating an integrated approach to health and economic policies, fostering a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
