Federal health ministers, senior government officials, global health leaders and civil society organizations will meet in Geneva from 24 to 25 May 2024 to help countries, especially small and fragile states, strengthen their health systems and reduce exogenous infections. Consider practical interventions to enable effective recovery from illness. impact.
The timing of the Ministerial meeting is crucial as countries are in the final stages of negotiating a pandemic agreement. The Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting (CHMM), hosted by the Government of Kiribati, will focus on:
“Practical solutions to build health system resilience across the Commonwealth, with a focus on small and vulnerable states.”
Building strong and resilient health systems
There are ongoing efforts to strengthen health systems in many Commonwealth countries. Although progress has been made, more progress is needed to establish robust and resilient health systems. The Global Youth Development Index, one of the Federation's main reports, records an improvement of 1.8% in the health and well-being sector from 2010 to 2022, with improvements in five out of seven indicators. states that it did. However, the report also acknowledges that significant improvements continue to be needed to ensure accelerated and equitable health care as the demographic transition to an aging population occurs.
The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, will lead a team from the Secretariat to attend the meeting in Geneva. Contextualising the upcoming discussions, she said countries needed to address new and growing threats.
“The events of the past few years have shown that health is not only an issue that countries must address, but that if not carefully managed and adequately resourced, the impact can be significant globally. We are now facing a critical intersection with the health of humanity and the planet as we face intensifying climate change.”
“These crises not only intersect, but also exacerbate the burden on health systems and the impact and costs on both families and communities. We cannot fight them separately.”
She continued:
“Most at risk are small and fragile states. These states are characterized by structural and geographic fragility, limited resources, and a high risk of exogenous shocks and stressors. , facing myriad challenges that highlight the importance of strengthening health systems to withstand and respond to emergencies.”
Our discussions in Geneva will foster a collaborative and holistic approach.”
The Secretary-General affirmed that a paradigm shift is needed. She advocated for an integrated approach that draws on expertise from the health, climate, economic and social welfare sectors to integrate evidence-based sustainable solutions. She noted the need to move away from traditional organizational silos and prioritize a One Health approach that puts the well-being of all life and ecosystems at the forefront of collective efforts.
The meeting will take place just before the 77th World Health Assembly, hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Commonwealth Secretariat will partner with WHO to host a side event on May 26 to explore how countries can use digital technologies to deliver health services more effectively.
Digital health provisions
During the side events, participants will share global perspectives and chart a way forward for many low- and middle-income countries facing challenges in implementing digital health measures. There will also be country case study presentations and discussions on key steps to strengthen the Commonwealth Digital Health Coalition.
Non-communicable diseases
Other discussion items in the 36CHMM include the growing threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDs); A recent federal report states:
“The impact of NCDs is felt most acutely in the world's Small Island Developing States (SIDS), of which 33 out of 42 are Commonwealth countries. Commonwealth SIDS have the highest prevalence of diabetes and obesity in the world, which are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease.”
“The Commonwealth is therefore disproportionately affected by preventable premature deaths from NCDs, which in turn have a significant impact on the prevalence of mental health problems and economic prosperity, posing a major threat to sustainable development. If these diseases are not prevented or effectively managed, there will be disastrous effects on health care costs and labour productivity.”
Collective Action
Small and vulnerable states at the Commonwealth Health Ministers' meeting as the Commonwealth Secretariat sends a delegation to Antigua and Barbuda for the World Conference on Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, known as SIDS4. The focus is particularly important.
This also resonates with the focus of CHOGM 2024 in Samoa, which highlights the Commonwealth's commitment to resilience, sustainability and collective action towards a common future.
During his stay in Geneva, the Commonwealth Secretary-General will meet global health leaders, Government Ministers, senior officials and other public figures to also discuss ways to deepen ongoing partnerships and cooperation.
Learn more about our work
