Global Health Experts Stress Coordination and Collaboration in Addressing Health Emergencies

BEIJING, July 18: In a significant gathering of minds at the 3rd Conference of the Global Health Forum (GHF) of the Boao Forum for Asia, renowned economist and diplomat Shamshad Akhtar and esteemed virologist Gao Fu emphasized the crucial role of coordination and collaboration in tackling global health emergencies.

Akhtar, a council member of the Boao Forum for Asia and former Under Secretary-General of the UN, highlighted the need for efficient coordination, citing the overlapping functions of various departments and platforms. She stressed that global medical institutions require reform, with multilateralism at its core, and urged active participation from governments, national institutions, and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Gao Fu, a prominent Chinese virologist and immunologist, echoed Akhtar’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of learning from the enemy – the coronavirus. He noted that countries prioritize competition over collaboration, but the key to defeating the virus lies in embracing its spirit of collaboration.

Both experts underscored the significance of data sharing, global financing, and establishing a mechanism for efficient problem-solving, including fundraising and allocation of funds. Pakistan’s experience in combating COVID-19, with significant funding and international support, served as a testament to the power of collaboration.

In the face of future global epidemics, Akhtar and Gao emphasized that no country can tackle these challenges alone, making coordination and collaboration the cornerstones of effective response strategies.