Global Health in Focus: Insights from Leaders at the 79th UNGA

As global leaders convened at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the world is at a crossroads of major health challenges: the lasting impact of COVID-19, rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR), escalating climate-related health risks, and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. These pressing issues underscore a vital truth: Healthcare is not merely a public service, but the bedrock of economic stability, social well-being, and sustainable development.

At this critical juncture, Delivery Associates hosted a private reception, gathering health leaders to address a pivotal question: What will it take to build resilient health systems that can deliver sustainable outcomes at regional, national, and global levels?

The distinguished panel included:

• Hon. Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health for Sierra Leone, with over 40 years of leadership guiding the country through significant health crises like COVID-19.
• Dr. Samira Asma, Assistant Director-General at the World Health Organization, who leads global efforts to track progress toward health goals and has been instrumental in shaping the WHO’s ‘Triple Billion’ targets.
• Dr. Arwa Alameen, General Manager of the Statistics and Information Department at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health, who has driven data integration to support the country’s ambitious 2030 health reforms.

The conversation centered on three key themes: rebalancing partnerships, building capacity within ministries of health, and translating policy into tangible results.

Rebalancing Power Dynamics through Partnerships

Partnerships between sovereign governments and donors have sometimes been imbalanced, preventing countries from driving their own health outcomes. Panelists emphasized the need for relationships where governments lead and donors support, ensuring local needs and leadership are prioritized.

Dr. Demby highlighted Sierra Leone’s approach, advocating for national vision and ownership. "If you don’t have a plan, they will make one for you," he remarked, stressing the need for national leadership to set the agenda. Dr. Alameen echoed this sentiment, sharing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 success in health, powered by data-driven decision-making and cross-sector collaboration. She emphasized that progress must be grounded in clear priorities and multisectoral involvement.

Dr. Asma spoke to the WHO’s efforts in improving data accuracy and strengthening national capacity. She underscored the need for partnerships that support governments' long-term goals, rather than imposing external priorities.

Building Capacity for Health Leadership

Effective health systems rely on the capacity of ministries of health to lead and execute reforms. The panelists shared how investing in data and leadership development is critical to creating resilient health systems.

Saudi Arabia’s innovative use of real-time data and AI to drive reforms such as the Vision 2030 stood out. Dr. Alameen explained, "The data is telling us a story." Dr. Demby also detailed Sierra Leone’s transition from disease-oriented programs to a person-centered care approach, aiming to reduce maternal mortality by over 80% by 2030. "We decided to change the metrics and focus completely on the person," he said, framing the shift as central to improving outcomes.

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Turning Policy into Tangible Results

The conversation's third theme concluded by addressing the challenge of translating policy into real-world health improvements. Dr. Asma highlighted WHO’s Delivery for Impact Program, designed to set clear baselines and targets for the ‘Triple Billion’ goals and use rapid response mechanisms to drive health outcomes. She reiterated WHO’s commitment to these targets—universal health coverage for 1 billion more people; enhanced protection from health emergencies for 1 billion more people; and improved health outcomes for 1 billion more people. 

Dr. Alameen reflected on Saudi Arabia’s improvements in life expectancy and mortality data, driven by multilateral data systems and strong partnerships. "Life expectancy has increased from 76 to 77.6 years [in Saudi Arabia]," she noted, highlighting the power of data in driving national health reforms.

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Collaboration, Data, and Ambition: The Keys to Success

As the panel closed, three critical themes emerged that seemed to center the conversation: the need for true collaboration, the power of data to illuminate stories, and the importance of keeping constant ambition. As Dr. Demby emphasized, "For us to embrace universal health coverage, it means everyone’s health matters, and no one is left behind." This ethos will guide the future of global health as leaders work to build systems that are resilient, responsive, and ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.