European perspectives on global health: a policy glossary

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Introduction the expenditures on armaments or products harmful to health. As the great public health success in eradicating smallpox has shown : if we can mobilise resources now, we will save Europe and developing countries huge costs and health consequences in the future. In short, global health is not out there far away – it is here and Europe must act now for global health. <strong>European</strong> foundations call for a <strong>European</strong> Strategy for Global Health In order to secure the health of its people and to act as responsible global citizens, Europe needs to raise public awareness and establish processes and channels to engage all elements of society in responding to the challenges of global health. This requires action by and partnership between many different agencies such as the <strong>European</strong> Commission, the <strong>European</strong> Regional Office of the WHO, the <strong>European</strong> Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and <strong>European</strong> institutions representing private sector industries, civil society and foundations, as well as close collaboration with actors engaged in global health at the national level. As an initial step, <strong>European</strong> foundations have created a <strong>European</strong> Partnership for Global Health to raise awareness at <strong>European</strong> and national levels of global health issues, using their position as a bridge between governments, industry and civil society in Europe and developing countries. The aim of the <strong>European</strong> Partnership on Global Health is to engage all elements of society across Europe to work together to ensure health at home and abroad through : • Strengthening global health security • Promoting global health equity • Enhancing good governance for global health The willingness and the capacity of states to cooperate is critical for global health – and the Member States of the <strong>European</strong> Union bring long-standing experience with a range of transnational mechanisms to the table – from policy networks and open coordination to binding agreements and international law – which can serve as examples. Europe could create the mechanisms to move beyond voluntary development aid to the agreed financing of global public goods to which all actors contribute, particularly those who benefit most from global restructuring. This global health policy glossary is a starting point for dialogue This glossary is a contribution to social dialogue on global health issues in Europe. It provides an introduction to the key concepts and policy issues with links to further reading in each area to help navigate a complex new policy arena. It introduces five key policy imperatives that could be the basis for a <strong>European</strong> Strategy for Global Health. It takes the position that : Europe must : 1. Make global health a policy priority 2. Include global health in all fields of <strong>European</strong> policy 3. Assert a <strong>European</strong> approach to global health governance 4. Establish a <strong>European</strong> dialogue and partnership on global health 5. Act now for global health The right to the highest attainable standard of health is a human right. It is one of the most important components of human security and welfare ; it is a critical global market for <strong>European</strong> companies and a major public expenditure. Europe needs a strong dialogue on global health so that politicians, citizens, business, civil society and foundations can engage with the global health agenda and contribute to the clarification of principles, values, intent and directions for global health action. Article 129 of the Maastricht treaty ( 1992 ), later expanded by Article 152 of the Treaty of Amsterdam ( 1997 ), requires the <strong>European</strong> Union to check that policy proposals do not have an adverse impact on health or create conditions that undermine health promotion – this principle must be understood to apply to global health matters. 8 <strong>European</strong> Foundation Centre – <strong>European</strong> Partnership for Global Health
Introduction Five policy imperatives for global health 1. Europe must make global health a priority This section sets the understanding of global health in the context of <strong>European</strong> health values. It describes the connections between globalisation and global health and analyses the global pattern of health and disease. This leads to a discussion of <strong>European</strong> strategic priorities in global health, indicating the actions that Europe must take. 2. Europe must include global health in all fields of policy This section introduces health as a part of foreign policy and security policy. The impact of agricultural policy, trade policy, health, the environment and sustainability are then discussed, indicating the actions that Europe must take to ensure that health is part of the deliberations in these policy sectors. 3. Europe must assert its approach to global health governance This section describes the key changes that have occurred in global governance and what they mean for health, introduces key actors and indicates what <strong>European</strong> action on global governance and health should be. It highlights key areas of international law for health : e.g. international trade law, international environmental law, international labour laws, international human rights law, international humanitarian law, etc. and provides a short description of new international legal instruments in the health area and proposed new financing mechanisms based on a global public goods approach. 4. Europe must establish a societal dialogue and partnership for global health This section introduces approaches such as publicprivate partnerships, corporate social responsibility and new approaches to civil society and consumer action for health, as well as new types of policy networks indicating the actions Europe must take to move forward in dialogue and partnership. 5. Europe must act now for global health This section highlights some of the horizontal policy issues that are in urgent need of committed global action where Europe could take a significant lead – based on its values and its enlightened self-interest. These issues include : the improvement of health systems worldwide, knowledge management for health, migration and health, a gender-sensitive approach to global health and reproductive rights and health. Finally, a <strong>European</strong> strategy on global health is proposed. Global Health Policy Glossary 9
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About the Editors Ilona Kickbusch s
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European perspectives on global health: a policy glossary

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