Common Challenges
Ghebreyesus pointed out that by 2025, military spending will reach $2.7 trillion, which is 30 times the amount needed to eradicate hunger by 2030.He also highlighted the importance of preparing to combat the "invisible enemy"—pandemics like COVID-19, which, according to his estimates, "claimed the lives of 20 million people and caused damage to the global economy exceeding $10 trillion."
Despite these devastating consequences, countries continue to invest significantly more in military needs than in protecting the health of their citizens.
"As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, health in a globalized world becomes a matter of national security," Ghebreyesus added.
Viruses do not need visas; pathogens do not respect borders. And misinformation spreads faster than diplomacy.
International Cooperation
The head of WHO also stressed that health should be the foundation for international cooperation."In a world full of divisions, healthcare is one of the few areas where countries can and must come together, overcoming ideological differences to address common challenges," he said.
He reminded that WHO member states continue to work on strengthening global readiness for future pandemics, and last year a pandemic agreement was adopted, which, after ratification, will become an important international tool for enhancing health security.
Ghebreyesus noted that countries participate in this process not out of charity, but because cooperation in surveillance, early warning, and access to medical resources serves their interests.
The essence of multilateral cooperation is not in eliminating differences, but in managing common risks.
Financial Difficulties
The Director-General of WHO also pointed to serious challenges facing the system of international cooperation. He noted that the organization is undergoing complex reforms and changes due to the cessation of funding from one of its largest donors."I am confident that WHO will emerge from this situation stronger and more focused on its core mandate, more independent, and able to serve the interests of peoples and states," he added.
Ultimately, we are all one species living on one planet, with the same DNA and facing the same threats.Ghebreyesus emphasized that rebuilding trust between countries and international institutions is key to effectively responding to future crises.
Photo on the homepage is illustrative: © WHO/P. Albouy (archival photo).
