Opinion: It is essential that the Netherlands continues to invest in global health

Although the government has its hands full with the challenges in its own country, there is no gigantic cheese bell over the Netherlands; we are inescapably connected to the rest of the world. This certainly applies to our health. The corona pandemic showed how an outbreak of a disease on the other side of the world can completely disrupt our health – and even our daily lives.

Climate change is also a global problem with local consequences, including for health. It is an illusion to think that national borders offer any protection.

Fortunately, the global health strategy of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Health, Welfare and Sport presented in 2022 has a clear vision of the future. It focuses on strengthening national health systems in low- and middle-income countries, improving international preparedness for pandemics and addressing climate change in relation to public health. But a year and a half later, it is now important that the government implements these plans. MPs can insist on this in the debate on this strategy on Thursday.

Teenage pregnancies

Health is an essential building block for a stable society. It forms the basis for a pleasant life and for opportunities, for example in education and work. It affects your economic independence and how you can contribute to society. A healthy society is also important for a country’s productivity and economy. Disruption of this chain has far-reaching consequences. For example, in Kenya we saw a huge increase in teenage pregnancies during the corona pandemic. Girls therefore dropped out of school, which drastically reduced their chances of economic independence.

A vital society not only means more happiness for individuals, it also brings stability and security. The three spearheads of the global health strategy contribute to this.

The Netherlands invests in global health and national health systems through development aid. This is important. Unicef ​​recently reported that global child mortality has never been so low. Great news. But ultimately we want to get rid of the neo-colonial dependence on (mostly) Western donors. For the time being, that is impossible: in the 54 poorest countries, the health financing gap will total $176 billion in 2030. Therefore, the Dutch government must contribute to tackling the underlying causes of financing shortages, such as unsustainable debt and international tax evasion that severely limit national budgets.

Regional production

Countries also need to be better equipped to combat pandemics. Covid-19 may seem far behind us, but a future pandemic is inevitable. Pandemic preparedness is therefore of great importance. And the old donation model in which high-income countries donate vaccines to low-income countries – sometimes close to the expiry date during the corona pandemic – must be overhauled. That is why the Netherlands must contribute to more regional production of medical products, for example in Africa. This makes countries more independent and can prevent and combat epidemics more effectively.

Climate change is another growing threat to our health. It increases the risk of outbreaks of infectious diseases, crop failures and forced migration. The whole world is struggling with the consequences of climate change. But while rich countries, such as the Netherlands, are among the biggest polluters, vulnerable regions – often in poorer parts of the world – are hit hardest. Low-income countries need hundreds of billions per year to absorb the consequences, according to the latest United Nations calculations.

The Netherlands is working with other countries on a proposal from the World Health Organization to address health threats from climate change. This commitment must not slacken. The Netherlands also has years of experience in improving access to basic healthcare and sexual and reproductive health worldwide. The global health strategy offers an opportunity to use this expertise for sustainably healthier societies. And thus for more stability and security for the Netherlands and the rest of the world.