Topic 3.1: Global health

Title: Everyone Involved in the Development of Global Health as a Tool for Improving Health

Why is this area relevant and which societal challenges does it address?

Global health focuses on the health of populations worldwide, recognizing that health problems do not respect borders and that diseases can spread rapidly from one country to another. Here are some reasons why global health is important and the societal challenges we must address:

1. Communicable diseases: Global health deals with the prevention and control of diseases that can cross borders, such as pandemics (e.g., COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis). This involves international collaboration to monitor and respond to epidemiological outbreaks, as well as the prevention of zoonoses.

2. Health inequalities: It addresses disparities in access to healthcare services between different countries and communities. Many populations in low- and middle-income countries lack adequate healthcare, contributing to poverty and social inequality.

3. Climate change: Global health considers the impact of climate change on health, such as the increase in diseases caused by viruses and bacteria, which triggers the use of antibiotics and exacerbates the problem of antimicrobial resistance.

Precise Scientific Research Question Including Added Value from EU-LAC Cooperation for Both Regions

1. Research and development: Collaboration could promote joint projects in medical research, accelerating the development of new vaccines and treatments, especially for diseases affecting both regions. Efforts should be directed towards sustainable livestock farming to achieve "emissions neutrality" on farms.

2. Knowledge exchange: Both continents can share experiences and best practices in health system management, research, and treatment development. Given their different locations, climates, and ecosystems, this collaboration would improve understanding of health conditions that were previously unshared but have now become widespread. Until now, most research has focused on verifying impact and counting cases without incorporating large-scale solutions. This collaboration could help determine why certain pathologies occur and find joint solutions.

3. Resilience to pandemics: Collaboration would allow better preparation and response to pandemics, facilitating data and resource sharing to handle health crises more effectively.

4. Access to medicines: Joint efforts could improve access to medicines and health technologies, particularly in health emergency situations.

5. Capacity building: Training and capacity-building programs could enhance the skills of healthcare professionals in both regions, benefiting local health systems.

6. Health policies: Creating more integrated and coherent health policies could result in a more effective approach to addressing global health problems, such as infectious diseases.

In short, strong collaboration could not only improve health in both areas but also contribute to a more global and coordinated approach to public health.

Expected Impact for Both Regions

1. Vaccine research and development: Easier development of effective vaccines against infectious diseases, including preparation for possible future outbreaks. This involves new methodologies for rapid manufacturing and immunization against diseases prevalent in developing countries.

2. Epidemiological studies: Establishing research lines to understand disease spread and associated risk factors, helping design more effective interventions and evidence-based public health policies.

3. Development of innovative treatments: Increasing research into new treatments and therapies.

4. Health information technology: Utilizing technologies such as telemedicine and health apps to improve access to medical services, particularly in remote areas. This also includes using big data to track outbreaks and health trends.

5. International collaboration: Sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices in public health, alongside implementing new models for healthy cities and reducing the ecological footprint.

6. Education and awareness: Implementing evidence-based health education programs in both continents to inform communities about disease prevention, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles.

7. Evidence-based policies: Collaborating with governments and organizations to develop public health policies based on scientific research that address specific population needs, such as tackling childhood obesity.

Implementing these strategies can significantly contribute to improving global health and addressing challenges in public health.

Additional Information: Strategic, Tactical, and Operational Topics

Strategic Topics

1. Global health policies: Establishing regulatory frameworks and policies that promote international cooperation in health, enhancing knowledge-sharing and prevention efforts.

2. Sustainable financing: Ensuring adequate financial resources for global health initiatives, including investment in complementary infrastructure and technology across both continents.

3. Research and development: Promoting collaborative research for developing vaccines, treatments, and health technologies, as well as creating sustainable cities adapted to each ecosystem. This includes addressing drug waste management and its impact on marine and human health.