The COVID-19 pandemic exposed major cracks in global health cooperation. Countries struggled with vaccine shortages, unequal access to treatments, and distrust in international efforts.
In The Lancet, Wong and colleagues (2025) argue that the old approach—emergency fixes during crises—is no longer enough. Instead, they propose “resilient health diplomacy”: a long-term plan to make global health fairer, more adaptable, and better prepared for future shocks.
The authors highlight three key steps. First, power should be shared regionally, not just held by big global groups.
For example, during COVID-19, the Africa CDC showed how local leadership can work faster and smarter.
Second, trust must be rebuilt by including more voices—like community groups and young people—in decision-making.
Third, funding needs to be more stable, with countries investing in their own health systems instead of relying on unpredictable aid.
Wong and colleagues also stress the importance of technology, like AI, but warn that poorer nations risk being left behind without support for basics like internet access.
Their message is clear. The world must act now to create a health system that’s ready for the next crisis.
The pandemic revealed global health’s weaknesses. Wong and colleagues (2025) propose “resilient health diplomacy”—regional leadership, inclusive trust-building, and stable funding—to create a fairer, stronger system for future crises.
Cornelius Rau,M Carolina Danovaro-Holliday,A/Prof Meru Sheel, Ibrahim DadariBrian Li Han Wong, Esperanza Martinez, Dr Garry Aslanyan,
Katherine Urbáez, Yik-Ying Teo, Ilona KickbuschNigeria Health WatchEUPHA – European Public Health AssociationIOSHM (Institution of Occupational Safety & Health Management)American Public Health AssociationSociety for Social Medicine & Population HealthStudents for Global HealthInternational Society of Global HealthDoctors for Global HealthIFMSA | International Federation of Medical Students’ AssociationsPublic Health InsightGlobal Health CouncilGlobal Health Association of Kenya (GHAK)Social Epidemiology LabLuchuo Engelbert Bain
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