Navigating the new era of global health governance

Global health is undergoing a radical shift. The stability kept under the governance of the World Health Organization (WHO) has been put to a test and the complex web of actors, agendas, and alliances that orbit it are suffering from uncertainty.

While the prospect of more fragmentation is somehow daunting, change can translate into opportunities for business and civil society to rethink their approach to global health governance.

From centralization to constellation

The United States and Argentina pulling out from the WHO, triggered a massive internal restructuring in the organization. The 22% budget cut is expected to lead to a leaner organization, one with fewer departments but a sharper focus. In this increasingly decentralized ecosystem, philanthropic foundations and regional powers like the European Union (EU) are in a better position to shape an agenda that reflects the interconnected nature of today’s health challenges, which span from climate change to digital transformation, passing by social inequality.

The EU’s evolving role in the global agenda

The EU’s own health agenda has enough weight to position the region as a global health leader. Initiatives like the Critical Medicines Act and a strong stance on NCDs promise to have a big influence in this fragmented landscape but results must be earned through targeted, high-impact initiatives and meaningful partnerships, especially with the Global South.

This plus the EU’s credibility in climate, digital, and human rights gives it a unique platform to champion integrated health solutions. Its growing focus on mental health, particularly among youth, is expected to shape international standards and cooperation.

Strategic shifts for civil society and business

For advocacy and public affairs professionals, the message is clear: adapt or risk irrelevance. Here’s how:

• Think globally, act locally: Tailor strategies to regional realities while aligning with global goals.
• Embrace coalitions: Fragmentation means no single actor holds all the cards. Collaboration is key.
• Prioritize impact over process: Real-world results matter more than lofty declarations.
• Engage new power centers: From Kigali to Jakarta, emerging hubs are shaping the future.
• Champion prevention: Especially in the fight against NCDs, prevention must be embedded across policies, from climate to urban planning.