WEF Global Health and Healthcare report outlines strategic steps

Earlier today, the World Economic Forum launched its Global Health and Healthcare Strategic Outlook Report. Shyam Bishen, the Head for Shaping the Future of Health and Healthcare at the World Economic Forum, joined CNBC Africa to discuss the findings and the health team's agenda for the upcoming Annual Meetings in Davos-Klosters. The report highlights the need for reform in the healthcare sector, drawing lessons and challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasizes four strategic pillars for shaping the future of health and healthcare by 2035: equitable access and outcomes, technology and innovation, environmental sustainability, and governance and funding. These pillars aim to address emergency preparedness, the impact of climate change, and enhancing healthcare systems to respond to future pandemics effectively. Bishen stressed the importance of building upon the digital technologies and governance changes that emerged during the COVID-19 crisis as a foundation for improving access, outcomes, and infrastructure in healthcare systems worldwide. He highlighted the need for increased funding and stronger governance, particularly in low and middle-income countries, to bridge the gap in healthcare infrastructure and workforce shortages. There is a growing appetite among development banks, private and public sectors, and lending institutions to collaborate and redirect funding towards innovative solutions in healthcare. The focus is also on prevention and early intervention in zoonotic diseases through the establishment of a pathogen genomic surveillance model. This model aims to detect and respond to new pathogens swiftly, ensuring the availability of diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments in a timely manner. Additionally, the report emphasizes the need for investment in medical colleges and training programs to address the critical shortage of healthcare workers, especially in regions like Africa, where the shortfall is projected to reach 10 million by 2030. By strengthening governance, infrastructure, and workforce capacity, the goal is to build a resilient healthcare system capable of tackling future health challenges, including zoonotic diseases, climate change impacts, and pandemics.