In this deeply challenging moment for global health and international relations, how do we navigate the public health challenges that transcend borders? Dr. Anders Nördstrom, program director of the Health Diplomacy Initiative at the Karolinska Institutet and the Stockholm School of Economics has unique experience in working at the intersection of health, politics, economics, and international relations. He was the Interim Executive Director for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, acting Director of the World Health Organization, first ambassador for global health for Sweden, and head of the Secretariat for the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response.

Salma and Anders discuss health diplomacy and global health leadership, highlighting the need for partnerships and interdisciplinary collaboration. They explore the current global landscape and reflect on the progress that has been made since the establishment of the Millennium Development Goals. Progress has been made, though not at the pace we had hoped for. The conversation also explores three critical priorities: policies that promote healthier rather than solely longer lives, approaches that deliver co-benefits for climate and health, and the evolution needed in multilateral organizations across the global health landscape.

This episode invites listeners to think like a global health diplomat, examining why optimism is justified despite current challenges and what opportunities exist in moments of crisis. In this moment of change, what role could you play in building the health partnerships your community needs for future challenges?

Useful resources

Health Diplomacy Initiative: https://globalhealthdiplomacy.se

The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response: https://theindependentpanel.org/

Wong BLH, Nordström A, Piot P, Clark H; Global Health Diplomacy Partners. From polycrisis to metacrisis: harnessing windows of opportunity for renewed political leadership in global health diplomacy. BMJ Glob Health. 2024 Apr 18;9(4):e015340. doi: 10.1136/bmjgh-2024-015340. PMID: 38637121; PMCID: PMC11029238.

Host: Dr. Salma Abdalla
Editors: Catalina Melendez Contreras and Zachary Linhares
Marketing: Kinkini Bhaduri
Music: Eden Avery / Melting Glass from Epidemic Sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/2fqOXWpHab/