By The Citizen Correspondent

Davos. Global Health and Diplomacy (GHD), a publication that provides a forum for communication between heads of State, health ministers, first ladies, civil society leaders, the private sector and global health experts, was launched yesterday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.   

The publication fills the existing gap in the dialogue between global health, diplomacy, development and security, according to a statement issued in Davos. 

The statement said for many years these discussions have been compartmentalised into different journals, adding that global health solutions need to be broad-based and encompass all stakeholders, thus a publication that allows government officials, civil society, the private sector and global health experts to engage, discuss and offer solutions is an absolute necessity.   

“As a board member of Global Health and Diplomacy, I support efforts that bring together multilaterals, governments, the private sector and civil society to discuss and provide solutions for our global health challenges, specifically to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),” said President Jakaya Kikwete.

He added: “Although Africa has just 12 per cent of the global population, it accounts for half of all maternal deaths and half the deaths of children under five years. We need diplomatic and health solutions to save lives in Africa and globally,” President Kikwete said.  

The magazine will reach millions throughout the world, including presidential offices in 55 countries and policy makers in the United States, Europe, Middle East and Latin America.   

The publication will address global health challenges (malaria, HIV, TB, maternal and child health, non communicable diseases and security). It will also feature the role of donor governments in global health. 

The inaugural issue includes interviews with Mr John Baird, the Canadian Foreign Affairs minister and the minister of International Cooperation for the Canadian International Development Agency. 

The publication will also highlight discussions on global health solutions. The economics of health and development will be a central spotlight of every issue.   While there is no doubt that there is value investing in healthy populations, the realities of the current economic environment need to be considered.  

“There is nothing controversial or difficult about the decision to spend on health - everyone wins.  Not only is it morally appropriate to reduce suffering and death, it is also a smart investment for development. Ridding the African continent of malaria, for instance, would save at least $12 billion in productivity, which is currently lost to the disease,” said Dr Awa Coll-Seck, executive director of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership. 

“In challenging times where funds for international development can no longer be assumed," says Kathy Calvin, CEO of the UN Foundation, adding: "With four years remaining to meet the world's Millennium Development Goals, we need to increase the value of every global health investment, through increased partnership and by scaling successful approaches, especially innovative financing."