G7/G20 Measures to Enhance Global Health Equity and Security

A high degree of cooperation and a joint commitment of governments within the framework of international forums such as the G7/G20 is required to tackle the strongly intertwined social, economic, and environmental issues which contribute to global health. It is essential to align the commitments of these critical political actors with those of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. Health has become a regular part of the G7/G20 discussions and recommendations.

Both G7 and G20 have addressed the challenges emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, have institutionalized cooperation between health and financial sectors, and initiated the new Pandemic Fund. Recently they have begun to increase their outreach to Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to ensure the voices of particularly affected countries and regions are included. Equity must be a central pillar of the discussions as countries are unequally affected by crises, with the most vulnerable countries, regions, and groups hit hardest.

The increasing health activities of the G7 and G20 merit a reflection on the plans and program of work of the two upcoming presidencies and the challenges they face.