Global Health
Article | Last updated: 18/03/2024 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Norway’s efforts in the area of global health aim both to combat poverty in low-income countries and to strengthen global health preparedness and international cooperation, which also benefit Norway. Norway plays a leading role in the global health arena and is a major donor in this area. The Government has identified combating communicable diseases as one of six priority areas in Norway’s development policy.
Health is an important component of the Government’s work to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Primary health care services, health education, access to vaccines and medicines, research, and governance must all be improved if we are to reach the SDGs, including reducing disparities and advancing gender equality. Implementing the SDGs involves development cooperation as well as political mobilisation at the international level. SDG 3, which focuses on good health and well-being, provides the basis for the Government’s global health policy.
The COVID-19 pandemic heightened awareness of global health challenges and highlighted the importance of effective international cooperation on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. The Government is seeking to strengthen international cooperation in the area of global health and promote equitable access to vaccines and medicines. Well-functioning national health systems and close international cooperation are the best form of health preparedness, as was made clear during the pandemic.
The Government will therefore gradually shift the focus of its efforts towards the following priorities: strengthening national health systems, promoting universal health coverage, and improving primary health care services to ensure that they are resilient to climate change and are able to handle an increase in climate-related diseases. Patients must have access to essential health care services, for the treatment of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as to address other health challenges. Global health organisations must support sustainable system and capacity building at local, national, and regional level.
The lessons learnt and experience gained from the COVID-19 pandemic must be used to strengthen global health preparedness through improved international coordination, financing, legislation, and local and regional production of medicines and vaccines. Norway will continue its efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance both nationally and globally.
The Government will continue to focus on women’s health, and will, for example, support activities to improve family planning services and access to safe abortion. Norway’s global health efforts are in line with the UN Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health (2016–2030), which seeks to end preventable deaths and promote opportunities for economic and social development.
In addition to the World Health Organization (WHO), Norway’s key partners include Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Global Fund to fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents (GFF), the Pandemic Fund and the World Bank. Norway also supports the work of civil society and research institutions.