Emphasis on Multilateral Cooperation at the World Health Summit
Prof. Dr. Axel Pries stated at the summit in Berlin that nationalist approaches hinder the fight against health crises.
World Health Summit President Prof. Dr. Axel Pries stated that global health is a multilateral team game and emphasized that national restrictions hinder the fight against crises.
Team Game in Global Health
Speaking at the World Health Summit held in Berlin, Prof. Dr. Axel R. Pries expressed that greater emphasis should be placed on multilateral cooperation in health policy. Pries, who has served as WHS president for six years, evaluated ways to increase the international resilience of health systems.
Political Virus and Nationalist Approaches
Stating that many countries view health from a national and nationalist perspective, Pries noted that this poses a major obstacle to good solutions. Stating that problems cannot be addressed solely at the local level, Pries said that multilateral mechanisms must be revitalized.
Europe's Role and Leadership
Defending Europe's assumption of a new leadership role with its strong structure in research, medical technology, and pharma, Pries stated that Germany's economic and scientific role should be carried out on the basis of mutual equality with countries such as France and the United Kingdom.
Health Security Act and WHO
Stating that the draft Health Security Act expected to be debated in Germany in early 2027 is an important step in terms of pandemic preparedness, Pries emphasized that drug and vaccine production requires an international network and that these processes should be carried out under the umbrella of the World Health Organization.