Working beyond health: roles of global health security agenda, experiences of Thailand’s chairmanship amidst of the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) aims to achieve the vision of a world safe and secure from global health threats posed by infectious diseases through advancing a multi-sectoral approach. Thailand played a prominent role as the Chair of the GHSA Steering Group in 2021, guided by the Chair’s Declaration approved by the Cabinet of Thailand in 2020. In 2021, country efforts were needed to attain the right balance between preparing for future pandemics while responding to COVID-19. This paper details actions and achievements with respect to preparedness and enhancing country’s capacities recommended by the GHSA 2021, which include, among others, garnering high-level support, developing, utilisation of global health security tools, and advocating for sustainable financing. With the continued coordination and collaboration of the Action Packages and translating the Strategic Communications Plan into operation, the GHSA 2024 Target (of measured improvement of health security capacities according to the relevant health security assessments in more than 100 countries) is expected to be achieved by 2024. The unique roles and contributions of the diverse multi-sectoral partners are needed to bridge the gaps and better prepare the world to cope for future pandemics. GHSA not only promotes global preparedness and response, but also complements national preparedness and response. With Thailand’s experience, the GHSA mechanism has been continuously supporting GHSA subnational level activities in border areas. The main outcome of these discussions was the sub-national strategic plan with a multi-sectoral approach to detection, preparation and response.