India’s engagement with Health Working Group at the ongoing presidency of G20 meeting drew appreciation from the stakeholders of the global health community. A senior World Health Organization (WHO) official called it an exciting development, which has lifted up the voice of the Global South.
Recently, a WHO official lauded India for leading its G20 presidency at the Health Working Group meeting, describing it as an "exciting moment in history."
Ayoade Alakija, special envoy, ACT-Accelerator at WHO called the Health Working Group deliberations as “exciting moment in history, which has lifted up the voice of the Global South.”
“I have been very keenly looking forward to seeing the Global South collaborations, which can match and fit in with the new world order...I hope that this process will certainly help... The world is not just coming to India to have discussions on various subjects but also seeks to learn from its experiences, as the country has witnessed the massive digital transformation in multiple sectors including health, finance and infrastructure,” media reports quoted her as saying during the meeting.
Other participants lauded India’s efficient handling of the Covid-19 situation and the vaccines it sent abroad under its 'Vaccine Maitri' initiative.
The ongoing sessions, according to Alakija, “will provide a relevant platform for how we can learn from each other, being active participants of Global South -- Africa, India, Latin America, and other countries.”
In course of his deliberations, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, secretary, Ministry of Ayush, cited statements of Dr Alain Labrique, Director of Digital Health and Innovation, who called “India shining as a beacon to other countries to learn from. The ongoing meeting is a foundation of that process.”
"So, I think, that is the foundation of a place where I would like to see India shining as a beacon to other countries to learn from," Dr Alain Labrique was quoted as saying.
The Secretary, Indian Ministry of Ayush, put emphasis on the importance of multilateral collaborations, which are vital for knowledge sharing and establishing a framework for accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare in accordance with the idea of 'One World, One Health'.
“By bridging the world through medical value travel based on integrated health care, the flaws and inequalities of current healthcare systems will be addressed,” he said.
India assumed the year-long presidency of G20 on December 1, 2022. It is significant from the point of view of 'Troika' developing countries for the first time.
The Troika is the format in which the G20 Presidency works. It comprises the country, which is currently holding the presidency, the country holding the presidency earlier, and the country, which will be the upcoming presidency holder. This time India (current President), Indonesia (previous President), and Brazil (upcoming President) will form the Troika, news agency ANI reported.
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