[The Elders Series] Former World Leaders on Pandemic Preparedness and Tackling Health Inequality in the Time of COVID-19

Gro Brundtland on the COVID-19 Crisis and Why Universal Health Coverage is Crucial to Prevent Future Pandemics

COVID-19  has exposed the vulnerabilities of our inherently interconnected existence. Tens-of-millions of confirmed cases and more than 2 million COVID-19-related deaths have so far been confirmed globally – the pandemic has impacted nearly every country in the world. If the crisis has taught us anything, it is that no one is safe until everyone is safe. This is why more and more people are recognising the role Universal Health Coverage (UHC) could play in building resilient health systems and in promoting fairer, more inclusive societies.

In this episode, we ask, why is UHC a crucial component to the response to COVID-19, and what role does it have in future pandemic preparedness?

Co-hosts Hazami Barmada and Mary Robinson (former President of Ireland and Chair of The Elders) discuss how COVID-19 has changed our perspective on UHC and on humanity’s relationship with nature itself. They are joined by Gro Harlem Brundtland, Elder, former Prime Minister of Norway and former Director-General of the World Health Organization.

What has COVID-19 taught us about under-investment in public health systems? Why is UHC a crucial part of pandemic preparedness? And how does health relate to wider issues such as conflict, poverty, and inequality?

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This special series of Finding Humanity is a production of Humanity Lab Foundation and Hueman Group Media, in collaboration with The Elders.

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