(Commonwealth)_ On April 24, senior government officials from health ministries across the Commonwealth convened for a preparatory Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) ahead of the 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting (37CHMM), set to take place in Geneva on May 17, 2025. The gathering, chaired by Mrs. Maneo Ntene, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Lesotho, provided a platform for delegates to discuss key priorities and outline strategies to address the ongoing challenges facing global health systems, particularly amidst the current financial challenges that have left many vulnerable nations at risk.
The SOM focused on identifying investment strategies that would help strengthen health systems in Commonwealth countries, with a strong emphasis on promoting health equity. Delegates discussed various critical issues, including climate adaptation and resilience, the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and cancers, healthy ageing, and digital health innovations. The meeting underscored the importance of mobilizing new resources to ensure that health systems are not only more resilient but also better funded and equipped to meet the diverse health needs of their populations.
The meeting saw the participation of over 70 delegates, who made wide-ranging contributions on topics such as mental health, NCDs, and the impact of climate change on health. Among the notable interventions was a call for a multi-sectoral and transdisciplinary approach to tackling the effects of climate change on health systems. Dr. Theo-Ben Kandetu, Deputy Executive Director of Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services, emphasized the need for sustainable financing to build health systems that are responsive and agile, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
Dr. Velephi Okello, Director of Health Services at the Ministry of Health in Eswatini, added that addressing issues such as supply chain disruptions and improving access to essential medicines and vaccines should also be top priorities. Her comments highlighted the vital role of civil society in overcoming these challenges and ensuring that health systems function efficiently, even in times of crisis.
Dr. Anne Gallagher, Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation, echoed the need for collaboration between civil society and governments to enhance health justice. She pointed out that achieving health equity is not solely dependent on isolated, sector-specific actions but requires a unified, cross-sectoral approach focused on shared, universal goals.
As the meeting concluded, delegates reinforced the importance of collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including the private sector, international finance organizations, and philanthropic entities, to establish well-funded, environmentally sustainable health institutions. This call for cooperation is in alignment with the Lusaka Agenda, which stresses the need for coordinated efforts to mobilize resources for global health.
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the successful finalization of the Pandemic Accord. This agreement incorporates sustainable financing principles to address future pandemics, with a focus on equitable health outcomes. Delegates underscored the urgent need for Commonwealth countries to implement the New Pandemic Accord to ensure that lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic are applied in a way that builds resilience and strengthens health systems worldwide.
Health ministers, senior government officials, global health leaders, and advocates will gather at the 37CHMM in May to make further progress in tackling the challenges of sustainable health financing. The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, will also join the gathering, where ministers are expected to make significant strides in advancing health systems that are equitable, efficient, and capable of addressing the health needs of a diverse and growing population.
Earlier in March 2025, the Commonwealth Advisory Committee on Health (CACH) recommended several key outcomes for the 37CHMM. Among the primary objectives are increasing domestic funding for health to close the existing health funding gap, investing in the health and care workforce to address worker shortages, and improving access to essential medicines to achieve health equity. Additionally, CACH advocates for investing in digital health tools and strengthening collaboration between the Commonwealth Secretariat and the World Health Organization (WHO) to conduct Digital Health Maturity Assessments at the national level.
The urgency of these discussions is underscored by the fact that over 4.5 billion people—more than half of the world’s population—still lack access to critical health services and life-saving treatments. As the global health workforce faces increasing pressure, the Commonwealth is calling for sustained investment to avoid reversing the progress made toward achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In line with these efforts, the Commonwealth is also hosting a special side event during the World Health Assembly (WHA78) in May. The event, titled The Future of Our Global Health Workforce: A Commonwealth Intergenerational Dialogue, will bring together Ministers of Health and young health professionals for a meaningful conversation on leadership, innovation, and workforce sustainability. This dialogue is expected to offer valuable insights into how health and care workers can be better supported and invested in to ensure the future of global health.
As the Commonwealth prepares for the 37CHMM, the discussions in Geneva will be critical in shaping the future of health systems, promoting health equity, and ensuring a healthier, more resilient Commonwealth for all its citizens.
