Every year, as the United Nations General Assembly gathers world leaders to deliberate on pressing global issues, stakeholders take the opportunity to announce new commitments. At the 79th session, notable pledges included the Global Commitment to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance and the launch of a €1.5 billion Primary Health Care investment across 15 countries by the WHO and multilateral banks.

During the week, I attended sessions focused on primary health care (PHC), resilient health systems, and universal health care, and here are some of my takeaways.

1. We Need to Invest More in Primary Health Care, Faster

Despite global recognition that primary health care is the most efficient model for health service delivery, investments remain insufficient. PHC can provide community-based, one-stop care that addresses most health needs.

Countries like Malawi have prioritised PHC by adopting a community health worker model. Malawi’s Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, highlighted her country’s efforts to make PHC a reality, including the creation of a task force to support implementation. Dr. Atul Gawande, USAID’s Assistant Administrator for Global Health, stressed that addressing health threats and inequities requires a strong integrated PHC system. For civil society leaders, PHC must be people-centred and community-led, requiring more investment in prevention and support for frontline health workers, such as community health workers.

As Bupe Sinkala, a community health worker, said, “Invest in us and let us lead… community health workers need to be paid, trained, supported with supplies and equipment, and formally recognised.”

2. Integrated Health Systems Are Stronger

Many health systems are hindered by fragmented service delivery models, which create inefficiencies. Integrated health systems can streamline services and improve outcomes by focusing on patients rather than diseases. For instance, combining HIV, TB, antenatal, and childcare services at one location ensures efficiency. Integrating non-communicable diseases and mental health services into PHC is also crucial as these conditions often worsen infectious disease impacts.

Countries are already adopting integrated approaches. In Nigeria, the government has introduced a “sector-wide SWAP approach,” ensuring one plan, budget, and report for all health programs. This alignment fosters collaboration and joint accountability between government bodies, donors, and civil society.

3. Locally-Led Development Built on Trust is Essential

Localising health development means countries and communities set their own agendas, taking the lead in designing, implementing, and monitoring health interventions. Successful localisation requires increased government spending on health, and improved donor efficiency, combined with joint accountability frameworks. Nigerian Health Minister Dr. Mohammad Ali Pate underscored the importance of country leadership, emphasising that localisation is about sustainability and impact at scale.

Local organisations must be empowered and funded to lead interventions. Building capacity for local drug and vaccine production is also critical to ensure countries can meet their own needs. Strengthening trust between communities and health systems is essential, and this trust must be built through transparent partnerships that respect local expertise.

4. Climate and Health Are Inextricably Linked

Climate change is increasingly recognised as a major health threat, as droughts, floods, and other extreme events drive health crises, poverty, and social issues like gender-based violence. Yet, health actors often struggle to incorporate climate considerations into their programs.

Empowering women as climate champions and integrating gender considerations into health programs, such as maternal and child health, is essential. Dr. Juan Pablo Uribe, Director of the Global Financing Facility, called for immediate action, highlighting the resources available through initiatives like the UN Global Compact and the Green Climate Fund. Long-term investments that integrate climate considerations into health systems will provide value for money and strengthen resilience.

5. Innovations and Multisectoral Partnerships Are Driving the Next Level of Global Health Wins

The global health community is increasingly combining technological solutions with public-private partnerships to tackle long-standing health challenges. The theme of integration was evident in several approaches showcased at the assembly. For instance, the Nigerian government partnered with Zipline to use drones for medical supply deliveries in remote areas, enhancing access to essential medicines.

PEPFAR’s partnerships with companies like Abbot, Gilead, and Merck have advanced the development and accessibility of new treatments, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Similar collaborations will ensure the continuous funding and implementation of new tools to protect vulnerable populations.

Looking ahead, innovations such as digital health solutions will play a critical role in addressing emerging global health challenges, including non-communicable diseases, improved access to diagnostics, and climate-smart health approaches. Sustaining momentum after the UN General Assembly will be vital to achieving health milestones.

As we prepare for the Health Systems Research Conference in Nagasaki, Japan, my colleagues and I look forward to exploring these lessons further. The conference will highlight ways to strengthen health systems in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in the face of conflict and climate change, ensuring that countries are better prepared for future health threats.