WHO’s next? Trump’s shake-up of the Global Health Agenda

The H/Advisors Network hosted a hybrid panel event, “WHO’s next? Trump’s shake up of the global health agenda”.

Less than 100 days into Donald Trump’s second presidency, the volatility of his presidency is impacting the global health agenda – from industry to international aid – creating uncertainty for stakeholders everywhere.

Our global public affairs experts, Mike Hotra, Barbara McLaughlan, Bernd Buschhausen and Sarah Bosworth discussed what this means for the pharmaceutical industry, the future of multilateralism and global health policy, as well as how agencies are best placed to cut through the noise during these turbulent times.

Two Months of Trump: Impact on Global Health

If there’s one word to describe the Trump administration’s impact on the health sector, it would be disruptive. The first two months of the administration have cause disruption on spending priorities, in the health workforce, in the health policy agenda, and in support for his administration.

Ultimately, Trump is not alone. We are witnessing a shift in the global order, with more and more governments embracing a small state approach. Attention is now turning to the private sector to fill these gaps and to health systems to simplify the way they function.

All eyes in the industry are looking to see what Trump will do next on health costs. With targets set on the Inflation Reduction Act, and discussion floating around international reference pricing, what happens next in US policy will affect the global health industry. Understanding the impact of Trump’s policy will inform what kinds of drugs are developed, where they are manufactured, and how they can be costed.

A New Global Landscape

Our global leads reminded us that multilateralism is key for health and wealth globally. With innovation in data, digitalisation of health systems, and scientific freedom, countries are looking to become leading markets for health and the life sciences.

Continuing work towards global goals in health care, such as universal health coverage, will require increasingly localised tactical approaches. The focus must be on how to shift specific policies in tangible ways that leave meaningful outcomes.

For industry, this means streamlining innovation with regulatory expectations. Demonstrating patient impact, and showing commitment to system support for patient access, can ensure that companies’ innovations align with health system goals.

Cutting through the noise: the role of the public affairs professional

The session concluded by looking at the changing roles and expectations for public affairs professionals. We can play a crucial role in navigating what is (and will continue to be, at least for the next four years), a turbulent and uncertain political climate. Global industry will need to adapt to a more agile approach, and have access to the right advice at the right time

Ultimately, industry that had its eyes on global policy trends knew some of these shifts were coming. Understanding the media landscape, having reliable intel and insight, and being able to cut through the noise in the modern media environment can allow firms to better understand what they really need to prepare for.

Making the right decisions for the longer term

Armed with this knowledge, companies can look at the immediate and long-term impact of their decision making to understand what will be here for four years, and what will have a more lasting impact on the health sector. We know that investment decisions such as manufacturing facilities within the health industry take time, and once made are highly sticky.

Through an informed strategic approach to policy responses, businesses can become actively engaged in shaping the public dialogue, maintaining connections across the Atlantic, and promoting campaigns to inform a policy space that allows for ongoing health promotion and establishing a communication platform that creates trust.