Health Security and the Right to Life

Abstract

Health security is a shared responsibility among all actors in the health sector and other related sectors. It cannot be achieved by relying on one party alone; rather, success requires cooperation among professional and health sectors and other fields such as education, security, environment, agriculture, infrastructure, economy, civil society, and specialized health bodies.
This also requires establishing interconnected global networks capable of responding effectively to limit the transmission of infectious diseases between humans and animals, reduce human suffering and loss of life during wars and natural disasters, and minimize the resulting economic impacts.
In the 2020s, the world witnessed a major health crisis and one of the largest pandemics of the modern era, posing serious challenges to global health systems. Over the past half-century, health security has developed significantly in relation to risks such as disease outbreaks, epidemics, industrial accidents, natural disasters, and other health emergencies that can quickly become global security threats.
These health-related challenges represent major non-traditional threats to state security and the right to life, as they claim more lives than wars and conflicts. They also threaten population security worldwide at economic, social, cultural, and commercial levels, as seen in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Facing problems caused by epidemics, natural, biological, and chemical disasters, foodborne diseases, and other health emergencies requires a clear and effective vision for developing appropriate programs and adopting multidisciplinary approaches.