Strengthening Global Health Diplomacy in Canada's Foreign Policy Architecture: Literature Review and Key Informant Interviews

Abstract

Global health is a growing concern because it its potential to affect the peace, security and prosperity of individuals worldwide. Global health diplomacy can mitigate this concern by integrating leadership across health and foreign policy spheres. Given the limited resources available for global health initiatives, it is important to show that investment in this area can bring tangible results for participants. In the case study of health diplomacy in Canada, several comparative advantages are identified including a strong international reputation, technical expertise and membership in a variety of multilateral organizations. However, there is still room for Canada to improve elements of its health diplomacy, such as by prioritizing health in foreign policy, promoting collaboration across government departments, engaging with key partners and stakeholders.

Keywords: global, health, security, prosperity, diplomacy, mitigate, leadership, foreign, policy, scarce, resource, investment, Canada, collaboration