SAVING FUTURE GENERATIONS THROUGH HEALTH DIPLOMACY: COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS AND ADVANCING HEALTH INFORMATION
Scott Ratzan, MD, Johnson & Johnson
"How can we help shape the future of healthcare as a solution provider, rather than using the outdated architecture that's already in place? Talking about what we do as global health researchers, developing a health-literate society and what it means for America is vital to continued support for providing these solutions - it's no small task."
Scott Ratzan, MD, is no ordinary global health researcher. As editor-in-chief of the Journal of Health Communication: International Perspectives for the last 15 years and vice president of global health for Johnson & Johnson-the largest healthcare company in the world-he finds himself in a unique position as a liaison between research and getting those research results to those who can apply it to save lives. Many in his field call it applied research. "People are asking to be in charge of their own health. This is good! To do this, more needs to be done to empower them to make the best decisions," says Ratzan.
He understands all too well the importance of getting this information out and communicating the need for an increased investment in global health research. That's why Ratzan believes strongly in public-private partnerships to highlight this need. "The U.S. government cannot do it alone," observes Ratzan, "and the solutions are not only high-tech. Talking about what we do and what it means for America is vital - it's no small task." Even global health researchers at universities still hold a comparatively small voice in the research and academic community. It won't happen overnight. "If we had the silver bullet tomorrow, we still couldn't implement all of the solutions for diseases in the U.S. and abroad." With health diplomacy, including the right tools, prudent policies and partnerships, we can continue to raise awareness, support and ultimately save more lives.
One thing is certain, world market centers are going to be outside of the U.S. and our role in those markets will become increasingly important, which is one reason the U.S. should not let up in its investment in global health research. The health interventions and discoveries we find now will have a positive impact for future generations. Ratzan concludes, "In a world of six billion people, we have a responsibility because it's the right thing to do. But just as important is that we will learn what health applications work so that they will be valuable for our kids and their kids."