McMaster Health Forum tackles global health

The McMaster Health Forum Stakeholder Dialogue on global health, Addressing Health and Emerging Global Issues in Canada, took place in May, and SIN Canada supported the expert participation of Dr. Sudeep Chand of Chatham House (the Royal Institute of International Affairs). The Forum materials were released last month, so we are finally able to report on it.

The overarching problem that the Dialogue aimed to address is that the health protection afforded to Canadians by virtue of their national borders has been eroded by increasing globalisation. There are a number of issues, including high mobility of people and trade goods, increasing environmental degradation, availability of long-distance communications, global integration of markets and adherence to international law. Responses to these issues have not always been evidence-based or appropriate for future challenges.

The Dialogue participants discussed three options for addressing the problem (supporting mutual learning across sectors and government; providing a framework for government and stakeholder action; undertaking new initiatives that provide value for money), and identified eight factors for success (inspirational champions are in place in each cohort and sector; “passionate and curious” stakeholders are on board; strong networks are harnessed; solid research evidence is accessed and used; compelling stories are prepared about tangible improvements that would benefit Canadians and the world; space is created for risk-taking and innovation; excellent communication keeps everyone on the same page; healthy debate is encouraged). You can read full summaries of the Dialogue brief and discussions, including podcasts and video interviews on the Health Forum events page (look for May 12).

Promotion of evidence-based policy and exchange of best practices is a key component of SIN Canada’s work (expect more on this when Nicole blogs about the Canadian Science Policy Conference). Here’s Dr. Chand to talk about his participation: