Communication in Health Diplomacy

Year 2024, Volume: 6 Issue: 2, 181 - 198, 25.12.2024

Kezban Yavuz Emik

https://doi.org/10.52675/jhesp.1583533

Abstract

Health is increasingly becoming a critical factor in countries' trade agreements, development strategies, security, and foreign policy. Therefore, diplomacy plays a vital role in health. Health threats are known to jeopardize a country's security and stability. For centuries, countries have implemented measures like quarantine to stop diseases at their borders, recognizing the central importance of health security for national security. The spread and similarity of diseases across borders mean that solving these health issues can only be achieved through global negotiations and agreements. Today, growing health issues require not only technical equipment but also political negotiations, solutions, and various actors. Successful health diplomacy is based on political, diplomatic experience, and practice, which must be combined with public health knowledge and evidence-based medicine. Global health requires a governance process that involves states, civil society organizations, international organizations, and multinational corporations. Health Diplomacy is an interaction method selected for securing the right to health in vulnerable communities, improving health systems, fostering collaboration between public health and political stakeholders, and resolving conflicts. Health diplomacy contributes to communication. It can help overcome barriers, act as a common catalyst for many initiatives, and respond, coordinate, improve access, and create an atmosphere for participation by aligning with regional cultures and helping to build public trust. Having secure and prosperous populations is in the long-term interest of every country, and diplomatic communication is essential to achieve these goals. For international agreements related to health and foreign policy to work, both foreign policy practitioners and global health advocates must engage more actively.
In health diplomacy, communication is not only a tool for interstate negotiations but also for raising awareness among the public and relevant stakeholders about global health issues. Effectively conveying any effort to both domestic and international audiences is as important as the work itself. Successful health diplomacy relies on successful communication, and successful communication relies on sharing accurate information.

Keywords

Health Diplomacy, Global Health Diplomacy, Communication

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