Covid-19 has clearly exposed the link between trade and health policies
In a great article by Elizabeth Morgan she clearing outlines the link between trade policy and health policy.
The link between trade and health policies has become all the more important given #covid-19 pandemic or as she eloquently put:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a communicable illness declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), has highlighted the interconnectivity of the world through globalisation. Its impact on national and global economies has brought to the fore the critical link between trade and health, and the relationship between the WHO and the World Trade Organization (WTO), as well as other trade-related organisations such as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the World Intellectual Property Organization.
Spoiler alert trade policy and health policy are not always aligned. In fact, they are at times in conflict.
Covid-19 economic impact
Covid-19 has made people anxious.
People are anxious about their personal health and the heath of their family and friends. However, much like the virus, the contagion of anxiety has spread to worry about the health of global and national economies. In fact, it gets right down to the personal – to pocketbook economics.
According to an Ipsos poll of 10,000 adults in 12 countries, conducted 12–14 March suggested there is rising anxiety about personal financial exposure, including employment.
MIs it any wonder that people are seeing Covid-19 more as an economic crisis than a health one?
Covid-19 is already taking a toll on the global economy. And it’s not done wreaking havoc yet, as there is even talk of a possible global recession.
The way forward — UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3)
What is needed at this time of crisis is coordinated approaches at all levels of trade and health governance from the multilateral, to the national to the local.
Or as Elizabeth Morgan puts it:
It also requires international cooperation to stem the spread, find a remedy, and stimulate economies. UN SDG 3 should now deal more explicitly with the trade and health connection and take account of the economic fallout from pandemics.
I would go further by saying that all 17 UN SDGs provide great policy guidance to policymakers at all levels be they in trade, health, etc on how to effectively deal with the Covid-19 crisis.
Originally posted on Logistics Matters Jamaica – March 18, 2020 – click here
