G20 Health Ministers Unable to Reach Agreement Following U.S. Rejection

The G20 Health Ministers’ meeting in Polokwane, Limpopo, ended without a signed declaration due to the United States’ refusal to agree on several key health issues. The two-day discussions focused on universal health coverage and aimed at initiatives to end AIDS by 2030, as well as addressing malaria and tuberculosis. Additionally, the meeting included considerations on climate change’s impact on health and potential mitigation strategies.

South African Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi reported that the U.S. rejected nearly all critical issues, with the exception of strategies to combat non-communicable diseases. The U.S. also opposed the core themes of solidarity, equity, and sustainability, even questioning the existence of climate change. This stance indicated a significant lack of consensus on pressing health issues, particularly affecting the collaborative efforts for universal healthcare.

Dr. Motsoaledi emphasized the detrimental effect of one country’s refusal to sign the declaration on the overall process of international healthcare collaboration. Although most countries agreed to the declaration, the U.S. position ultimately prevented its formal adoption.

Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, highlighted the damaging effects of aid cuts from the U.S. and other Western nations on African healthcare, contributing to a humanitarian crisis with millions at risk of diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria, particularly in nations like Nigeria, Kenya, South Sudan, and South Africa.

Moreover, other participating countries urged an allocation of 15% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to health sectors in low and middle-income nations, emphasizing the need to combat health crises like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV. This meeting served as the final gathering before the G20 leaders’ summit in Johannesburg later this month.