January 15, 2025

Expert Group Calls for Action: Denmark Must Strengthen Its Efforts in Global Health – For the Sake of the World and Denmark Itself

Originally published in Jyllands-Posten, translated from Danish to English.

Authors:
The Expert Group on Global Health: Angela Y. Chang, Anna Frellsen, Haifaa Awad, Justice Nonvignon, Steven L. B. Jensen, Tobias Alfvén, Ulla E. Müller, and Vibeke Brix Christensen. 

A stronger Danish engagement in global health is essential—not only to save lives in the world’s most vulnerable regions but also to enhance Denmark’s own security and reduce the risk of future global health crises. 

“They run and play out there on the street,
your child and mine, and the balls are singing…”
So begins Tove Ditlevsen’s poem Tagfat (Tag), written in 1952, which depicts the merciless grip of the polio epidemic on the futures of thousands of children and families. The polio epidemic forced Denmark to act and think innovatively. Among other things, it led to the invention of the intensive care unit—a Danish innovation that revolutionized the treatment of critically ill patients and became a model for other countries. 

Denmark has historically taken the lead in addressing major health crises with global solutions, leveraging strong traditions in partnerships, research, and innovation in healthcare. Danish health solutions have not only saved lives but also significantly boosted the Danish economy. Nevertheless, investments in global health are no longer a top priority for Denmark, and the country’s former role as a frontrunner is now challenged. 

Global Crises Require Danish Leadership 

Efforts in global health have been among the most successful investments by the international community to date, leading to remarkable progress. Child mortality has halved over the past 20 years, and breakthroughs in technology, vaccines, and health solutions have saved millions of lives. 

However, new and serious challenges loom. Climate change, pandemics, growing inequality, strained health systems, pressure on sexual and reproductive rights, and demographic and epidemiological changes threaten health and well-being worldwide. As in Ditlevsen’s poem, it is not just one child who is affected—it is all of us. 

In a new report with 19 concrete recommendations, we argue that strengthened Danish investments in health beyond national borders are crucial—not only to save lives in the most vulnerable parts of the world but also to enhance Denmark’s own security. Stronger health systems and improved pandemic preparedness in low-income countries, in particular, contribute to global stability and security, benefiting Denmark as well. 

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how health crises in one part of the world can rapidly evolve into global threats. A recent report in the Lancet highlights a 50% probability of another global pandemic by 2050, which could claim at least 25 million lives. Denmark can and should play a role in reducing that risk. 

Moreover, research shows that investments in health can foster economic growth and stability in vulnerable regions—key strategic interests for Denmark and pillars of its global development policy. 

Denmark Can Become a Global Leader in Health 

Denmark has a strong foundation and enjoys global recognition for its work in areas such as sexual and reproductive rights, universal health coverage, strengthening health systems, and supply chains. These strengths give Denmark a unique opportunity to use upcoming platforms, such as the EU presidency next year and a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in 2025–2026, to elevate global health on the international agenda. 

We recommend Denmark rethinks its approach to global health efforts, transitioning from primarily being a donor to becoming an active and equal partner. This requires building on previous strengths and experiences while engaging new sectors and partners in global health initiatives. There is significant potential to promote greater Danish synergy, knowledge sharing, and innovative health financing by working across sectors—public, private, philanthropic, research, and development. 

If Denmark leverages the breadth of its expertise and innovation in healthcare to benefit the world’s most vulnerable countries, its commitment to global health can rank among the best globally. 

A Dedicated Strategy and Ambassador for Global Health 

Denmark currently has a unique opportunity to lead and address urgent global challenges that affect us all. These include antimicrobial resistance, food security, pandemic preparedness, and prevention. Denmark can make a decisive difference in these areas—for the benefit of both vulnerable populations and Denmark’s own future. 

To realize this potential, we recommend Denmark develop a dedicated strategy for global health. This strategy should integrate health across key policy areas, including international development, foreign policy, research, security, and health policy. Global health should also be prioritized in Denmark’s upcoming development strategy, to be formulated in the coming months. 

We also propose that Denmark appoint a Global Health Ambassador, as successfully done in other countries like Sweden and Norway. A thematic ambassador could strengthen collaboration among ministries, civil society, universities, research institutions, the private sector, foundations, and international partners. Such an appointment would send a strong signal that Denmark takes its global responsibility seriously and is actively committed to promoting health and equity for all. 

A Historic Moment: Denmark Must Lead Again 

As during the polio epidemic in 1952, Denmark now faces a pivotal opportunity to redefine its role in global health. Back then, the intensive care unit was Denmark’s contribution to the world. Today, we can lead through investments, innovation, and partnerships that save lives, support locally rooted development, and reduce inequality. Global health is not only a moral obligation—it is also a strategic necessity. 

As Tove Ditlevsen wrote, no one is immune to the consequences of health crises:
“Now the child plays, who tomorrow shall fall / to the hand that ruthlessly points: you are it!” 

The question is whether Denmark dares to lead or leaves the world to a dangerous game of tag.