Here is the interview with Simona Seravesi, Technical Officer (One Health) at the World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe. Enjoy the read!
Throughout your career, you have dealt extensively with health-related issues in developing countries. In recent years, what have been the main steps forward—and backward—on a global political level in the management of public health?
In recent years, significant progress has been made in research, development, and science, contributing to innovation in the field of global health. A notable example is the malaria vaccine. Positive results have also been observed in many low-income countries, thanks to improved access to healthcare and medical services. However, alongside these advancements, there has been a steady decline in funding: several countries, including Italy, have reduced their financial support for development cooperation, particularly in the health sector.
The withdrawal of the U.S. from the WHO and the effective shutdown of USAID dealt a heavy blow to the most fragile countries, which are not self-sufficient in acquiring medicines and medical equipment. How are development cooperation strategies in the health sector being reorganized?
In the face of USAID’s withdrawal, no comprehensive joint strategy has emerged—instead, the response has been fragmented and chaotic. Many health programs are now at risk of no longer being supported, with serious consequences for vulnerable populations and access to essential medicines and healthcare. During the most recent World Health Assembly (WHA) held in May, some countries—such as China—announced increased funding to the WHO. Philanthropists like Bill Gates have also taken concrete initiatives to help address the situation. Meanwhile, the WHO has launched a reform and staff reduction process, which will inevitably impact its global mandate. It is hoped that the European Union will take on a more central role and that emerging economies such as the BRICS countries will contribute more significantly to international cooperation.
If you had the opportunity to unlock or implement a global health policy, which one would you prioritize, and why?
In a context marked by limited financial resources and the rise of nationalism, rather than introducing new health policies, it is crucial to ensure the enforcement of the right to health, and to access to care and medicines. The value of multilateralism must be reaffirmed—something now under threat due to the current complex geopolitical landscape.
The wave of prejudicial skepticism towards vaccination campaigns has also reached developing countries, where resistance to vaccination is being reported. How are international institutions responding to this dangerous phenomenon?
The WHO is actively engaged in combating vaccine hesitancy, a complex and deeply political issue. We work in close collaboration with governments—especially Ministries of Health—providing support in prevention efforts and promoting behavioral change. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of individual states to conduct effective awareness campaigns tailored to specific population groups.
Authoritative voices are warning of future pandemics. In your opinion, what are the three most important global lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic?
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how easily a virus can cross national borders. We have learned the importance of data sharing and emergency planning—which was lacking in many countries. It also highlighted that human health is closely linked to animal and environmental health: the principle underpinning the One Health approach. Looking ahead, prevention must be planned by integrating all these dimensions, rather than simply reacting to emergencies.
Could you recommend a book and a film to help us better understand or become more passionate about your work?
I would recommend One Health. Pensare le emergenze del pianeta, published by Il Saggiatore.