Reframing the Relationship Between the Economy and Health

The World Health Organization's Council on the Economics of Health for All emphasizes investing in health to foster an inclusive economy. Drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council highlights the global failure to govern economies for the common good, exposing the deep interconnections between economic systems and health. The Council proposes reevaluating values through three main sets: planetary health, social foundations promoting equity, and human health from a rights-based perspective. These principles integrate economic, social, environmental, and health objectives across all governance levels. The article discusses strategic reforms in finance and policy that prioritize health and well-being, suggesting a shift from traditional economic measures to those that focus on broad societal benefits. This transformation requires a holistic, participatory approach to policymaking, incorporating diverse societal needs and aiming for systemic change to achieve health for all.