The forum projected some of the common global health challenges but what stood out for me was the following: first, the slow pace of relaying health information in most of the Low to Middle Income Countries (LMICs). Most countries in the global south continue to rely on paper trail records to make informed health decisions which often delays diagnosis, treatment or interventions. Hence, there is a need to have a cost-effective digital data transmission systems that are limited resource friendly, scalable and sustainable to guide health strategies. Second, due to global health improvements, there is increased life expectancy and longevity in most countries of the world including sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Thus a rise in ageing populations, which pose a threat to the already overburdened health systems. As a result, there needs to be an integrated chronic care management in health care systems to cater for the increasing numbers of the elderly populations. Third, food insecurity still remains a challenge, even though many countries in the world have made tremendous advancements towards curbing hunger, a lot still remains to be done regarding nutritional deficiencies. As a result, inadequate nutrition continues to cause poor growth, development and higher household associated illnesses which leads to social and economic exclusion for the already marginalized families. Regarding mitigation, it is paramount to have inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems with a timely orientation to healthy nutrition practices.
Fourth, is the rise in Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancers in the global south. NCDs are a significant concern because they cause a rise in deaths across all age categories and gender. For this reason, there is a need to have surveillance and population-based strategies, mobile-based technologies as a means of transmitting messages on healthy eating habits to prevent and reduce the incidences of NCDs. Fifth is the dire need to advance the rights for women and girls in decision making processes to guard against cases of abuse, sexual violence, forced early marriages, misconception about contraceptives and property ownership. Training women on fundamental human rights, microfinance and governance facilitate inclusive leadership at all societal levels. Finally, in the face of the global migration crisis due to human trafficking, political instability, violence and lack of economic opportunities. There is a need for rural investment and local employment opportunities for the youth.