The Government of Spain has approved the Spanish Global Health Strategy 2025-2030 (EESG), a roadmap that reinforces the country’s international commitment to improve global health from an inclusive, sustainable and human rights-based approach.
Context and strategic objectives
The EESG was born in a context marked by the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, the increase in inequalities and the threats to multilateral governance. With it, Spain becomes the fifth country in the European Union to adopt a specific global health strategy, aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the principles of equity, social justice, sustainability and international cooperation.
The Strategy establishes six key goals:
- Consolidate strong and resilient public health systems: Foster strong health services that are accessible to all and universal, with a special focus on primary and community care.
- Promote lifelong health and well-being: Ensure sexual and reproductive rights, improve nutrition, facilitate access to safe water and sanitation, and reduce inequalities in child health.
- Comprehensively address the health impacts of climate change: Promote sustainable health systems and a coordinated response under the “One Health” concept, which links human, animal and environmental health.
- Preparing for emergencies and international health threats: Improving the capacity to prevent and react to pandemics and other global health crises.
- Strengthen global health governance and structure: Promote more efficient, transparent cooperation based on common values.
- Stimulate research, innovation and digitalization in health with an equitable approach: Prioritize research in sustainable health technologies and ensure fair access to medicines and vaccines.
Impact on health equity
The EESG places special emphasis on health equity, both nationally and internationally. By strengthening public and resilient health systems, it seeks to ensure that all people, regardless of their origin or economic status, have access to quality health services. In addition, by addressing the social determinants of health and promoting health from a life course approach, we aim to reduce health inequalities and improve the well-being of the most vulnerable populations.
At the international level, Spain reinforces its commitment to global health, integrating the “One Health” approach and promoting multilateral cooperation. This includes strengthening global governance in health and promoting research and innovation with an equity perspective, ensuring that advances in health benefit all populations, especially the most disadvantaged.
Relevance to the hospital sector
The implementation of the EESG has direct implications for the Spanish hospital sector. By strengthening public health systems and promoting primary and community care, an improvement in the efficiency and quality of health services is expected. In addition, by addressing the effects of climate change on health, hospitals will have to adapt to new realities, implementing sustainable and resilient practices.
Likewise, preparedness for emergencies and cross-border health threats will require hospitals to be better equipped and coordinated to respond to future health crises. Health research, innovation and digitalization will also play a crucial role in transforming the hospital sector, improving patient care and resource management.
This strategy positions Spain as a key player in global health, committed to health equity and the improvement of health systems worldwide. Its effective implementation will be fundamental to face the health challenges of the future and guarantee quality health for all.