On the morning of June 2, Takeshi Kasai, Regional Director for the Western Pacific of WHO, delivered a speech at the plenary of the second Global Health Forum of Boao Forum for Asia, themed on "Health in All Policies".

Takeshi Kasai said that in the past decades, we have been emphasizing “Health in all policies”, to ensure the equity and accessibility of health, to combat water pollution and pollution of public space, to protect marine resources and so on. We are all working together.

Covid-19 has prompted us to rethink the relationship between health, economy, and society, and to consider whether health has been truly integrated into all policies. This involves multiple disciplines and fields. Health is the foundation of all industries, and the root of everything. Therefore, all sectors should strengthen the cooperation and make joint efforts in order to improve human health and achieve health and well-being. The whole society should work together and cooperate to achieve the health goals for the win-win.

Climate change is an example. We have adopted effective policies to address climate change. This will not only bring about environmental improvements, but will also greatly benefit human health in the long run. The importance of working together and collaboration should be given enough attention. The Covid-19 epidemic is a public crisis test, and we must reflect some of the ideas and practices in the past, which  will help us build a brighter future, a more sustainable, and healthier future.