Global health. The current scenario and future perspectives

26 The inherently unequal nature of globalization in its behaviors, rules and values must be taken seriously (Schrecker et al., 2008). Latin America is called upon to enrich the global debate on Global Health at the planetary level. This means establishing its own regional identity, contextualized within the social, historical, political and economic reality of the countries in the region, in order to effectively address existing inequalities within and between countries. Discussing Global Health in Latin America means addressing equity and social justice and incorporating social participation, intersectoral collaboration and international cooperation among countries. The first challenge is to establish a distinct regional identity, contextualized within the social, historical, political and economic reality of the countries in the region, in order to effectively address existing inequalities within and between countries, particularly in Latin America. This region, despite its heterogeneity, shares many similarities, one of which is its being the most unequal geographical area in the world due to structural problems, which have severe effects on the health conditions of individuals, communities, countries and the region as a whole. In this sense, formulating policies that create effective South-South relations and standing as equals against the predominantly paternalistic approaches of Northern countries are another unavoidable challenge. At the same time, discussing Global Health necessarily means strengthening an approach focused on equity and social justice, social participation, intersectoral collaboration and transdisciplinarity to successfully confront the growing global health problems that are rapidly gaining ground worldwide. To achieve this, it is important to establish effective international cooperation among countries in the region. Finally, establishing a distinct Latin American agenda, different from that of hegemonic countries, is another priority. This agenda needs to include free trade and international trade agreements, international legislation on drug patents as well as regulations on the training, retention and migration of health professionals. It should also address the social determinants of health to overcome existing inequities and deal with epidemiological risks by including new and reemerging communicable diseases and non-communicable chronic diseases. These are the most important priorities. References Cemma, M. (2017). What’s the Difference? Global Health Defined. Retrieved on May 31 st , 2021, from https:/ /www.globalhealthnow.org/2017- 09/whats-difference-global-h ealth-defined. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC. (n. d.). One Health.