Implications of COVID-19 for Public Health and the SDGs

COVID-19 is complicating SDG implementation efforts as well as posing a real risk to achieving targets on communicable disease, education, life expectancy, and decent work. In this second virtual conference on the COVID-19 pandemic, hosted on April 27, 2020, speakers from around the world examined the implications of the virus for public health and the SDGs, as well as made recommendations on science-based responses. Over the course of 4 hours, panelists discussed successful public health interventions, how to ensure responses promote health equity and reduce inequality, and different scenarios for ending isolation and returning to normal.

Agenda:
Introduction: An Overview of the Policy Issues
- Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, University Professor, Columbia University & United Nations SDG Advocate

Part I: Comparative Public Health Interventions Against COVID-19
This session explored testing, case tracing, quarantine and isolation, use of online and mobile APPs, and public hygiene.
- Dr. Jae-Seok Kim, Member, COVID-19 Committee of the Korean Society for Laboratory Medicine; Professor, Hallym University College of Medicine
- Dr. Srinath Reddy, Public Health Foundation of India
- Dr. Patrick Aboagye, Director General, Ghana Health Service
- Dr. Antoni Plasencia, Director General, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)

Part II: Steps to Re-Open the Economy
This session explored options for phase-in strategy, workplace safety, detection of outbreaks, and continued limits on big events or travel.
- Ms. Mercedes Garcia Perez, Head, Global Issues and Innovation Sector, Delegation of the European Union to the United States of America
- Dr. Ho Kee Yum, Chairman of the Experts Committee, COVID-19 Task Force, Korean Medical Association

Part III: Promoting Health Equity and Reduce Inequality
This session looked at disparities and affects on the unemployed, people living in poverty, migrants, the homeless, and different racial or ethnic backgrounds.
- Dr. Valérie Schmitt, Deputy Director, Social Protection Department, International Labour Organization
- Dr. Paulo Buss, Emeritus Director, Fiocruz

Part IV: Global Economic Impacts
This session explored the urgent needs for the world economy.
- Dr. Martin Muhleisen, Director of the Strategy, Policy, and Review Department, International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- Dr. Laurence Boone, Chief Economist, OECD
- Dr. Carlos Gadelha, Coordinator of Prospection Actions, Fiocruz
- Dr. Phoebe Koundouri, Professor, Athens University of Economics and Business, and President-Elect, European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists
- Dr. Aniket Shah, Head of ESG and Sustainability Research for the Americas, UBS Group
- Dr. Maximo Torero Cullen, Assistant Director-General, Economic and Social Development Department, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Part V: Closing Remarks
- Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, University Professor, Columbia University & United Nations SDG Advocate