South Korea’s Strategic Role in Global Health: Promoting Multilateral Cooperation, Health Equality, and Disease Eradication

Purpose: This study explores the necessity of reinforcing international cooperation and sustaining South Korea’s Global Disease Eradication Fund to strengthen its role in advancing global health and health equity. Originality: This research aims to fill the gap in existing literature on the importance of multilateral cooperation by analyzing the outcomes and alignment of South Korea's multilateral aid, and aims to provide a rationale for continued, strategically optimized investment in global health partnerships. Methodology: This study conducted a literature review on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to global health, focusing on South Korea’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) policies. It examined four key multilateral organizations―Gavi, the Global Fund, GPEI, and CEPI―to assess their roles as priority partners within South Korea’s development framework. By selecting sources related to health equity, disease eradication, and multilateral cooperation, the study analyzed the alignment and effectiveness of South Korea’s contributions to global health objectives. Result: To ensure coherence with both national priorities and international objectives related to Official Development Assistance (ODA) and global health, South Korea's multilateral cooperation must be further accelerated and strategically strengthened. Conclusions and Implication: The global disease eradication landscape and its relevance to international health, suggesting strategies for South Korea to enhance its multilateral cooperation. As an OECD DAC member, South Korea can leverage public-private partnerships and diversified funding to expand its global health role despite resource constraints. By focusing on health equity programs, similar to the UK's efforts with Gavi and the Global Fund, South Korea play a pivotal role towards reinforcing its commitment to global health equity.