How South Korea Plans to Lead on Digital Health, Climate and Pandemics with WHO

South Korea’s 2026–2030 cooperation strategy with WHO outlines how the country will use its strong health system, digital innovation and research institutions to support universal health coverage, health security and climate-resilient health systems in the Western Pacific and beyond. It marks South Korea’s transition from aid recipient to global health leader, working with WHO to tackle mental health, pandemics, noncommunicable diseases and climate-related health risks.

South Korea is redefining its role on the global health stage. The Republic of Korea–WHO Country Cooperation Strategy 2026–2030 lays out how the country plans to work with the World Health Organization over the next five years, not just to improve health at home, but to shape health outcomes across the Western Pacific and beyond. Backed by institutions such as the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, the Korea International Cooperation Agency, and more than 20 WHO collaborating centres based in universities and research institutes, South Korea is positioning itself as a major source of expertise, funding and innovation in global public health.

From Aid Recipient to Global Partner

The strategy reflects a remarkable transformation. Once a country receiving technical assistance from WHO, South Korea is now among the organization’s most significant contributors. Since 2018, it has provided more than US$70 million per biennium through assessed and voluntary contributions, supporting health system strengthening, emergency preparedness and environmental health programmes across the Western Pacific Region. A flagship result of this partnership is the WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health in Seoul, established in 2019, which now acts as a regional hub for research, policy development and operational support on climate and environmental health issues.

Strong Health Gains, Persistent Challenges

The document paints a balanced picture of health in South Korea. Life expectancy and healthy life expectancy have risen steadily, maternal and child mortality rates meet global targets, and universal health coverage ensures near-total access to essential services. South Korea’s response to COVID-19 is highlighted as a global model, marked by rapid testing, digital contact tracing and strong coordination across government and health institutions. At the same time, serious challenges remain. Suicide rates are among the highest in OECD countries, mental health needs are growing, and noncommunicable diseases linked to alcohol use, smoking and obesity continue to rise. Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing threat, air pollution still exceeds WHO-recommended levels, and demographic pressures from ultra-low birth rates and rapid population ageing are straining the health and care system.

Five Priorities for the Next Five Years

To address these realities, the strategy sets out five clear areas for cooperation. Digital health and innovation sit at the centre, reflecting South Korea’s global leadership in health data systems and artificial intelligence. These tools are seen as ways to improve access, reduce inequalities and strengthen primary health care, with WHO providing guidance on standards, ethics and governance. Designing healthy societies is another priority, linking early childhood development, immunisation across the life course, healthy ageing, urban planning and environmental protection into a single preventive vision. Mental health receives special attention, with WHO expected to support policy reform, stigma reduction and the shift toward community-based care.

Strengthening global health security forms a third pillar. Drawing on its experience with SARS, MERS and COVID-19, South Korea will support laboratory networks, disease surveillance and emergency preparedness in the region, particularly for more vulnerable countries. Climate change and environmental sustainability make up the fourth priority, treating climate risks as direct threats to health and focusing on climate-resilient, low-carbon health systems and early warning mechanisms. The final priority centres on partnerships, expanding the role of South Korean experts within the WHO through fellowships and secondments, and using WHO collaborating centres as platforms for regional training and knowledge exchange.

A Flexible Strategy for a Changing World

What sets the 2026–2030 cooperation strategy apart is its emphasis on learning and adaptation. Clear performance indicators, regular reviews and joint monitoring mechanisms are designed to keep the partnership responsive as health risks evolve. The document ultimately tells a broader story: of South Korea stepping confidently into global health leadership, sharing its experience and resources while continuing to rely on WHO’s technical authority and convening power. In a world shaped by pandemics, climate change and demographic shifts, the strategy underscores a simple message, stronger cooperation is no longer optional, but essential for protecting health everywhere.