This discussant commentary will consider global health before the pandemic in relation to the UCL–Penn Global COVID Study survey results on what participants need to recover from the pandemic. It explores the case for expanding access to health care, the importance of culturally sensitive interventions and the need to scale up psychologically evidence-based interventions. Reflecting on the UCL–Penn Global COVID Study ‘Let’s Talk! What do you need to recover from Covid-19?’ webinar, the commentary highlights the recommendations from the British Psychological Society (BPS) to the government on what needs to happen for a better recovery.