By Our Reporter
London (UK)
March 19, 2025.
The two-day successful summit organised by Global Health Partnerships (formerly THET) at the Royal College of Physicians in London, brought together leaders from the UK, African governments, WHO & global health organizations to drive collaboration in transforming health systems.
Deliberations were on how health partnerships can be a force for advancing the UK’s domestic and global health priorities, while supporting progress toward UHC, through modern, genuine partnerships built on trust and mutual respect.
Participants also explored the role of the diaspora in building sustainable health systems globally. This at the backdrop of analysing what support diaspora need to succeed in the UK health system and global health, and; how to become an advocate for health.
Reflections on the 2024 UN High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR); learning from the global capacity building programme, and; strengthening the global health workforce were also made.
Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, the Director of Public Health in Uganda’s Health Ministry, highlighted that the Ministry has made significant strides toward addressing gaps in funding, and integration of health services across the sector. He, however, revealed that Uganda faces several challenges in disease and specialised health workforce training, calling for strengthened global health partnerships.
In health systems strengthening approaches to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Penny Walker Robertson from the Department of Health and Social Care (UK), highlighted how truly mutually beneficial global partnerships enable NHS staff to learn from other health contexts & innovate for better AMR solutions.
Dr. Aneesa Ahmed from AMREF Health Africa UK, shone a light on the importance of a one-health approach to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), to address inappropriate use of antibiotics in human, animal and environmental health, toward systems level change.
It should be noted that collaboration is the future of healthcare. By learning from each other, we don’t just treat patients, but we transform systems.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health, Nigeria, said health security is global security; emphasising the need to invest in healthcare workers and infrastructure benefits every nation, not just one.
Dr. Lutz Hegemann, President Global Health, Novartis said public-private partnerships are very vital, pointing out that innovation in healthcare must go beyond medicine, and focus on building resilient systems that last.
Global workforce, investment and sustaining impact in global health partnerships can be a force for advancing the UK’s domestic and global health priorities, while supporting progress toward UHC, through modern, genuine partnerships built on trust and mutual respect.
Ben Simms, the Global Health Partnerships CEO, appreciated the powerful conversations, bold commitments & real solutions. “Huge thanks to everyone who attended and gave their insights, expertise and brilliance to this years’ summit! Let’s keep building stronger health systems together.”
Summit organiser, who also Global Health Partnerships Diaspora Engagement Advisor, Moses Mulimira, appreciated Health Ministry of Uganda, especially Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine, for the commitment, and contribution toward these mutually beneficial global health partnerships.
The well-attended event, with about 500 guests, emphasized engaging in solution-oriented debates to develop effective strategies for a fair, livable, and healthier future for all. Thanks to UK International Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UK Aid, among others.
