This event provided a in-person opportunity after a hiatus for colleagues across institutions to develop new partnerships—and enhance existing ones—focused on global health equity. Colleagues came from Kibong’oto Infectious Diseases Hospital, Tanzania; Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Tanzania; Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda; Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, Tanzania; the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda; the University of Rwanda; and the World Health Organization, Uganda.

“The workshops enabled us to reflect what we have been doing for several years as an individual institution and identified common interest for all parties to strengthen our collaborations,” said Stellah Mpagama, partner from Tanzania. She added that she found that all institutions were dedicated to share knowledge, expertise and resources to minimize inequality particularly in Global Health and through collaboration this can be achieved

The key topics of shared interest that emerged include preparedness for future pandemics, with specific focus on enhancing research and education related to surveillance, genomics, and the concept known as One Health, which acknowledges the essential links between the health of humans, animals, and the environment. Another priority that emerged was the need to enhance advanced data science education.

In addition to the small working sessions, CGHE hosted a panel at the Rotunda. Dr. Scott Heysell led a lively discussion focused on our colleagues’ leadership in improving health in their communities, lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, and strategies for developing and sustaining long-term research collaborations between countries in Africa and the United States as well as within Africa.

The Global Partnerships Workshop concluded with a dinner hosted at Morven Farm with guests and global faculty and staff from across the University.

“CGHE is proud to support its long-standing partners and to develop new collaborations,” said Rebecca Dillingham, Director of CGHE adding that “The center plans to continue to provide meaningful global health equity engagement opportunities for students and partners that are only possible thanks to the strong foundations of these partnerships.”