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Radboudumc Global Health (RGH) is ready to go. On November 25, we will be showing what is happening at the intersection of healthcare, research, and education with partners worldwide at the Experience Center (1:00–5:30 p.m.). We asked one of the initiators, associate professor Dr. Quirijn de Mast, a few questions.
What is Radboudumc Global Health (RGH) and why is it important now?
‘RGH is our internal network that connects healthcare, research, and education with partners in low- and middle-income countries’, says Quirijn de Mast, associate professor of Global Health and Travel Medicine. ‘Radboudumc has a long tradition with, among others, KCMC in Tanzania and partners in Indonesia. In a rapidly changing and interconnected world, international cooperation is essential: for innovation, pandemic preparedness, antimicrobial resistance, but also for issues such as climate and non-communicable diseases. Those who fail to build knowledge-driven networks now will lose quality and relevance in the future. RGH helps us to combine our strengths.’
RGH stands for equality, reciprocity, and sustainability. How is that reflected?
‘Radboudumc opts for long-term partnerships rather than one-off projects. We invest in relationships, infrastructure, and talent development on both sides. This allows us to truly learn from each other and increase our impact. What we used to call ‘capacity building’ is now reciprocal collaboration: everyone contributes according to their means, and the result is better for everyone.’
What makes Radboudumc's international approach distinctive?
‘Three things: sustainable relationships, multidisciplinarity, and the integration of care, research, and education. Of course, infectious diseases remain important, but the scope is broader: fertility, anesthesia, surgery, orthopedics, nutrition, psychiatry, and neonatology are just a few examples of our activities. Together with nurses and paramedics. We are building an academic network in Tanzania (KCMC, Muhimbili, Dodoma) and are also building one with Makerere in Uganda, among others. That breadth and staying power make the difference.’
What concrete benefits does RGH offer us in Nijmegen?
‘In practical terms, working with scarce resources sharpens your clinical skills and prioritization. This is also relevant for the future of healthcare here. We see different disease presentations, develop intercultural competencies, and gain unique research insights, for example about lifestyle and nutritional transitions, which are also applicable to diseases of affluence in the Netherlands. Students, AIOS, and researchers will carry these skills with them throughout their careers.’
Who is the event on November 25 intended for, and what can colleagues expect?
‘Everyone: doctors, researchers, nurses, students, staff. Many colleagues are unaware of the breadth of Global Health. This event will demonstrate that. We will start with a welcome address by Prof. Jan Smit and myself, followed by a keynote speech by Prof. Bruno Sunguya (Muhimbili University) on the value of African-European academic partnerships. This will be followed by short project pitches (on topics including fertility, nutrition, TB/infectious diseases, 3D applications, Global Sports, mental health, and health economics) and a Global Health market where colleagues and partners can talk to each other. It's very accessible: come and listen, look around, ask questions, and discover where you can get involved.’
Finally, where do you see RGH in five years' time?
'As a recognizable network that everyone inside and outside Radboudumc knows about. With strong, well-developed partnerships, a better balance in exchanges (including incoming students and professionals), and a clear point of contact for colleagues who want to work internationally. Global Health will then be a natural part of our identity.'
Will you be joining us on November 25? Register today!
Whether you are already involved in international activities or are simply curious, RGH is there for everyone!
- Radboudumc Global Health event, Tuesday, November 25, 1:00–5:30 p.m., Experience Center
- Keynote: Prof. Bruno Sunguya (MUHAS, Dar es Salaam)
- Global Health Market: meet colleagues and partners, visit project stands, and establish new collaborative contacts. Would you like to visit the market on your own? It starts at 3:30 p.m. and lasts until 5:00 p.m.
Register for the Radboudumc Global Health event
Would you like to learn more?
Visit the Global Health webpage
