Global health is about improving health and reducing health disparities for all people worldwide through education, research, and practice. The Knowledge Centre for Global Health (KCGH) aims to support knowledge exchange in the field of global health. We achieve this by connecting healthcare and global health professionals, making global health knowledge more accessible, learning from it, and thereby promoting its application in Dutch healthcare.

The Netherlands has several knowledge institutions and organizations addressing global health issues. For KCGH, it is essential to be complementary by collaborating and facilitating the utilization of global health knowledge.

We connect experts, organizations, and healthcare providers on current themes in global health, with a focus in the coming years on planetary health and health equity. We also strive to raise awareness of global health issues among a broader audience.

Vision

Mission

Core values

Equal Opportunities in Health | We strive for equal opportunities in health for everyone worldwide, with specific attention to individuals and groups for whom this is least guaranteed.

Equality in Collaboration | We believe in the power of global and sustainable collaboration based on equality and reciprocity.

Inclusivity and Interdisciplinarity | Emphasising the value and importance of integrating diverse perspectives and experiences, with respect for human rights, to achieve better health for everyone. Therefore, an interdisciplinary approach to global health issues is essential.

Establishment of KCGH

The Knowledge Centre for Global Health was founded in 2020 by the Dutch Association for Tropical Medicine and International Health (NVTG) and the Training Institute for International Health and Tropical Medicine (OIGT). The initiative stemmed from a motion adopted by the Dutch Parliament in 2019, calling for the structuring of the "transfer of knowledge acquired abroad that is relevant to Dutch healthcare." The centre is funded by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) and has four part-time employees. KCGH collaborates extensively with NVTG and OIGT. To learn more about how we strengthen each other, watch the video below.

SDG 3 Coordinatorship

The Knowledge Centre for Global Health (KCGH) serves as the alliance coordinator for SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) within the SDG Netherlands network, alongside Alles is Gezondheid. As a knowledge hub, we are actively engaged in strengthening health systems and promoting health equity, both in the Netherlands and globally. We achieve this through knowledge exchange and fostering collaboration between governments, research institutions, hospitals, civil society organizations, and businesses.

Health is inextricably linked to many other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Eradicating poverty (SDG 1) directly impacts health, as those in poverty often face limited access to healthcare and healthy living conditions. Clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) are essential for preventing infectious diseases, while climate change (SDG 13) affects public health through heatwaves, air pollution, and shifting patterns of disease transmission. As SDG 3 coordinators, we actively seek connections with other SDGs. We collaborate with initiatives that address the health impacts of climate change, support sustainable and just food systems (SDG 2), and advocate for equitable access to healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations. By collaboratively developing educational materials and organising knowledge-sharing activities we also contribute to quality education (SDG4).

Our commitment to SDG 3 aligns closely with KCGH’s core activities. We support and develop initiatives that advance the application of Global Health knowledge in both the Netherlands and internationally, with a strong focus on Planetary Health and Health Equity. This means we go beyond healthcare alone, tackling broader societal and environmental determinants of health. One example is our free online learning platform, where we make knowledge from various institutions worldwide accessible. Our e-learning courses cover topics such as sustainable laboratory practices and research, Planetary Health, and health equity, providing professionals and students with up-to-date insights and practical tools to foster a more sustainable and inclusive healthcare system.

Seriana van den Berg, a board member of KCGH, represents our organization in this coordinatorship. In our role as alliance coordinator, we remain committed to fostering connections between key stakeholders and advancing a collective, impactful approach to SDG 3 and the broader sustainable development agenda. Seriana can be reached at grebdv.anaires.[antispam].@kcgh.nl. 

Working at KCGH

KCGH is a small organization, but occasional job opportunities arise. Keep an eye on our website and LinkedIn for updates. Additionally, we welcome interns.

As a small organisation, you must have a clear goal for your internship. This means there are various directions you can take with an internship at KCGH, and we are eager to discuss possibilities with you. In the past, we have had interns who contributed to organizing the Dutch Global Health Film Festival. If you're interested in an internship, please send an email to ofni.[antispam].@kcgh.nl with your CV, motivation, and concrete ideas about what you would like to learn/do with us.

Update as of December 12, '23: Unfortunately, it is not possible to undertake an internship at KCGH for the upcoming period.