Organised activities

Every year, KCGH plays a role in facilitating various activities. A significant portion of these activities involves working group initiatives, where we support NVTG working groups on various fronts to achieve their goals, such as hosting webinars or organizing symposia. In addition, we also coordinate standalone events, including the Dutch Global Health Film Festival, Global Health Day and inspiring symposia. For all our activities, the dissemination of Global Health knowledge or awareness must remain at the forefront. Find an overview of activities that we have (co-)organised in the past below.

General activities

Global Health Day 2024 | 18 April

The Global Health Day 2024 brought together professionals, researchers, and students at the Social Impact Factory in Utrecht to learn, network, and explore innovative solutions to global health challenges. This year’s focus was Human-Centred Design (HCD), an approach that prioritises people and their needs in solving complex problems. Led by experts from Design Innovation Group (DIG) and Butterfly Works, participants engaged in hands-on sessions featuring real-world examples from Laos and Kenya. The day concluded with the NVTG General Assembly and an informal networking event, fostering new collaborations and the exchange of fresh ideas.

Symposium: A Global Perspective on NCDs | 11 July

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer account for millions of deaths worldwide each year. But how can we address this epidemic in resource-limited settings? During this symposium, organised by Julius Global Health (UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University) and KCGH, leading experts from Argentina, Ghana, the USA, and the Netherlands shared their insights. Interactive discussions explored the necessity of strong collaborations between the Global South and North and how policy and practice can be better aligned to tackle NCDs effectively.

Webinar series: Defining key research priorities for maternal and child health in LMICs | 9 – 23 September

How can we improve maternal and child healthcare in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)? This was the central question in this four-part webinar series, part of a €6.5 million NWO NWA-ORC research call. Over four weeks, experts—including Koiwah Koi Larbi, Titus K. Beyuo, and Hedieh Mehrtash (WHO)—debated the impact of climate change on maternal and child health, ethical dilemmas, and the importance of community engagement. The series provided valuable input for future research agendas and underscored that collaborating with local communities is key to achieving lasting impact.

Global Health Geek Out: PhD Stories | 26 September

What is it like to pursue a PhD in Global Health in the Netherlands? And how do you determine if it’s the right path for you? At this Global Health Geek Out session, organised with Uniting Streams, PhD candidates Ella de Vries, Laura Martínez Apráez, and Jeffery Arhin shared their personal journeys. They spoke about the unexpected twists in their careers, the challenges of conducting independent research, and the rewarding experience of making an impact on global health issues. The session provided valuable insights and practical advice for future PhD candidates.

Symposium: Zorg voor Nieuwkomers | 9 October

Access to healthcare is not always a given for newcomers in the Netherlands. This symposium brought together over 100 healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers to discuss ways to improve healthcare for refugees, migrant workers, and other newcomers. Keynotes by Minke Hajer (Utrecht University) and Steven van de Vijver (AHTI) offered a sharp analysis of the influence of migration policies and the role of digital innovations like HealthEmove. The afternoon featured interactive parallel sessions on mental health, maternity care, and undocumented patients’ rights.

Symposium: Placenta Accreta Spectrum – Collaboration is key! | 23 November

Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) is one of the most complex and life-threatening pregnancy complications, becoming an increasing concern worldwide. This symposium brought together leading experts from Argentina, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, the UK, the USA, and the Netherlands to share the latest diagnostic and treatment strategies. From AI-powered imaging techniques to innovative surgical procedures and knowledge exchange between LMICs and HICs, sessions provided an in-depth look at how global collaboration can enhance PAS care. A hands-on masterclass allowed healthcare professionals to practise PAS interventions under the guidance of LMIC experts, offering a unique learning experience.

Symposium: Demystifying mis- and disinformation in (global) health | 11 July

How do we separate fact from fiction in health information? Disinformation in healthcare poses a growing threat, from vaccine campaigns to pandemic responses. The annual fall symposium gathered experts to examine how misinformation spreads, how it influences public health, and how we can counter it. Sander van der Linden (Cambridge University) and Dannagal Young (University of Delaware) explored the psychological and media mechanisms behind misinformation, while panel discussions provided practical tools for healthcare professionals to combat its spread. The event also saw the presentation of the KCGH Thesis/PhD Prize 2024, recognising promising young researchers in Global Health.

Debunking Notions: Reshaping Mindsets | 6 December

Stereotypes and power imbalances between Europe and Africa continue to shape international collaboration. This event, organised by Vice Versa and supported by KCGH, provided a platform for critical and honest discussions on decolonisation, knowledge production, and equal partnerships. Experts and activists shared their experiences and strategies for moving from good intentions to truly equitable collaborations in global health and development.

Working group activities

Dutch Global Health Film Festival

Public dialogues