University of Coimbra launches National Observatory of Global Health

The University of Coimbra (UC) is launching the National Observatory of Global Health today, 25 September, in line with the Ministry of Health and the World Health Summit Academic Alliance.

Recognising the growing importance of global health in delivering healthcare to populations, the National Observatory of Global Health, led by the UC, aims to generate knowledge and facilitate the implementation of health policies on a global scale.

The Observatory’s key activities include training and capacity-building for qualified staff; promoting and supporting research and innovation projects; establishing and strengthening inter-institutional cooperation at both national and international levels; partnering with academic institutions to foster advanced education and specialised training; and actively participating in the design and implementation of fairer and more sustainable health policies, within the framework of global health for all.

Tackling global health challenges effectively requires a multi/trans/ interdisciplinary approach that brings together health, environmental, technological, economic, and healthcare management expertise, breaking down traditional barriers between disciplines. This is the cornerstone of the National Observatory of Global Health.

Building on the work of ‘Coimbra Health’ – a collaboration between the University of Coimbra’s Faculty of Medicine (FMUC) and the Coimbra Local Health Unit (ULS de Coimbra) – the Observatory advances global health through a range of scientific initiatives, in partnership with numerous educational and healthcare institutions, including the World Health Organization (WHO).

“It is with great satisfaction that, after years of joint work, we are launching the National Observatory of Global Health, a strategic instrument for UC’s activities in the field of health,” said the Rector of the University of Coimbra, Amílcar Falcão

For Carlos Robalo Cordeiro, who leads the National Observatory of Global Health, “This Observatory, which brings together the experience and knowledge developed across various UC Faculties, aims to boost the production and management of knowledge in global health. It will serve as a decision-support tool for policymakers, researchers, and professionals, while also providing useful information to the wider community.”

The launch takes place today at 6:30 pm at the Colégio da Trindade of the University of Coimbra, as part of the 6th Symposium of the Portuguese-Speaking Medical Schools Cooperation Network, held at the UC from 25 to 26 September. The event will begin with an introduction by FMUC Director Carlos Robalo Cordeiro, followed by a lecture on 'Health Diplomacy' by Ambassador Luís Almeida Sampaio. The Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, will deliver the closing address.

^{Translation: Diana Taborda - DCM|UC}