On 7 July 2025, an inspiration session regarding the Global Health Partnerships Programme (GHPP) took place in The Hague. Around 65 participants, including GHH partners and GHPP project experts from the various countries, gathered to discuss the progress of the projects, explore potential collaborations and cross-links and identify ways to work together on the shared priorities of the Dutch Global Health Strategy.
Following an introduction on the purpose and necessity of GHPP, four government-to-government projects were presented, after which round table discussions explored key themes in greater depth.
The opening stressed that global health challenges can only be addressed effectively through a coordinated approach with clear priorities. The Dutch contribution focuses on strengthening multilateralism, promoting human rights and sharing knowledge and expertise across multiple sectors.
Results from international collaborations
Launched in 2023, GHPP supports partnerships between health ministries, public institutions and its international counterparts. During the session, the progress of four collaborations was highlighted.
In Colombia, four sectors are now working together under the One Health approach to measure and control antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans, animals and the environment. A regional benchmarking initiative has been launched and Colombia is positioning itself as a potential global example in implementing the WHO Tricycle Protocol, with support from RIVM.
In South Africa, the emphasis is on integrated infectious disease surveillance, given the growing impact of climate change on public health threats. RIVM and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) laid the foundations for a memorandum of understanding during an extensive visit, resulting in an implementation plan with both short- and long-term actions.
In Kenya, the focus is on climate adaptation and mitigation in the healthcare sector. ‘Green Guidelines’ for healthcare facilities were developed, knowledge was exchanged between RIVM and the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) and assessments were carried out on air pollution and heat stress. These steps mark the start of a sector-wide approach to tackling climate-related health challenges.
In China, partners are working on greening hospital care, by sharing best practices among Dutch and Chinese experts. On of such examples is a method to measure the environmental footprint of Intensive Care Units (ICUs). The partners compared the environmental footprint of ICUs and conducted a survey among Chinese professionals. The study showed that hotspots are similar, but differences in materials (such as gloves and syringes) result in varying CO₂ footprints. This provides a basis for further exchange and the development of practical guidelines.
Roundtable discussions
The three parallel roundtable discussions revealed how closely climate, health and international cooperation are intertwined.
1. Climate change adaptation & Health
Participants noted that the effects of climate change, such as heatwaves and flooding, are becoming increasingly visible. Although it is often difficult to directly link climate change to specific health impacts, the need for adaptation plans is undeniable. Examples from countries such as South Africa demonstrated how national strategies can be enriched by local experiences. At the same time, many countries remain underprepared, underlining the need for stronger health systems supported by both climate and health funding.
2. Climate change mitigation & Health
Education was identified as a crucial first step, alongside the involvement of developers, procurement officers and maintenance staff. Quick fixes were viewed with caution, as they rarely prove sustainable in the long term. Cultural and regulatory differences must be taken into account and upscaling is essential if projects are to achieve real impact. Civil society was highlighted as a key actor in raising awareness and holding stakeholders accountable, with creative initiatives—such as green health festivals—cited as powerful tools. Participants agreed that sustainable procurement and supply chains should become the norm, ensuring that health and sustainability are pursued hand in hand.
3. Antimicrobial Resistance
The Colombian wastewater monitoring project served as a starting point for a broader discussion on the role of vaccines and the importance of infection prevention in combating AMR. Opportunities were identified for expanding such initiatives to low-income countries, where the potential impact is high despite limited resources. However, participants also pointed out that knowledge on AMR remains fragmented and scattered worldwide, making better coordination and integration of efforts a top priority.
An inspiring step forward
The inspiration session showed that international cooperation within GHPP is already producing tangible results: from integrated surveillance systems to sustainable healthcare guidelines, from regional benchmarking to research into greener intensive care practices. The roundtable discussions confirmed the importance of linking climate change and health, tackling AMR collectively and exchanging knowledge across borders. Together, these insights and outcomes form a strong foundation for the further implementation of the Dutch Global Health Strategy.