By building connections across organisations, disciplines and communities, we seek to strengthen Wessex’s contribution to improving global health and reducing health inequalities worldwide.
Background
The Wessex Global Health Network was established to foster interest in, understanding of and involvement in global health across the Wessex region. Global health is concerned with improving health and promoting equity for people worldwide through research, education and collaboration, addressing transnational health challenges and integrating population level prevention with individual clinical care.
Founded in 2014, the network has a strong history of convening people and organisations with a shared commitment to global health. Over time, it has supported learning, collaboration and engagement through communications, educational activity and networking.
More recently, there has been growing recognition that, while valuable work continues across Wessex, a refreshed, more strategic and structured approach is needed to strengthen connections, align activity and ensure the network remains sustainable and impactful.
The network now sits within the wider Wessex Health Partners (WHP) ecosystem, providing a regional platform to bring together NHS organisations, universities, Health Innovation Wessex and partners to collectively shape a more coordinated approach to global health activity.
Vision
The Wessex Global Health Network aims to develop and support a thriving, inclusive network of people and organisations in Wessex who are better able to contribute to improving global health and reducing health inequalities.
Looking ahead, the network seeks to strengthen collaboration across research, education and health partnerships, creating clearer pathways for engagement and participation. By aligning expertise and experience across Wessex, the network aims to support high quality, clinically informed research and meaningful partnerships that lead to real world impact, both locally and globally.
At its core, the network values inclusivity, shared learning and collaboration. By recognising and supporting the expertise that already exists across Wessex — including the skills and experience of internationally trained staff and diaspora communities — the network aims to broaden participation, enhance understanding and create positive outcomes for patients, staff and communities.
Aim
The overall aim of the Wessex Global Health Network is to strengthen Wessex’s capacity and capability to improve global health and reduce health inequalities.
It does this through its mutually supportive themes:
Research
Strengthening research capability and supporting Wessex wide inter-disciplinary collaborative, clinically informed global health research and innovation.
Education
Strengthening learning opportunities, courses, work experience in placements abroad and developing other pathways into global health.
Health partnerships
Supporting and building on sustainable partnerships that enable shared learning and sustainable impact.
Experts in our midst
Recognising and valuing the global experience and expertise within the local workforce and supporting the Experts in our Midst initiative
Network activities
Whilst developing a strategic approach, the Wessex Global Health Network supports a range of activity designed to connect people, share learning and enable collaboration. Supported by its website (
https://www.wessexglobalhealthnetwork.org), this includes communications through newsletters and digital platforms, networking opportunities, and structured engagement through thematic working groups.
By creating space for collaboration and shared purpose, the network aims to support the development of impactful initiatives, research and partnerships that benefit health systems, staff and communities both locally and globally.
Upcoming events
To be confirmed.
News stories
Please click here for the most recent news story relating to this network.
