Opportunities and challenges for global health at LUMC
An Interview with Suze Kruisheer, Lead LUMC Global at Leiden University Medical Center
In the rapidly evolving global health landscape, academic institutions play a role in shaping research, education, and healthcare systems worldwide. Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) is driven by its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainable healthcare solutions. Suze Kruisheer, Lead LUMC Global, about the opportunities LUMC has in the global health space, the challenges ahead, and how partnerships, especially with the Global Health Hub the Netherlands, can drive impactful change.
Opportunities for LUMC in Global Health
LUMC is uniquely positioned to contribute to global health through its strong research capabilities and infrastructures, (bio)medical education, and long-standing international collaborations. Suze Kruisheer: “LUMC’s strength lies in its multidisciplinary approach, which integrates research, clinical practice, and education. LUMC has the expertise to address pressing global health challenges, from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases and population health management. Through innovative (bio)medical research and partnerships, we aim to develop solutions that can be applied not only in the Netherlands but also in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).” One of LUMC’s opportunities is its international educational programs. With students and professionals from diverse backgrounds, LUMC elaborates on cross-cultural knowledge exchange. Programs like the half minor in Global Health and specialized training in neglected tropical diseases equip healthcare professionals with the skills necessary to address global health disparities. LUMC’s research initiatives, ranging from epidemiology and infectious diseases to digital health solutions, can have an impact on global health policies: “We are seeing the rise of digital health technologies and FAIR data solutions that can bridge healthcare gaps, particularly in LMICs,” says Kruisheer. “By leveraging our research expertise, we can contribute to scalable solutions that improve healthcare access worldwide.”
Challenges in the coming years
While LUMC has numerous opportunities to impact global health, challenges remain. One of the primary concerns is ensuring equitable access to healthcare innovations. “Developing new treatments and technologies is only part of the solution,” Kruisheer emphasizes. “We must ensure that these solutions reach the people who need them most, especially in under-resourced settings.” Additionally, the landscape of global health funding presents obstacles. Many institutions and organizations face budget constraints, which can limit the ability to launch and sustain global health initiatives. “Securing long-term funding for global health projects is increasingly difficult,” she notes. “We need to explore new models of collaboration and financing to maintain momentum in our efforts.” The most pressing challenge is the impact of climate change on health. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and changing disease patterns pose new threats to global health security. “Climate change is a health crisis,” says Kruisheer. “At LUMC, we recognize the need to integrate environmental health considerations into our research and education.”
The role of partnerships in overcoming challenges
LUMC collaborates with institutions worldwide, including universities, hospitals, NGOs, and governmental organizations. “We believe that co-creation is essential,” Kruisheer asserts. “By working with local stakeholders, we can develop sustainable solutions tailored to the specific needs of different regions.”
For instance, LUMC has engaged in research partnerships to combat infectious diseases like tuberculosis and malaria. These collaborations ensure that research findings are translated into practice, benefiting communities in need. “Working with local researchers and healthcare providers helps us understand the context better and develop interventions that are practical and culturally appropriate,” she adds.
How the Global Health Hub the Netherlands can support LUMC and vice versa
The Global Health Hub the Netherlands serves as a platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration, aligning with LUMC’s mission. Kruisheer sees the Hub as an essential partner in strengthening networks and fostering interdisciplinary cooperation: “The Hub can help bridge the gap between academia, policy, and practice,” she explains. “By connecting experts from different fields, we can accelerate the implementation of global health solutions.” One of the ways the Hub can support LUMC is by facilitating discussions with policymakers and industry leaders. “Global health challenges require systemic solutions,” Kruisheer states. “The Hub can advocate for policy changes and funding mechanisms that benefit academic institutions like LUMC and our partners worldwide.” In turn, LUMC can contribute to the Hub by sharing its research expertise and training resources. “We can offer our knowledge and experience in (bio)medical education, global health research, valorization and digital health data. ” she says. “Through workshops, conferences, and joint projects, we can work together to drive meaningful change.”
Looking ahead
“No single institution can solve these challenges alone,” says Kruisheer. “We need to embrace partnerships, leverage collective expertise, and commit to long-term solutions that benefit communities worldwide. We have the knowledge, the networks, and the passion to make a difference,” Kruisheer concludes. “Now, it’s about taking action—together.”