International health
The terms ‘international health’ and ‘global health’ are often used interchangeably, yet there is a distinction between them. Public Health Wales contributes to both international and global health efforts.
International health commonly covers activity that occurs outside of one’s own country, including cross-border cooperation, and is sometimes used in reference to working with low and middle-income nations and overseas aid efforts.
Global Health is the area of study, research and practice that places a priority on improving health and achieving equity in health for all people worldwide, including one’s own country, where problems can transcend national borders and have a global impact (Koplan, J.P. et al. 2009).
Public Health Wales provides leadership and coordination to enhance the reach and impact of global and international health activity via its International Health Strategy. Which is an enabling strategy of Public Health Wales’ Long term Strategy.
You can read more about the International Health Strategy in our further information pages. This is facilitated by the International Health Collaboration Centre (IHCC). The IHCC brings Wales’ Health Boards and NHS Trusts together to connect, collaborate, and learn from international partners — strengthening global links and sharing knowledge that benefits health systems everywhere. Read more about the IHCC, it’s work, and progress.
International health activities
Examples of international health activities delivered through both virtual and in-person engagement:
International partnerships and collaboration including European and global networks
Active participation in WHO, EuroHealthNet, IANPHI, and other international forums to exchange learning and inform policy in Wales. Details of the UK and international partnerships can be viewed here.
Knowledge exchange and learning
Facilitating forums, networks, and publications that share international evidence, insights, and best practice to inform health and wellbeing improvement and policy in Wales and share Wales’ experience with the world.
Research, policy, and advocacy
Contributing to global health research, aligning with international frameworks such as the WHO and Sustainable Development Goals, and influencing policy to promote equity, health, and wellbeing.
Workforce exchange and development opportunities
Enabling international work placements such as Welsh Government International Learning Opportunity, exchanges, and collaborative learning to strengthen workforce skills, leadership, and global public health experience.
Benefits of international health activity:
- Sharing knowledge and practices across borders can help tackle health challenges such as pandemics, chronic disease, and health inequalities more effectively in Wales.
- International partnerships provide training, skills exchange, and innovation that can strengthen workforce resilience and leadership in Wales’s health system.
- Access to global research, technologies, and policies, can be adapted to improve services and patient care in Wales.
- Raising Wales’ profile internationally creates opportunities for future collaboration and potential income generation.
- Working globally supports fairer health outcomes for all and aligns Wales with global priorities in the Well Being of Future Generations Act.
The IHCC brings Wales’ Health Boards and NHS Trusts together to connect, collaborate, and learn from international partners — strengthening global links and sharing knowledge that benefits health systems everywhere. Read more about the IHCC, its work, and progress.
International Health Insights
International Health Insights (previously known as International Horizon Scanning) translates global learning into local action, helping strengthen Wales’s public health system through timely intelligence on key issues and trends. Learn more about International Health Insights and access all published reports.
Sign up to Public Health Wales’ International Health Network and newsletter
Stay up to date with the latest international health news by signing up for our International Health Newsletter. You can find out more about the newsletter and how to subscribe here.
Related topics
International health and strategy covers many topic areas including; Adverse childhood experiences, Behavioural science, Climate change and sustainability, Covid -19, Health economics and social value, Heath Impact Assessment, Policy, and Solutions for health equity.
E-learning
A free e-learning module on global citizenship is available. This module is aimed at health professionals and all in the NHS in Wales, interested in learning more about global citizenship what it means to our every day lives, understanding international perspectives and health professional’s experiences and how we can contribute, help with solutions and become more globally aware in and outside of work. Access the e-learning module on global citizenship.
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Contact
For further information, please contact the international health team.
Reports
Data
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