In a landmark event for international academic collaboration, the University of Pretoria (UP) recently hosted the first Spanish-South African Universities Symposium, which brought together leading institutions from both countries to strengthen health and academic relations. The symposium, which was held under the theme ‘Local Health at the Crossroads’, focused on the critical turning point that global health systems are at.

“The challenges we face are complex, far-reaching and intertwined, and require global partnerships and multidisciplinary approaches,” said Professor Tiaan de Jager, Dean of UP’s Faculty of Health Sciences. “Our health systems are at a crucial junction, and this symposium is positioned to examine global health from multiple perspectives.”

The symposium provided a platform for academics, researchers and healthcare professionals to exchange ideas, share best practices and explore opportunities for collaborative research projects. The event focused on four key themes that are critical to advancing global healthcare and research. Interactive workshops and panel discussions enabled in-depth exploration of each topic and promoted intercultural and interdisciplinary dialogue.

Discussions around the ‘One Health’ theme explored how diseases can be transmitted between animals and humans, and how environmental factors affect both; while the second theme, ‘Preventive Healthcare’, attracted a great deal of attention as participants looked at the shift from reactive to proactive healthcare models.

The theme ‘Research on Communicable and Non-communicable Diseases’ presented cutting-edge research from both Spanish and South African institutions. The non-communicable diseases element included research on cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, with a particular focus on how lifestyle factors and socio-economic conditions influence disease prevalence and outcomes. The final theme, ‘Strengthening Health Systems’, explored strategies to improve the efficiency, accessibility and resilience of health systems.

Experts also discussed the integration of technology into healthcare, including telemedicine and electronic health records. Case studies from rural areas in both Spain and South Africa were used to examine the role of health workers in expanding healthcare provision.

Prof De Jager emphasised the importance of this international collaboration.

“Our institutions in South Africa and Spain have a long history of academic excellence and a shared commitment to promoting health and well-being. Together we can pave the way for sustainable solutions to today’s most pressing healthcare challenges.”

Dr Rafael Molina, a researcher from the Autonomous University of Barcelona who specialises in veterinary medicine and One Health, highlighted the global impact of the symposium.

“This symposium is a crucial step towards creating a global health system. By pooling our expertise and resources, we can develop more comprehensive and effective approaches to address health challenges that transcend national borders.”

The success of this inaugural symposium is expected to pave the way for ongoing collaboration between Spanish and South African universities. Concrete outcomes include the establishment of joint research initiatives, student and faculty exchange programmes, and the creation of a digital platform for knowledge sharing.

As global health challenges continue to evolve, partnerships like the one celebrated in this symposium become increasingly crucial. By working together, Spain and South Africa are positioning themselves at the forefront of efforts to improve health outcomes and advance medical research on both continents.

This symposium sets a promising precedent for future collaborations, not only between Spain and South Africa but potentially serving as a model for other international academic partnerships focused on creating a more integrated and effective global health system.