The UBC School of Population and Public Health (SPPH) and Amref International University (AMIU) in Kenya sign Statement of Cooperation to address global health challenges through collaborative research and education.
The Statement of Cooperation between UBC SPPH and AMIU reflects a mutual commitment to collaborative research, academic exchange, and community-engaged learning in global health. This partnership, supported through the UBC Seed Funding for Collaboration with the Global South initiative, underscores UBC’s dedication to forging meaningful international relationships that transcend geographical boundaries in pursuit of health equity.
The Statement of Cooperation was signed by Dr. Dean Jones, Vice-Dean, Health Engagement and Partnerships with the UBC Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Aslam Anis, Director of SPPH at UBC, and Dr. Joachim Osur, Vice-Chancellor of AMIU, at a ceremony in Vancouver, British Columbia on April 10.
“In Amref International University, we recognize a partner whose deep expertise in African health systems and community-based approaches to healthcare delivery will bring invaluable insights to our collaborative work,” said Dr. Anis. “AMIU’s longstanding commitment to training healthcare professionals and leadership in health systems strengthening across East Africa represents precisely the kind of knowledge and experience that will enrich our collective research and teaching endeavors.”
The Statement of Cooperation focuses on several key areas where complementary strengths of both institutions can generate meaningful impact, including collaborative research addressing pressing global health challenges in both Kenya and Canada, and opportunities for knowledge exchange through virtual symposia, experiential learning, joint courses, and exchange programs.
“This partnership could not come at a more meaningful time. As we prepare to launch the Master of Global Health (MGH) program in September 2026, we are guided by a vision of preparing the next generation of global health leaders through practice-based, community-engaged learning,” said Dr. Daniel Steel, MGH Program Director. “Our collaboration with AMIU – an institution with deep roots in African health systems and community-driven innovation—offers our students and faculty an invaluable opportunity to learn from, and contribute to, grounded, context-rich global health practice.”
“What excites me most about this partnership is the shared commitment to building relationships that are rooted in equity, reciprocity, and a truly global perspective.” said Khumbo Kalua, MGH Practicum Director and Project Lead for UBC’s Seed funding for collaboration with the global south.
“This is not just about student placements or research opportunities—though those are important. It’s about co-creating spaces where knowledge flows both ways, where we challenge each other, grow together, and build solutions that reflect the complexity and richness of the communities we serve.”
This collaboration also resonates with the recent release of Protecting Our Collective Future: Renewing Canada’s Role in Global Health, a report by the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and Royal Society of Canada. The report challenges Canadian institutions to deepen partnerships grounded in respect, reciprocity, and shared leadership. Today’s agreement is a concrete and hopeful step in that direction.