Global Health Partnerships During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives and Insights from International Partners

Abstract

Global health partnerships (GHPs) have encountered many challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. New perspectives and insights are needed to guide GHPs when navigating current and future collaborations. This study aimed to understand perspectives and insights of international partners regarding how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their GHPs with institutions in the United States. We performed a cross-sectional qualitative study conducted through virtual semi-structured interviews performed between June 12, 2020 and July 22, 2020. We queried academic institutions based in the United States to refer individuals from their corresponding international GHP organizations. We invited these individuals to participate in virtual interviews that were audio-recorded and transcribed. We analyzed data qualitatively to identify themes. Eighty-four United States partners provided e-mail addresses for international partners. Ten individuals from these GHPs completed the interview. Participants reported overall positive experiences with their United States-based partners during the pandemic. The following themes emerged: imbalanced decision-making; worry about partnership continuity; opportunity to optimize communication within partnerships; interest in incorporating technology to facilitate engagement; and a desire for increased bilateral exchanges. Several challenges appeared to exist before COVID-19 and were highlighted by the pandemic. Most respondents were optimistic regarding the future of their GHPs. However, concerns were expressed regarding the implications of fewer in-person international experiences with United States trainees and the desire for stronger communication. Although our results do not represent the perspectives and insights of all GHPs, they provide considerations for the future. We urge institutions in the United States to re-examine and strive for equitable relationships with their international partners.

Perceived roles, benefits and barriers of virtual global health partnership initiatives: a cross-sectional exploratory study

“…Although our baseline data are descriptive only, our data contribute critical information to advance previous discussions about supporting partners in LMIC during global challenges, such as epidemics or crises [ 10 , 43 ] and lay the groundwork to discuss solutions to challenges posed by shifting to virtual engagement. Additionally our findings add a real-world perspective to recent discussions about shifting GHP activities virtually [ 16 , 28 , 36 , 39 ], addressing LMIC partner needs thoughtfully [ 30 ], addressing virtual education needs within certain specialties [ 19 , 26 , 29 ], and proposing virtual programming relevant only in HIC [ 40 , 41 ].…”

“…The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted in-person GHP activities while consequently worsening the existing inherent inequities in GH, especially in LMIC [ 26 , 27 ]. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional GHP operations have been affected through unprecedented travel restrictions, limitations of in-person interactions, and new standards for personal protection [ 16 , 26 , 28 – 30 ]. Challenges to traditional approaches to GHPs, including communication, bidirectional exchange of staff and learners, and in-person site visits, have continued throughout the pandemic.…”

Going Remote: Evaluating a Global Health Practicum Program During COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

“…Faculty members and collaborators experienced similar frustrations, finding it challenging to create meaningful work when the students could not travel to the field. As is the nature of a global pandemic, the disruption of global health operations, including rapidly shifting priorities, personal safety concerns, communication challenges, and limited in-person activities, was not unique to our projects and partnerships; everyone was affected in some way [13,14]. Some of the challenges may have been due to the remote work setup, but it was difficult to parse out what was problematic because of the distance and what was challenging because of delays related to COVID-19.…”

Global health electives in the COVID-19 era: resuming travel and strengthening global health academic partnerships

“…LMIC partners' insights and perspectives on readiness to receive international trainees is critical. 1 …”

“…GH partnerships and educational activities have, out of necessity, pivoted to the virtual space. [1][2][3] The emergence of new variants continues to add complexity to decision-making and planning for international travel. As our medical education communities ponder strategies and timelines to resume international travel, we must consider the safety and ethics of resuming personnel exchanges between countries for the purposes of GH partnerships and education.…”