International collaborations in health education leverage diverse perspectives and resources to address global health care challenges and shape the future of health care systems. Understanding the historical dynamics of these partnerships—particularly between high-income and low- and middle-income countries—is crucial for guiding equitable and effective international health initiatives.
In a recent study, researchers from The Institute of Education Research at UHN, The Wilson Centre, the University of Toronto, and Addis Ababa University (in Ethiopia) partnered to analyze a historic collaboration between an Ethiopian Emperor and a Canadian religious leader that advanced health education in Ethiopia. This collaboration highlighted the importance of respect, trust, and equity in international partnerships.
The research team used a historical case study approach to examine contextual, structural, political, and social influences that shaped the historic partnership. Their findings highlighted how mutual respect and trust were essential in overcoming challenges and achieving shared goals. The partnership’s success ultimately led to the establishment of the Addis Ababa University, marking a significant milestone in advancing higher education in Ethiopia.
However, power dynamics within the partnership revealed persistent challenges that hindered equitable collaboration. Western education models heavily influenced the curriculum, often overlooking local knowledge and cultural perspectives. These challenges caused discontent and resistance to change, reflecting broader inequities that persist within global health education and care.
By examining the success and challenges of historical partnerships, this study emphasizes the need to acknowledge the underlying power dynamics in international partnerships that may hinder inclusive and equitable approaches, ensuring that diverse perspectives are integrated into future global health collaborations.
Dr. Lucy Vorobej is a co-first author of the study and a postdoctoral research fellow in Dr. Cynthia Whitehead’s lab.
Dr. Dawit Wondimagegn is a co-first author of the study and was the former Vice President of the Addis Ababa University. Dr. Wondimagegn is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia and an Invited Member of The Wilson Centre.
Dr. Brian Hodges is a co-author on the study and a Clinician Investigator at The Institute for Education Research at UHN. Dr. Hodges is also UHN’s Executive Vice President of Education and Chief Medical Officer and a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Cynthia Whitehead is the senior author of the study and a Senior Scientist at The Institute for Education Research at UHN. Dr. Whitehead is also the Director and a Scientist at The Wilson Centre, as well as a Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto.
This work was supported by UHN Foundation and Dr. Whitehead holds the BMO Financial Group Chair in Health Professions Education Research at UHN. Dr. Vorobej has also received postdoctoral funding from Associated Medical Services.
#Vorobej L, #Wondimagegn D, Baheretibebe Y, Bizuneh B, Hodges B, Petros A, Jobin S, Whitehead CR. Probing the past: historical case study analysis to inform more just and sustainable global health partnerships in education. BMJ Glob Health. 2024 Nov 18. doi: 10.1136/bmjgh-2024-015415.
#Joint first authors