Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has reinforced its international research footprint by co-hosting the prestigious 8th Global Public Health Conference (GLOBEHEAL 2025) in partnership with the International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM). The conference, recently held at the Bangkok Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, focused on “Community Engagement and Empowerment: Strengthening Health Promotion Initiatives.”
The collaboration was led by Professor Martha Chadyiwa, who initiated discussions between SMU and TIIKM. Under the leadership of Professor Mathildah Mokgatle, the Department of Public Health played a pivotal role, with senior faculty members representing SMU.
GLOBEHEAL 2025 provided a platform for SMU to showcase its research, engage with international experts, and establish new academic partnerships. The university’s representatives delivered research presentations, chaired technical sessions, and participated in high-level discussions. SMU co-hosted the conference, which focused on community engagement and empowerment in health promotion initiatives.
As Chadyiwa notes: “The conference provided an exceptional platform for showcasing SMU’s research strengths through Professor Olanrewaju Oladimeji’s plenary speech and our faculty’s diverse presentations, while the leadership roles they assumed elevated our reputation from mere attendees to recognised contributors shaping global health conversations.”
The conference brought together leading public health experts from around the world, with SMU delegates attending both in person and virtually. This hybrid approach enabled the university to showcase its research to over 500 delegates from 30+ countries, further enhancing its global reputation.
SMU’s partnership with TIIKM expanded its international research network, provided opportunities for student and staff exchange programmes, enhanced its academic credibility, and initiated new collaborations. Research findings from the conference were included in international academic databases, demonstrating the academic impact of the event.
This achievement embodies SMU’s values of innovation, social responsibility, excellence, and integrity. The university’s commitment to social responsibility was evident in its engagement with global health experts, addressing pressing public health challenges. The pursuit of excellence was demonstrated through high-quality research presentations and technical sessions.
The collaboration required meticulous planning, with virtual meetings held to finalise SMU’s contributions, arrange travel logistics, and develop promotional materials. The Research and Internationalisation departments played key roles in coordinating these efforts.
Moving forward, SMU will leverage the relationships and opportunities cultivated at GLOBEHEAL to further its commitment to impactful public health research and education. The university plans to formalise collaborations with international institutions, expand exchange programmes, host a future conference, develop joint publications, and secure research funding.
Chadyiwa says: “GLOBEHEAL 2025 was a transformative experience for SMU. The knowledge shared, networks formed, and research collaborations initiated will drive our public health mission forward.”
The conference has opened doors for joint research, publications, and funding opportunities. SMU’s participation has placed the university on the global stage for public health discussions, demonstrating its commitment to advancing public health research and education.
In conclusion, SMU’s participation in GLOBEHEAL 2025 marked a pivotal moment in its journey towards international academic excellence. As SMU continues to build on this momentum, it is clear that the university will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of public health research and education.
By Dimakatso Modise
