ARHR proudly attended the 8th Global Symposium on Health Systems Research, held in Nagasaki, Japan, from November 18 to 22, 2024.
The symposium, organized by Health Systems Global (HSG), was centered around the theme “Building Just and Sustainable Health Systems Centering People and Protecting the Planet.” This timely theme emphasized the need for people-centered health systems that are responsive to global challenges, with a particular focus on safeguarding the planet’s future. The impacts of climate change on health and health systems were at the forefront of discussions, reinforcing the urgency of strengthening health systems to achieve Health for All — a goal that aligns with HSG’s mission and the broader international commitment enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The symposium provided a platform to share cutting-edge evidence, assess the progress and challenges in improving health systems worldwide, and discuss innovative approaches to strengthen the scientific rigor of health systems research. Topics included frameworks, methodologies, measures, and concepts aimed at enhancing health systems effectiveness. Additionally, the event fostered cross-disciplinary research collaborations, enabling learning and knowledge exchange across sectors, countries, and initiatives.
ARHR, alongside its partners—the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons and Dodowa Health Centre—presented insights from the Gender Transformative and Responsive Health Systems (ADOWA GTR) Project. This presentation highlighted the project’s impactful work, shared valuable lessons learned, and contributed to the global discourse on knowledge translation within health systems research.
A key highlight of the symposium was ARHR’s participation in the study tour to Goto City, a remote island in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, on the opening day. The tour provided a unique opportunity to explore how digital health innovations, including telemedicine and robotics, are transforming healthcare delivery in underserved and remote areas. These advancements offer promising solutions to bridge healthcare gaps, particularly in hard-to-reach regions.
HSG organizes this biennial symposium to unite diverse stakeholders involved in health systems, policy, and research. The event is a significant international gathering that meets the needs of this dynamic community. The symposium employed a hybrid format, combining both in-person and virtual sessions, which enhanced accessibility and allowed broader participation from across the globe.
ARHR’s attendance at the 8th Global Symposium on Health Systems Research reinforced its commitment to advancing equitable, people-centered health systems and sharing valuable insights from its work in Ghana with the global health community.
