Dear Network members and partners,

The environment for international health cooperation is undergoing deep change. The long-standing realization that the solutions to achieving Health for All do not lie in the hands of actors from the Global North, and that deeply entrenched power structures are one of the biggest obstacles to international cooperation, is slowly breaking through.

Our Network, Medicus Mundi International, has recognised this for some time. A few years ago, MMI published a discussion paper in which we took a self-critical look at the structural nature of international health cooperation. We then called for the aid paradigm to be overcome. In an open discussion process with partners and especially within the People’s Health Movement, the Kampala Initiative was finally launched in 2019, as part of a global decolonization movement. MMI played a key role in the development of the Kampala Initiative and co-hosted its secretariat in an initial period. In a next, consequent step the secretariat is to be transferred to Kampala.

The debates at the heart of MMI have also shaped the current strategy in which the structures of the Network itself are being reorganised. Historically a mostly European network, MMI is on the way to become more diverse. At the MMI General Assembly in November 2022, an important step in this direction was taken with the election of the new Board. The new team has become more female (3 out of 7 members) and more global (4 Europeans, 2 Africans, 1 Asian).

In year of MMI’s 60th anniversary, I am convinced that we are well-positioned to continue playing a credible and active role in achieving Health for All in a just world. Thanks to all who have contributed to this and continue doing so.

Martin Leschhorn, President
Medicus Mundi International Network