When does a border serve as protection, and when does it become an obstacle? This was the central theme of the Spring Symposium hosted by the NVTG Working Group on General Practice & International Health (WHIG). The evening featured a mix of in-depth lectures and practical workshops on migration, social security, and early detection of infectious diseases. With a critical and open perspective, participants reflected on the role of healthcare professionals in border regions – both literally and figuratively.

With the theme “Dare to Act!”, the Global Health Inspiration Day, organised by NVTG working group TROIE / Into the World and supported by KCGH, provided an inspiring yet practical look at building an international career in healthcare. The event featured dynamic speakers, hands-on workshops, and an engaging panel discussion, where professionals shared their experiences and offered concrete steps for those looking to take their careers abroad. The day encouraged networking and knowledge exchange, culminating in an informal gathering where attendees could continue discussions and foster new connections.

Caesarean sections save lives, but decision-making around them is complex. This symposium, organised by the NVTG Working Group on International Safe Motherhood & Reproductive Health (ISM&RH), explored ethical and medical aspects such as informed consent and managing prolonged labour in LMICs. The event concluded with the PhD defence of Wouter Bakker titled "Why am I in Theatre?", offering further reflection on the challenges of decision-making in obstetric care.

Planetary Health across borders | 17 June – Experts from Malawi, the Netherlands and Bangladesh shared insights into how climate change affects public health and the innovative solutions being implemented worldwide.

Plant-based nutrition | 17 September – Nutritionists and experts demonstrated how plant-based diets contribute to both health and sustainability, including a live cooking workshop showcasing practical dietary shifts.

Medicatie en water | 14 October – This session addressed how pharmaceutical waste contaminates water supplies and what healthcare professionals can do to minimise environmental impact.

Surgical care is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of global public health, particularly in low-resource settings. During this three-day conference, participants engaged in hands-on workshops covering topics such as acute abdominal surgery, gasless laparoscopy, and collaboration with traditional healers. The event attracted participants from 42 countries, ranging from early-career surgeons to experienced specialists, all working together to share knowledge and develop solutions for surgical care in LMICs.

In collaboration with the Global Health Film Days in Denmark, this documentary explored the future of our global food system and the pressing question: how can we feed 10 billion people without exhausting the planet? The panel discussion, moderated by Anouk Nusselder, featured Luke Schafer (Foodshift2030) and Martine Veenman (Planetary Health), who discussed groundbreaking innovations in sustainable food production.

Why does it take an average of seven to ten years for women with endometriosis to receive a correct diagnosis? This eye-opening documentary exposed gender disparities in medical research and healthcare. Following the screening, Annemiek Nap (Radboudumc) and Lotte Petersen (author of Endo en zo) engaged in a conversation on how to improve care and awareness for women suffering from endometriosis.

Homelessness is a growing crisis, but behind the statistics are real people with stories that deserve to be heard. Directed by Lorna Tucker, this documentary followed the struggles of homeless individuals in the UK. After the screening, Marcel Vonk (Stichting GOUD) and Joset van der Hoeven (Netwerk Ongedocumenteerden Onderdak) reflected on the situation in the Netherlands and possible solutions.

Air pollution is an invisible but deadly threat. Despite new WHO guidelines issued in 2021, most European cities still fail to meet these air quality standards, leading to severe health consequences. Organised by Van Hier Naar […], Exposome-NL, CO₂-assistent, Van Wie Is De Lucht?, IFMSA-Utrecht, and KCGH, this discussion explored how health interests compete with political and economic priorities. Experts, including Professor Roel Vermeulen (Utrecht University), engaged the audience in a thought-provoking discussion on how to improve air quality and public health policy.

Commercial interests play an increasingly dominant role in shaping public health. From the power of the pharmaceutical industry to the alcohol and tobacco lobbies, how much influence should economic interests have on health policy? Organised by Van Hier Naar […], Universities Allied for Essential Medicines (UAEM), People’s Health Movement, and KCGH, this session examined whether the government could—and should—be held legally accountable for public health, just as in climate policy cases.

Every year, thousands of people die from work-related illnesses, yet these conditions remain largely unrecognised and underreported. In this dialogue, organised by Van Hier Naar […], De Nieuwe Utrechtse School, and Exposome-NL, healthcare professionals, occupational health experts, and affected individuals discussed who is responsible for preventing and addressing occupational diseases. The conversation covered safe working environments, legal responsibilities, and strategies for preventing work-related health risks.

Homelessness shortens life expectancy by an average of 14–16 years, making access to healthcare extremely difficult. How can we create a healthcare system where no one is excluded? In collaboration with People’s Health Movement, UAEM, KCGH, and Van Hier Naar […], this dialogue featured experts, street doctors, and policymakers discussing structural solutions to the health crisis among homeless populations.

What can we learn from Blue Zones, regions where people live significantly longer and healthier lives? Hosted by Van Hier Naar […] and De Nieuwe Utrechtse School, this discussion explored the secrets of longevity, from social cohesion and diet to lifestyle choices. Experts and participants debated how these principles could be applied to improve health and well-being at both local and national levels.