“It was a unique opportunity to attend the launch of the National Observatory of Global Health at the University of Coimbra at the invitation of Ambassador Luís de Almeida Sampaio. The new observatory aims to produce knowledge and support the development of health policies on an international scale.” Dr. Ashish Joshi said.

The launch took place on September 25, 2025 at the Colégio da Trindade of the University of Coimbra, as part of the 6th Symposium of the Portuguese-Speaking Medical Schools Cooperation Network. The event began with an introduction by FMUC Director Carlos Robalo Cordeiro, followed by a lecture on ‘Health Diplomacy’ by Ambassador Luís Almeida Sampaio. The Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, delivered the closing address.

“It was also a great opportunity to meet with the Minister of Health, Excellency Ana Paula Martins and share the University of Memphis Model of Public Health Education in High Schools, and the Public Health Diplomacy initiative with an aim to train public health professionals towards building a cadre of public health diplomats.” He further told.

Additionally, he had a great interaction with students and research scholars at the University of Coimbra on September 25 2025. “It was an exciting opportunity to share the public health journey and provide perspectives around glocalization, diplomacy and public health in action across diverse geographic settings and share lessons on both opportunities and challenges in an era of uncertainty, complexity and unpredictability in public health.” Dr. Joshi expressed.