Global health in the network of international research collaborations

APPLIED RESEARCH IN GLOBAL HEALTH The Institute for Research in International Assistance (IRIA) will be a fresh five years old in May 2023, and is celebrating its anniversary with a new publication: “Global health in the network of international research collaborations.” In several respects, this volume 6 of the “Akkon Schriftenreihe” represents IRIA's demand, range of services, working methods and attitude: – In 18 contributions it bundles current project focuses and research results of the institute and its international partners. – It is literally a journey that leads into the diverse world of applied research in Global Health – with very special projects in regions such as Antigua, Gambia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Philippines, Uganda, Ukraine and Yemen that do not always experience greater attention. – Like a compass, it helps to navigate through the international research poten- tial of IRIA and the lived claim of cross-cutting cooperation and networking. – And, of course, it also represents the claim and commitment of IRIA as an (in-) institute of the Akkon University of Applied Human Sciences to international partnership in Global Health. No country can meet the challenges in global health alone. Diseases do not stop at national borders, nor do behavioural disorders and prejudices. Environmental influences, climate change, stress and unhealthy lifestyles also currently repre- sent global problems that demand solutions. Health must therefore be thought of globally and can only be ensured and improved through joint global action. Applied research, humanitarian aid and health system development become more effective and sustainable if they are embedded in international knowled- ge flows and cooperation. That is why, as bridge builders, we are tapping the potential of international cooperation in research, education and innovation.