Swiss TPH

Chagas disease affects people in 44 countries worldwide and can cause, among other consequences, severe cardiac complications and premature death if left untreated.

This week, experts from around the world are gathering in Allschwil for a series of meetings co-organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Swiss TPH, aimed at accelerating progress towards eliminating Chagas disease as a public health problem by 2030.

Over three days, countries and partners are sharing experiences and strengthening the surveillance, diagnosis and collaboration needed to reach this goal.

Congratulations to the graduates who have successfully completed this year's DAS in Health Care and Management! 🎓

Over 14 weeks of intensive learning and exchange, participants from 14 countries came together as a close-knit cohort – sharing knowledge, perspectives, and experiences that go far beyond any textbook.

They leave carrying new skills and lasting memories: a visit to the WHO, hands-on work in the lab, the weight of responsibility in designing a district health system – and the moments outside the classroom.

Now they head back out into the world, ready to put it all into action. We wish them all the best and hope to stay connected, united by a shared commitment to global health!

The Swiss TPH Annual Report 2025 is out now!

From new treatment options for children affected by schistosomiasis, to understanding the mental health pressures facing Swiss farmers, to keeping health systems functional in Ukraine and other conflict-affected settings: the report brings to life what it means to advance global health through research, education and partnership in Switzerland and worldwide.

None of that work happens without the staff, students and partners behind 416 projects across 135 countries, showing up for this mission every day. In a year that has tested the global health community in new ways, your commitment has been remarkable. Thank you.

Read the full report: https://issuu.com/communications.swisstph/docs/swiss_tph_annual_report_2025

Precious Gwelema takes us to Geneva, where she visited the WHO, the ICRC and the Red Cross Museum as part of the DAS Health Care and Management course

“The highlight of the Geneva visit was the ICRC Virtual Reality demonstration, which gave a powerful insight into the impact of conflict on affected communities.

Visiting WHO was equally inspiring and provided a first-hand glimpse into global health decision- making. My studies at Swiss TPH have strengthened my communication and health systems knowledge and supported my PhD aspirations.”

A warm welcome to Patrick Mukadi, the new Swiss TPH Head of Office, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)!👋

He is joining us from the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale in Kinshasa, bringing deep knowledge of the DRC research landscape and strong networks across the country. In his new role, he will lead all Swiss TPH activities in the DRC.

Mukadi succeeds Didier Kalemwa, who begins his retirement in July after more than 20 years of outstanding service to Swiss TPH and global health.

Mukadi and Kalemwa were both at Swiss TPH in Allschwil last week to mark the handover.

A warm welcome to Patrick Mukadi who joins Swiss TPH as Head of Office, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)!

A medical doctor by training, he joins Swiss TPH from the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale in Kinshasa, bringing deep knowledge of the DRC research landscape and well-established networks across the country. In his new role, he will provide strategic leadership across all Swiss TPH activities in the DRC.

Last week, Mukadi was welcomed at Swiss TPH in Allschwil, together with his predecessor, Didier Kalemwa, who begins a well-deserved retirement in July after more than 20 years of outstanding service to Swiss TPH and global health. Kalemwa led the DRC Office with exceptional dedication, playing a key role in bringing several life-saving medicines to market.

Some of the biggest challenges in disease control arise when pathogens go dormant, evading treatment and complicating elimination efforts.

To tackle these "sleeping beasts", Swiss TPH recently hosted a symposium with over 100 international scientists and public health experts to discuss diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, and how a deeper understanding of these hidden threats can inform new strategies for control and elimination.

Thank you to all speakers and participants for contributing to this important conversation!

🌮 Taco Thursday!

Our students regularly meet to grab some food, meet new people and enjoy a fun evening together! 💃🏻🕺🏻

Our Sleeping Beast Symposium is underway!

Today, experts from different fields discuss one of the most persistent challenges in medicine: diseases that evade treatment by entering a dormant state.

If you want to listen in, join the live stream now: https://swisstph.zoom.us/j/85918939754

This week, Swiss TPH is hosting William Pomat, Director of the PNG Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR), for a full week in Allschwil.

PNGIMR is one of Swiss TPH's long-term strategic partners and the visit is an opportunity to build on a collaboration grounded in a shared vision: improving people's health through excellent and impactful science. Over the years, this partnership has grown into a broad portfolio of joint research projects, with a strong focus on malaria and other infectious diseases, alongside a steady exchange of students and staff in both directions.

Across the week, colleagues from both institutes are coming together to discuss ongoing work and explore how to expand their joint activities in research and capacity strengthening.