My experiences at the WHO European office in Copenhagen, Denmark

Jordanos Tewelde McDonald
PhD Candidate, Karolinska Institutet
Transcultural Center, Region Stockholm

I am currently pursuing my PhD at the Karolinska Institute while working at the Transcultural Center at Region Stockholm, a knowledge center focused on migration and health. My PhD research in the field of migration and global health led me to establish a connection with the WHO Collaborating Center on Migration and Health Data and Evidence at Uppsala University. Through this connection, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a three-month research exchange from April to June 2024 with the Migration and Health Programme at the WHO European Office in Copenhagen, Denmark.

During this exchange, I was involved in key activities such as collaborative research and stakeholder engagement. Under the supervision of the technical lead at WHO and in collaboration with a consultant, I conducted a scoping review and co-authored several documents on the intersections of migration, health, and climate change. This work addresses some of the most pressing global health challenges and supports WHO’s efforts to illuminate the complex nexus of health, migration, and climate change. During this process, we identified key themes and research gaps by synthesizing the existing evidence base to support evidence-driven policymaking, implementation, enabling member states to better prepare for how climate change may affect the health of migrants and migration patterns.

Additionally, I provided an overview of potential stakeholders and identified academic institutions and experts to form an informal advisory group on this topic.

Participating in a research exchange at the Migration and Health Programme through the WHO Collaborating Center offered numerous professional development opportunities. Firstly, as a PhD candidate, I have deepened my understanding of the complex interplay between migration, health, and climate change and enhanced my ability to synthesize vast amounts of literature. In addition, I gained insights into how global health research is promoted and conducted at WHO. Secondly, during this exchange, I developed skills in stakeholder mapping and engagement, and learned how to effectively communicate and advocate research to specific audiences for evidence-based policies. Thirdly, the exchange also helped me to see the complexities in evidence informed policy making.

Working closely with experienced public health professionals and researchers and participating in various WHO activities with the Migration and Health team, provided me with invaluable guidance and access to leading experts. Attending WHO courses and seminars covering the organization’s structure, global operations, various divisions, and programs expanded my knowledge of global health governance and the role of WHO in shaping collaborations, and health policies. Beyond this, I was provided with a platform for networking with professionals and experts in the field, fostering valuable connections.

As a PhD student in the field of global health and migration, I believe that participating in such exchanges is highly beneficial and rewarding. It not only enhances your research skills but also deepens your understanding of WHO’s work globally in terms of key programmes, health diplomacy, and working in an international setting with diverse teams. By sharing my experiences and insights, I hope to inspire others to take part in such exchanges and pursue similar opportunities.

I would like to thank the WHO Collaborating Center on Migration and Health Data and Evidence at Uppsala University, for all the support and for facilitating this exchange. The regular debriefing held with the head of the collaborating center was much appreciated as it helped me to better understand WHO, how to network and global health diplomacy.