An innovative model of university cooperation in developing countries: results of five years of experience in internal medicine, health promotion and education

University cooperation in the field of humanitarian medicine combines academic expertise with development initiatives. The UniCamillus Task Force was established in 2019 to propose new models for training students from developing countries and promoting self-sufficient health systems through medica...

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Main Authors: Filomena Pietrantonio, Vera Kopsaj, Francesco Rosiello, Aurora Tomassoni, Luca Moriconi, Donatella Padua
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: PAGEPress Publications 2025-04-01
Series:Italian Journal of Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.italjmed.org/ijm/article/view/1941
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author Filomena Pietrantonio
Vera Kopsaj
Francesco Rosiello
Aurora Tomassoni
Luca Moriconi
Donatella Padua
author_facet Filomena Pietrantonio
Vera Kopsaj
Francesco Rosiello
Aurora Tomassoni
Luca Moriconi
Donatella Padua
author_sort Filomena Pietrantonio
collection DOAJ
description University cooperation in the field of humanitarian medicine combines academic expertise with development initiatives. The UniCamillus Task Force was established in 2019 to propose new models for training students from developing countries and promoting self-sufficient health systems through medical interventions, education, and capacity building. Five years of experience in regions such as the Amazon, Cameroon, and the Gambia, using assessments, stakeholder collaboration, training, and long-term monitoring, were used to create an innovative model. Data was collected through field reports, interviews, and impact evaluations. In five years, over 130 health workers were trained, telemedicine centers were established, and improved medical access for underserved populations was achieved. The missions have provided over 4000 consultations and ensured continuity of health facilities after surgery. Integrating university cooperation into development programs promotes sustainable health autonomy. By addressing the challenges of humanitarian medicine ̶ lack of coordination, inadequate follow-up, and inadequate technology – working with an innovative model strengthens health systems in the target regions. The innovative model of university cooperation exemplifies university-led humanitarian medicine, fusing research, education, and service. Future efforts will improve digital health solutions, expand research collaborations, and strengthen institutional networks for lasting impact.
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spelling doaj-art-a13f7d100f544fc3bb4c2309cfb89eec2025-08-20T02:27:40ZengPAGEPress PublicationsItalian Journal of Medicine1877-93441877-93522025-04-0110.4081/itjm.2025.1941An innovative model of university cooperation in developing countries: results of five years of experience in internal medicine, health promotion and educationFilomena Pietrantonio0Vera Kopsaj1Francesco Rosiello2Aurora Tomassoni3Luca Moriconi4Donatella Padua 5Internal Medicine Unit, Medical Area Department Local Health Authority Rome 6, Castelli Hospital, Rome; Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences (UniCamillus), RomeSaint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences (UniCamillus), RomeDepartment of Infectious Disease and Public Health, Sapienza University of RomeDegree in Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, RomeInternal Medicine Unit, Local Health Authority Rieti Medical Department, S. Camillo De Lellis Hospital, RietiSaint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences (UniCamillus), Rome University cooperation in the field of humanitarian medicine combines academic expertise with development initiatives. The UniCamillus Task Force was established in 2019 to propose new models for training students from developing countries and promoting self-sufficient health systems through medical interventions, education, and capacity building. Five years of experience in regions such as the Amazon, Cameroon, and the Gambia, using assessments, stakeholder collaboration, training, and long-term monitoring, were used to create an innovative model. Data was collected through field reports, interviews, and impact evaluations. In five years, over 130 health workers were trained, telemedicine centers were established, and improved medical access for underserved populations was achieved. The missions have provided over 4000 consultations and ensured continuity of health facilities after surgery. Integrating university cooperation into development programs promotes sustainable health autonomy. By addressing the challenges of humanitarian medicine ̶ lack of coordination, inadequate follow-up, and inadequate technology – working with an innovative model strengthens health systems in the target regions. The innovative model of university cooperation exemplifies university-led humanitarian medicine, fusing research, education, and service. Future efforts will improve digital health solutions, expand research collaborations, and strengthen institutional networks for lasting impact. https://www.italjmed.org/ijm/article/view/1941Humanitarian medicineuniversity cooperationcapacity buildingsustainable health careglobal health
spellingShingle Filomena Pietrantonio
Vera Kopsaj
Francesco Rosiello
Aurora Tomassoni
Luca Moriconi
Donatella Padua
An innovative model of university cooperation in developing countries: results of five years of experience in internal medicine, health promotion and education
Italian Journal of Medicine
Humanitarian medicine
university cooperation
capacity building
sustainable health care
global health
title An innovative model of university cooperation in developing countries: results of five years of experience in internal medicine, health promotion and education
title_full An innovative model of university cooperation in developing countries: results of five years of experience in internal medicine, health promotion and education
title_fullStr An innovative model of university cooperation in developing countries: results of five years of experience in internal medicine, health promotion and education
title_full_unstemmed An innovative model of university cooperation in developing countries: results of five years of experience in internal medicine, health promotion and education
title_short An innovative model of university cooperation in developing countries: results of five years of experience in internal medicine, health promotion and education
title_sort innovative model of university cooperation in developing countries results of five years of experience in internal medicine health promotion and education
topic Humanitarian medicine
university cooperation
capacity building
sustainable health care
global health
url https://www.italjmed.org/ijm/article/view/1941
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