Some reunions are about memories. Others are about purpose! | Brenda Tanyi Tal (MD)

This third week of June 2026, at the beautiful Cherwell Boat House in Oxford, I had the privilege of reconnecting with fellow alumni of the International Health and Tropical Medicine (IHTM) programme at the University of Oxford. What made the lunch truly special was not just seeing familiar faces again, but being reminded that this community represents something far bigger than us. Around the table were brilliant minds from different corners of the world; leaders, researchers, clinicians, policy experts, and changemakers, all united by a common belief: that health is one of humanity’s greatest hopes.

Over the last decade, the IHTM programme has built a remarkable network spanning 65 countries, with alumni leading initiatives through Ministries of Health, WHO, UNICEF, MSF, research institutions, and countless organisations advancing healthcare, strengthening systems, and transforming communities. From improving paediatric care in West and Central Africa, to advancing family planning in Nigeria, integrating health into education in Zambia, and developing digital vaccine systems in Asia, the ripple effects continue to be felt globally.

As I looked around the room, I saw something profoundly encouraging:

 People who have chosen service over comfort.

 People whose work quietly changes lives every day.

 People who remind us that despite the challenges facing global health, hope is still winning. And perhaps that is what I treasure most about being part of this extraordinary community.

The future of health will not be shaped by one person or one institution, but by communities of passionate people who believe that breakthroughs are possible and who dedicate themselves to making them happen.

Leaving the Cherwell Boat House, I felt inspired and optimistic, because if the people around that table are any indication, the future of global health is in very capable hands.

Here’s to friendships that transcend borders, collaborations that create lasting impact, and a shared commitment to building a healthier, more equitable world for all.

The work continues. And so does the hope.

• Brenda Tanyi Tal (MD) | Open Dreams