Professor Richard Sullivan and Dr Gemma Bowsher from the Centre for Conflict and Health Security at King's recently visited Lviv to take part in the Global Medical Knowledge Alliance (GMKA) Quality and Safety Conference and the Women in Medicine Conference.
Their visit highlights King's long-standing collaboration with Ukrainian medical professionals and its commitment to supporting the country's health sector amid ongoing challenges.
At the GMKA Quality and Safety Conference, Professor Sullivan and Dr Bowsher shared their expertise in health system strengthening and cancer care delivery in conflict-affected settings. Their presentations focused on building resilient health services, ensuring patient safety, and fostering international collaboration in medical education and research. At the Women in Medicine Conference, they engaged with Ukrainian clinicians and academics to explore the important role of women leaders in sustaining healthcare systems under pressure.
The visit builds on years of collaboration between the Centre for Conflict and Health Security and Ukrainian institutions. Since Russia's full-scale invasion, Professor Sullivan and Dr Bowsher have worked closely with Ukrainian partners to assess the impact of conflict on public health infrastructure and cancer care delivery. Their research has helped shape international strategies for maintaining oncology services during crises and informed policy aimed at protecting health services and personnel.
Professor Sullivan, Co-chair of the Centre, has extensive experience supporting cancer control and health system reform in conflict-affected regions worldwide. Dr Bowsher, a leading global health security policy researcher from the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy, has focused on strengthening health data systems and supporting the resilience of healthcare professionals in wartime conditions.
The King's Centre of Conflict & Health Security has been working closely with Ukrainian colleagues since the outbreak of the war. We are steadfastly committed to the long-term support and collaboration across a range of health security and health systems strengthening."
Professor Sullivan, Director, Institute of Cancer Policy and Co-Chair, Centre for Conflict & Health Security
Deepening our collaborations with Ukrainian medical colleagues is hugely important to share knowledge from our respective sectors, and to support the essential work of Ukrainian medical services working under immensely challenging conditions."
Dr Gemma Bowsher, Director, Global Health Security
Their visit to Lviv reinforces King's role as a trusted partner in Ukraine's healthcare recovery. Through continued collaboration on research, clinical training, and health system reform, the Centre aims to support the development of a more resilient and equitable health service for Ukrainian patients and professionals alike.
