UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Beyond 2023 Agenda: The Role of International Partnerships and Alliances Towards Equitable Access to Care

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 2943

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
Interests: international partnerships; pharmacology; access to medicines; development cooperation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

My name is Silvia Ussai. I am a medical doctor and pharmacologist specializing in international healthcare management, economics, and policy at SDA Bocconi. I have vast experience in pharmaceutical policies and regulations, both at the national (Italian) level and internationally, serving as a public health expert across different high-level commissions and UN agencies. I strongly believe in global partnering and science diplomacy for strengthening health systems. I am very pleased to invite you to submit your contribution for the Special Issue entitled “UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Beyond 2023 Agenda: The Role of International Partnerships and Alliances Towards Equitable Access to Care”. The subject is fully aligned with the journal’s scope, looking at the role of global partnerships (including those that are donor-driven) in supporting equitable access to advanced medical investigation and treatments, medication management, disease prevention, and early diagnosis, as well as treatment and comprehensive strategies for care.

This Special Issue aims to discuss and present healthcare outcomes and initiatives resulting from international partnerships, alliances, pilots, and/or demonstrative actions and projects. This will provide a platform for showcasing the importance of science diplomacy and exchanging best practices.

In this Special Issue, original research articles, reviews, case reports, research notes, and short communications are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Pharmacology
  • clinical trials
  • access to medicines and vaccines
  • healthy aging
  • health system strengthening
  • health economics
  • global health security
  • digital health
  • public health
  • health impact assessment (HIA)
  • education and training
  • gender and social inclusion
  • political economics
  • communications and knowledge management
  • monitoring, evaluation, and learning
  • procurement
  • health information systems
  • health policy
  • health advocacy and science communication
  • non- communicable diseases (NCDs)
  • neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)
  • HIV
  • antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Silvia Ussai
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • treatment and comprehensive strategies
  • health policy
  • disease prevention
  • medication management
  • international partnerships

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

9 pages, 176 KiB  
Communication
Towards Global Health Equity: A Prototype for Standardizing Patient Satisfaction Measurement in Alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
by Mathew P. Morico and Samuel E. Neher
Healthcare 2025, 13(7), 697; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13070697 - 21 Mar 2025
Viewed by 283
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Global patient satisfaction is vital for healthcare quality, yet no survey enables effective cross-country comparisons. Existing tools are limited in scope, focusing on aspects like Patient-Reported Experience Measures, Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, or systemic factors within individual settings. This study introduces the Morico [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Global patient satisfaction is vital for healthcare quality, yet no survey enables effective cross-country comparisons. Existing tools are limited in scope, focusing on aspects like Patient-Reported Experience Measures, Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, or systemic factors within individual settings. This study introduces the Morico International Healthcare Satisfaction Survey prototype to facilitate global comparisons, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Methods: We developed the prototype by reviewing existing surveys to identify relevant question formats, thematic focuses, and distribution methods. Surveys were chosen for their relevance and established use in healthcare settings. Our analysis highlighted common elements and gaps, guiding the design of a comprehensive tool that integrates Patient-Reported Experience Measures, Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, and systemic factors for global comparisons. Results: Existing surveys varied significantly in length and focus, revealing a lack of standardization. Best practices emphasized concise, clear surveys with standardized responses and online distribution. Our prototype includes 25 questions across eight sections, adapted for global use and broader healthcare systems. It provides a comprehensive framework for international comparisons. Conclusions: No standardized survey exists for cross-country healthcare comparisons. The Morico International Healthcare Satisfaction Survey prototype addresses this gap, paving the way for future refinement and implementation to enhance global healthcare quality and policy development. Full article
16 pages, 241 KiB  
Article
International Partnerships in Health Education: Adapting E-Learning Models for Conflict-Affected Myanmar
by Clelia D’Apice and Massimo Guasconi
Healthcare 2025, 13(3), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13030285 - 31 Jan 2025
Viewed by 893
Abstract
Background: In the wake of Myanmar’s 2021 military coup, the University of Parma, in partnership with Myanmar and Brazilian institutions, developed an asynchronous e-learning program to sustain healthcare education amid severe disruptions. The program aimed to address urgent training needs in emergency medicine, [...] Read more.
Background: In the wake of Myanmar’s 2021 military coup, the University of Parma, in partnership with Myanmar and Brazilian institutions, developed an asynchronous e-learning program to sustain healthcare education amid severe disruptions. The program aimed to address urgent training needs in emergency medicine, public health management, and mental health, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals. Methods: An educational needs assessment involving 298 surveys and 10 interviews identified training priorities. Based on these findings, a four-module e-learning course was created, covering basic life support, trauma care, pediatric emergencies, and psychological assistance. The course utilized prerecorded high-fidelity telesimulations with multilingual support to ensure accessibility. Evaluation included participant satisfaction using the MSSE questionnaire and knowledge acquisition through post-module quizzes. Results: Over 750 students participated, with significant knowledge acquisition observed—60% scored 8 or higher across all modules. The MSSE questionnaire, completed by 152 students, revealed high satisfaction, with 88% agreeing that the course enhanced clinical reasoning, decision-making, and self-reflection Conclusions: This program demonstrates the value of international partnerships and e-learning in sustaining medical education during crises. High student engagement and strong learning outcomes affirm its efficacy. Future iterations will aim to improve completion rates, refine feedback mechanisms, and expand accessibility. This scalable model offers a blueprint for addressing healthcare training needs in conflict-affected and resource-limited settings, contributing to global health resilience and the achievement of Universal Health Coverage. Full article
12 pages, 203 KiB  
Article
Insights into Drug Donation Practices and Public Perceptions in Saudi Arabia
by Ibrahim Alredaini, Nada Fayez Alshehri, Khadijah Jameel Muzayen, Renad Alalwani, Ghosoon Bafaraj, Abdullah S. Alshammari, Adnan S. Alharbi, Hazim M. AlHuzaym, Mahmoud Elrggal, Abdulmalik S. Alotaibi, Nasser M. Alorfi, Mohammed Alrashed, Abdullah A. Alhifany and Mohammed A. Alnuhait
Healthcare 2024, 12(19), 2001; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12192001 - 7 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1172
Abstract
Background: Effective medication management, disposal, and donation are vital for public health and environmental sustainability. Improper handling of medications can lead to drug misuse, accidental poisoning, and environmental damage. This study examines current practices and challenges in Saudi Arabia, identifying opportunities for improvement. [...] Read more.
Background: Effective medication management, disposal, and donation are vital for public health and environmental sustainability. Improper handling of medications can lead to drug misuse, accidental poisoning, and environmental damage. This study examines current practices and challenges in Saudi Arabia, identifying opportunities for improvement. Method: A cross-sectional survey conducted in October and November 2023 targeted the general population in Saudi Arabia. This study employed convenience sampling to explore medication usage, storage, disposal practices, and awareness of donation procedures. Data were analyzed through both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: This study involved 430 respondents. Of these, 73.0% held a university degree, yet 66.3% were unaware of drug donation programs, and 84.2% lacked knowledge about proper medication disposal. Despite this, 71.4% believed that drug donation programs positively impact healthcare, and 87.9% saw them as reducing drug waste and environmental pollution. However, 48.1% expressed concerns about the potential misuse of donated medicines. Awareness and knowledge were significantly higher among participants aged 30 and above. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for enhanced public awareness, clear medication disposal guidelines, and ethically governed donation practices in Saudi Arabia. These measures can improve healthcare outcomes, protect the environment, and support global health and sustainability goals. Full article
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