In September, a group of our colleagues from the Nepali NSP team traveled to Germany to attend the European Conference on Tropical Medicine and International Health (ECTMIH 2025) in Hamburg.
The trip started in Heidelberg, where the group visited the Stroke Unit of the Heidelberg University Hospital. Our friends were warmly welcomed by the enthusiastic and dedicated team of the department of neurology, who provided an insightful tour through the various areas of acute and post-acute stroke care at the hospital. Coincidentally, the annual Heidelberg City Festival also happened to take place that weekend, which offered the perfect opportunity to experience the city at its liveliest, with bustling streets, music, and delicious food. The group enjoyed a guided tour of the Heidelberg Castle, followed by some time exploring the historic Old Town and soaking in the festive atmosphere.
On Sunday, everybody traveled together to Hamburg, where the following day was dedicated to a project management workshop. The session focused on planning the next steps and setting future goals for the Nepal Stroke Project. It proved to be both productive and inspiring and strengthened the sense of teamwork and collaboration within the team.
The highlight of the visit took place on Tuesday: a dedicated conference session at ECTMIH 2025 titled “Implementation of Stroke Systems in Resource-Limited Settings.” All speakers shared valuable insights and experiences from the ongoing efforts to improve stroke care in Nepal. The session attracted great interest, sparked meaningful discussions, and laid the groundwork for future partnerships and initiatives in global stroke care. In the evening, all participants were invited to the GIZ Hospital Partnerships Networking Event, which gave the opportunity to establish collaborations across medical fields and regions. Alongside the academic and professional activities, the group also found time to explore Hamburg’s vibrant culture and landmarks.
Overall, the visit was a wonderful time for everyone. We were delighted to welcome our Nepali friends to Germany and to strengthen the bonds within our growing partnership. We look forward to meeting again soon, next time in Nepal, with renewed energy and continued collaboration to advance stroke care.
