Building stakeholder trust: the heart of global health collaboration

Global health challenges demand collective effort. Policymakers, clinicians, government officials, specialized organisations, NGOs, academia, patient advocacy groups and the private sector must align to create meaningful solutions. But with diverse priorities and perspectives at play, how do you build trust and foster collaboration?

Over the years, I’ve found that trust isn’t just built, it’s earned. Here are the key strategies I use to foster trust in global health collaborations:

Start from a neutral perspective

Approaching stakeholders without bias or hidden agendas is crucial. Transparency is the foundation of trust. I’m always clear about who is funding the initiative and clarify the steps I take to ensure balance and fairness. By demonstrating neutrality, I create an environment where stakeholders feel confident that their contributions will be valued equally.

Understand the healthcare ecosystem

Having a scientific background has been a game-changer. It enables me to bridge gaps between clinical, policy, and industry perspectives. Viewing healthcare as an interconnected system helps stakeholders see how their work fits into the broader initiative. This holistic understanding not only strengthens trust but also creates alignment across diverse stakeholders.

Be genuinely interested in your stakeholders

Knowing who your stakeholders are and why you chose them is essential. I take the time to understand their goals, motivations, and challenges. Building trust means showing that the initiative isn’t just about achieving your objectives but also about creating value for them. When stakeholders feel genuinely seen and heard, collaboration becomes much smoother.

Propose clarity, but with flexibility

Trust grows when stakeholders know what to expect. I always present a clear outline of goals, roles, and outcomes at the start of any collaboration. But it’s equally important to remain open to their ideas and suggestions. Incorporating their input not only improves the initiative but also shows that their perspectives truly matter.

Follow through with consistency

Delivering on commitments is one of the most effective ways to build trust. Whether it’s meeting deadlines, addressing concerns promptly, or showing genuine engagement over time, consistency reinforces reliability. Trust isn’t built overnight, it’s earned through consistent actions.

Respect cultural and regional contexts

In global health, cultural sensitivity is non-negotiable. Adapting approaches to the cultural and regional nuances of stakeholders ensures that initiatives resonate locally while staying aligned with global goals. Respecting these differences demonstrates empathy and understanding, which are crucial for building trust.

Encourage mutual learning

Collaboration is a two-way street. Every project is an opportunity for mutual learning. I value the unique expertise that stakeholders bring to the table and share insights from my experience bridging science, policy, and business. This exchange fosters a sense of partnership and trust.

Acknowledge challenges openly

Building trust isn’t always easy. Challenges like skepticism or resistance are common. I address these head-on with empathy and patience, creating an open dialogue that builds credibility even in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

Building trust isn’t just about making projects run smoothly. It’s about creating relationships that last and driving real impact in global health. By prioritising transparency, understanding, and genuine collaboration, we can create a foundation for partnerships that truly make a difference.

Do you want to discuss more with me? Drop me an 💌 at roberta.sarno@dhealth.consulting