In an opinion piece published by PLOS Global Public Health, Adam et al. (2025) examine the growing threat that rising nationalism poses to global health partnerships. The authors—Maya Adam, Desiree LaBeaud, Nokwanele Mbewu, and colleagues—highlight how shifts in the global political climate may disrupt decades of collaborative public health progress. They argue for the continued importance of long-standing international partnerships that are rooted in mutual respect, shared goals, and inclusive approaches.
The article outlines several key principles for sustaining these collaborations, including a One Health framework, interdisciplinary teamwork, and equitable engagement with local communities. The authors also stress the role of effective, culturally sensitive communication and the need to address the colonial legacy embedded in many global health structures. As public health challenges grow more complex and interconnected, Adam et al. call for renewed commitment to international cooperation, urging the global health community to reinforce the foundations that make collective action possible.