Our Journey So Far
Origins
From modest beginnings in Belfast, our story was born out of frustration with silos in health and the ambition to “do something good.” The Community Interest Company model gave us the structure to build something sustainable, empowering communities and fostering collaboration across sectors.
I wanted to break down silos and do something good
Brian O'Connor | Chair
First Ecosystems
The first ecosystem took shape in Manchester, followed by Oulu and Barcelona. What began as multistakeholder gatherings soon became a replicable model, bringing together hospitals, academia, the private sector, patients, and policymakers to connect, share, and transform.
I’ve seen how the ECHAlliance started small, with just a handful of digital health pioneers in the UK, Ireland, Catalonia, and Finland, and step by step evolved into a global player. I find this kind of selfless devotion admirable.
Kari Kohtamaki | Ambassador, Oulu, Finland
Expansion & Impact
Building on early success, the network grew rapidly across Europe and beyond. A membership and project model made the work sustainable, attracting leaders, institutions, and companies. Despite regulatory hurdles and competitors, our strength has always been to remain open, inclusive, and multistakeholder.
We now collaborate on a global innovation superhighway, with bilateral innovation flowing between Europe and Singapore and beyond. With the Global Health Connector, our focus is no longer just Europe but truly global.
Gisela Garcia Alvarez | Ambassador, Singapore
Today & Beyond
From one ecosystem to more than 90 worldwide, today we are a global network connecting people, organisations, and ideas across continents.
Our mission remains the same: to break down barriers and improve health through collaboration.
What I value most [about GHC] is their ability to unite stakeholders to create positive health outcomes and improve systems. They consistently connect the dots to advance healthcare for all.
Tobias Silberzahn | Ambassador, Germany
This is only the beginning
Timeline
Foundation: Think Tank Formed
First Summit
First EU Funded Project
DHS Formation
HLTH Partnership
First Ecosystems in US & India
First Global Ambassador
ADHN & First African Ecosystem
First UNGA Participation
Reflecting our global reach in the name
Launch of US operations in Nashville
Official brand change
Today & Beyond
From one ecosystem to more than 90 worldwide, today we are a global network connecting people, organisations, and ideas across continents. Our mission remains the same: to break down barriers and improve health through collaboration.
This is only the beginning
Values
Values
Advocates
for Change
Collaborators