Opportunities for International Collaboration in Resource-Limited Settings: Insights From Africa

Abstract

International collaborations have significant impacts on patient care, endoscopy education, and research. These collaborations can be mutually enriching for all parties involved. Resource-limited settings may suffer from inadequate infrastructure or expertise to meet societal needs, yet they offer unique opportunities that can benefit collaborating partners. Unfortunately, there is often a lack of clear guidance on how to establish collaborations between professionals in the global South and their European or American counterparts. This review aims to address this issue by describing the key elements of successful partnerships, identifying reasons for failure, highlighting hidden pitfalls, and offering strategies for beneficial and productive collaboration. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural differences and provides recommendations for all parties involved in a collaboration. Our goal is to provide an essential guide for fostering strong, mutually beneficial partnerships in international collaborations between resource-rich and resource-limited settings.