About us
Who we are
Global Health Initiative was founded in 2023 by medical professionals with extensive experience in clinical microbiology, infectious diseases and global health research.
We operate at the intersection of clinical practice, research and innovation, always in close collaboration with local hospitals, laboratories and universities. Our work focuses primarily on Sub-Saharan Africa, where the burden of infectious diseases is high and diagnostic capacity is often limited.
Our approach is pragmatic and impact-driven: we support solutions that can be implemented in real healthcare settings and that directly benefit patients and healthcare workers.
Board members
Chair
Guido Bastiaens, MD, PhD
Guido is a clinical microbiologist and chair of Global Health Initiative. During his medical training and specialist education, he gained experience in infectious disease care and diagnostics in Ghana, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Kenya and Zambia. Through the foundation, Guido is committed to achieving sustainable improvements in healthcare for vulnerable populations in low-income countries.
Treasurer
Erik Schaftenaar, MD, PhD
Erik is a clinical microbiologist and treasurer of Global Health Initiative. He grew up in Malawi and, during his medical studies, worked in Ghana and Tanzania. He completed his PhD research in South Africa. During his specialist training, Erik coordinated an academic knowledge-exchange programme and worked with healthcare partners in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana and Uganda.
Secretary
Sjoerd Steendijk, MD
Sjoerd is a general practitioner, researcher and former tropical physician. He supports the foundation by drawing on his professional experience in Ghana, Tanzania and the Netherlands. Inspired by his work in diverse healthcare settings, he is committed to developing new solutions and improving healthcare where the need is greatest.