Global Health in the Digital World: Photo competition winner announced
Earlier this year we ran a photo competition exclusively for members and Fellows of RSTMH. The theme was 'Global Health in the Digital World', and it was interesting to see the different approaches that people took. After careful consideration and judging of the submissions, we are delighted to announce that the winner of this year’s competition is Fuanyi Awatboh.
Fuanyi’s winning entry, Health Beyond Borders, was inspired by his personal experiences after moving from Cameroon to Switzerland in 2024.
Image credit: Fuanyi Awatboh
Fuanyi explained: “One of the things that surprised me most upon arrival was the linguistic diversity in Switzerland, with four official languages. Navigating daily life in a multilingual environment was initially challenging, and language barriers remain a part of my experience. However, digital translation tools have played an important role in helping me communicate, adapt, and integrate.
“Drawing from this experience, I wanted to explore how similar digital solutions could transform healthcare. The photo depicts a telemedicine consultation between a Switzerland-based individual and a physician in Africa, where AI-powered real-time translation enables effective communication despite language differences. The German subtitles in the image represent this translation process, highlighting how technology can bridge not only geographical distances but also linguistic divides.”
“The inspiration behind the image was to capture a moment that reflects the reality of an increasingly connected world, where access to healthcare expertise is no longer limited by location or language. I hope the image conveys how digital innovations, particularly telemedicine and artificial intelligence, can make healthcare more inclusive, accessible, and globally connected.” Fuanyi Awatboh, winner of the RSTMH Photo Competition, April 2026.
Fuanyi Awatboh is a PhD student at the University of Basel, Switzerland. Originally from Cameroon, his work focuses on global health, with particular interests in digital health, epidemiology, and the use of data-driven approaches to improve health outcomes. He has experience in clinical data management and is passionate about advancing equitable healthcare solutions, especially in resource-limited settings. His work is driven by a commitment to bridging gaps in access to healthcare through innovation and collaboration.
Fuanyi has been an RSTMH member since 2024.
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