A donation exceeding £8.4 million from the Fondation Docteur Sadok Besrour will lead to the creation of the Dr Sadok Besrour Professorship of Global Primary Care and a new Besrour Centre for Global Primary Care at the University of Oxford. This initiative will be based in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences (NDPCHS), known for its research in health systems and community-based care.
The Centre aims to enhance access to high-quality, evidence-based primary care globally. The funding will also support fellowships and scholarships for healthcare leaders from low- and middle-income countries, provide administrative support, and host an annual global forum to encourage international collaboration.
This endowment continues the legacy of the original Besrour Centre for Global Family Medicine established in Canada in 2014. The new Centre will focus on global research partnerships, training programs, and policy engagement to strengthen primary care systems worldwide. It aligns with NDPCHS's role in global health.
Dr Sadok Besrour expressed his commitment: "Primary care is the foundation of health systems that truly serve people. I am honoured to support the Besrour Centre’s mission at Oxford. I believe in the power of collaboration, and I am confident that this Centre will contribute to achieving better health for all."
Dr Sadok Besrour is a Canadian physician known for advocating global primary care. His efforts have supported family medicine academic programs, improved training for physicians, and enhanced teaching capacity in low- and middle-income countries through education, research, and international collaboration.
Professor Sir Aziz Sheikh OBE commented: "We are very grateful to Dr Besrour for this important gift. This is an exciting moment for global primary care; the new Centre and Professorship will enable us to train future leaders, strengthen partnerships, and conduct research that addresses some of the biggest health challenges of our time."
Professor Irene Tracey CBE stated: "This generous gift reflects our shared commitment to global health and equity. The Besrour Centre for Global Primary Care will be a key part of Oxford’s global health network. We thank Dr Besrour for his vision and support, and we look forward to seeing the Centre’s impact around the world."
Professor Gavin Screaton added: "This new Centre will enhance Oxford’s leadership in primary care research and education. It is a vital step in addressing global challenges in healthcare access and quality."
The process to appoint the inaugural Dr Sadok Besrour Professor of Global Primary Care is expected soon. The appointed professor will lead international research collaborations and training programs.