The festive event honoured graduates of the Master in International Health and the first-ever Master in Public Health and Health Equity.

Amsterdam, 29 August 2025 – On Friday, KIT Institute proudly hosted its 61st graduation ceremony, celebrating the achievements of graduates from the Master in Public Health and Health Equity and the Master in International Health programmes.

In total, 47 graduates from 25 countries received their Master’s degrees in a festive ceremony held at KIT’s theatre. The event was attended by friends, family, KIT staff, and supporters from around the world. Adding to the joyful atmosphere were the vibrant rhythms of the Kids van Amsterdam, who once again brought their unique energy to the celebration.

A First in KIT’s History

This year’s graduation was especially significant as it marked the first-ever cohort of the new Master in Public Health and Health Equity (MPH-HE), a programme designed to put an even stronger emphasis on health equity and to create a united, inclusive learning environment for international and Dutch students alike.

Lisanne Gerstel, Team Lead Education, reflected on the unique character of this year’s cohort:
“We saw an atmosphere that was supportive, curious, and warm – one of the major strengths of our programme. Having such a diverse group of students is an enormous asset, and it comes with the responsibility to ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment. Thanks to student feedback, we continue to improve and grow as a programme.”

Voices of Inspiration

Two graduates, Emna Hariz and Filmon Yohannes, shared reflections from the student perspective. Emna, the first student from Tunisia to join KIT’s MPH-HE, spoke with pride about the year’s challenges and achievements:
“When I think of this programme, I see chapters of learning and chapters of life… Wherever we go, whether in the Global South, the Global North, or here in the Netherlands, we share the same mission: to build better health for all.”

Filmon, a medical doctor from Eritrea, reflected on his years working in remote hospitals where limited resources and delayed access to care often had devastating consequences: “These experiences inspired me to pursue a career in public health so that I could work to address systemic issues instead of just treating individual patients, moving upstream, as we call it… Though we may go on to work in different areas, our mission is the same: to advance public health access and bring health equity.”

The ceremony also featured words from KIT alumna Merette Khalil from Egypt, who reminded graduates of the strength of their alumni community and the power of staying connected.

In his closing speech, Course Director Hermen Ormel emphasised the responsibility and opportunity awaiting the graduates:
“You came here as seasoned professionals, and throughout this programme you reflected on the type of health professional you want to be. Whether you go back to your jobs, pursue teaching, policy, humanitarian work, or research, know that you are part of a global network of changemakers. Through you, we all contribute to a future with more health equity.”

Looking Ahead

Graduates now join KIT’s extensive alumni community – thousands of health professionals worldwide who work to strengthen health systems and address inequities in their countries and regions.

The Master in Public Health and Health Equity is organised in collaboration with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. KIT is grateful for the support of its partners and scholarship providers, including the KIT Fund and its donors, the Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship Programme, the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education, and many others who made it possible for health professionals to study the Masters programme in Amsterdam.

More Information

Learn more about our Master’s programmes
Support future changemakers through the KIT Fund
Discover the Kids van Amsterdam

Impressions of Graduation 2025

Photo’s by KopiSusu Photography