100th Anniversary Celebration: A journey through time
On 30 May 2026, the anniversary celebration at the Viscose Event Hall in Emmenbrücke (LU) marked a special start to SolidarMed’s anniversary year. Under the theme ‘International cooperation for health: yesterday, today, tomorrow’, we looked both back and forward together with partners, staff, alumni and supporters.
Eliane Kiener opened the evening with a personal address. The Executive Director emphasised that the focus of the celebration was not on projects or figures, but on the people who have shaped the organisation. “Today we are not simply celebrating an institution. We are celebrating people and a shared vision.”
Today we are not simply celebrating an institution. We are celebrating people and a shared vision.
Eliane Kiener, Executive Director
She underscored her statement by highlighting two pioneers, Maria Kunz and Bertha Hardegger, who exemplify what continues to define SolidarMed to this day: courage, compassion and a willingness to act where help is needed.
A book full of moving stories
The book launch that followed marked the first highlight of the evening and made it clear that one thing has always defined the organisation: change. From a Catholic-inspired association for missionary medical care that sent doctors to remote regions of Africa, SolidarMed has developed into a modern non-profit organisation that today works with local teams to strengthen health systems and fosters long-term partnerships on an equal footing.
The book itself invites readers to discover SolidarMed from different perspectives – whether read from the beginning trough to the end or simply leafed through. Particular attention is drawn to the multi-dimensional timeline at the centre, which illustrates the organisation’s development within its various contexts. Numerous photographs and biographical portraits tell the stories of people who, with courage and conviction, broke new ground to improve health.
The very desire to produce this book demonstrates a certain capacity for self-criticism.
Marcel Dreier, Historian and Book Author
The discussion also addressed the question of taking a critical view. The historian and co-author of the book, Marcel Dreier, emphasised that a conscious decision had been made to place trust in an independent review, and that even difficult chapters have their place. “The very desire to produce this book demonstrates a certain capacity for self-criticism,” he added. At the same time, he expressed the hope that SolidarMed would continue to have the courage to make mistakes and learn from them in the future.
Dialogue on equal terms is the key to a successful future.
Thomas Gass, former SolidarMed staff and expert in international cooperation
Personal memories make the story particularly tangible: Renate Albrecht, for instance, described her time in Zimbabwe during the HIV epidemic – marked by major challenges, a lack of treatments and, at the same time, the building of close relationships on the ground. Thomas Gass also recalled his early days as a ‘greenhorn’ in Tanzania and a steep learning curve during a formative phase in the fight against HIV, as antiretroviral drugs became available. For him, one thing is clear: “Dialogue on equal terms is the key to a successful future.”
Looking ahead: global health in transition
With presentations by international experts, the focus shifted to the present and future of international development cooperation. Topics such as sustainable health systems, research and global cooperation took centre stage. Francisco Songane, a doctor and former Minister of Health of Mozambique, emphasised in his speech: “Health is a fundamental human right.” At the same time, he made it clear that sustainable progress is only possible through greater national ownership, integrated health systems and partnership-based cooperation on an equal footing.
Charles Abongomera, senior scientific collaborator at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, bridged the gap between science and practice. Drawing on his research into sickle cell disease, he demonstrated how evidence-based approaches can specifically address gaps in care and tangibly improve the daily lives of those affected.
Kate Molesworth concluded the session with a look at the major challenges of the future: from funding gaps and climate change to epidemiological shifts and fragile contexts. At the same time, she highlighted the opportunities presented by stronger local systems, community-led solutions and new forms of collaboration.
An evening that brings people together
Following the presentations, the evening concluded with a session for open questions, which were addressed and answered by President Niklaus Labhardt. The festivities drew to a close with a musical performance by the band ‘Siselabonga’ and a social gathering that encouraged further conversation and discussion. The event was characterised by a special energy, brought like-minded people together, and will continue to have an impact long after the occasion itself. We would like to thank everyone who attended our anniversary celebration.
Last but not least, the evening sparked anticipation for the upcoming documentary film, which – drawing on the accounts of historical eyewitnesses – will trace the 100-year history of SolidarMed. The premiere is scheduled for 26 September in Lucerne, followed by a roadshow in several Swiss cities and in Liechtenstein.
