Inspire the Next Generation of Global Health Leaders!

With support from the Gates Foundation, PIH Canada is investing in the next generation of global health advocates. We invite schools to contribute their time, talent and space.

Bring students together to tackle a real-world urgent global health challenge. Working in teams, students will develop an equity-driven solution and present their recommendations to a panel of judges. Top teams will advance to the National PIH Canada Case Competition in Toronto in spring 2027, where they will compete against other schools and regions for national recognition and cash prizes. 

What is a Case Competition?  

A case competition is an experiential learning day in which students work in teams to address a complex global health challenge. High school students from all around the region can come and participate in your case competition.  

Students are presented with a real-world case based on a health issue in a country where Partners In Health (PIH) Canada works. Throughout the day, teams examine the social, economic, historical, and political forces shaping the issue before developing a practical and persuasive response. 

The PIH Canada Case Competition is designed for ambitious, curious, and globally minded students who want to put their learning into action. Past competitions have challenged students to develop solutions addressing:  

• Tuberculosis in Lesotho  
• Maternal Mortality in Sierra Leone  
• Malnutrition in Haiti  

Why Host a Case Competition? 

Hosting a case competition provides your school with the opportunity to to deliver an exceptional experiential-learning program while showcasing its commitment to leadership, innovation, global citizenship, and social impact. Your school will: 

• Showcase your school’s commitment to leadership, global citizenship, and global health equity  
• Connect students with professionals working in global health and international development  
• Engage students from a variety of disciplines, including health sciences, social sciences, business, public policy, and international development 
• Build relationships with neighbouring schools and non-profits 

• Gain visibility as a school investing in globally engaged student leadership 

The competition can complement programming in global studies, health sciences, Model United Nations, debate, business, social justice, leadership, and university preparation. 

I’ve never been in a case competition before, ever. At first, I was very nervous. But it was so exciting and we learned so much! From the keynote speaker to getting the case presented to us. I felt a really high rush of adrenaline, it was an amazing experience and I can’t wait to attend even more case competitions. – Case competition participant, February 2026

Past Partners 

What do students gain? 

• Earn a Certificate of Global Health Leadership upon completing the program.
• Build career-ready skills in teamwork, collaboration, public speaking, critical thinking, and practical problem-solving.
• Explore complex global health issues, including the social determinants of health, structural violence, health system strengthening, and international development challenges.
• Grow a meaningful professional network by connecting with like-minded students and professionals across healthcare, public health, research, nonprofit, and government sectors.
• Discover diverse career pathways in public health, medicine, international development, public policy, research, and advocacy.  

A Ready-to-Run Experience With Lasting Impact 

PIH Canada works alongside each host school to provide the structure, content, and expertise needed to deliver a successful event. 

PIH Canada’s Role

• Case development and educational materials

• Competition structure and planning guidance

• Keynote speaker and judge recruitment

• Expert facilitators from PIH Canada

• Certificates of completion for participants

• Various competition prizes

Your Role as a Host School

• A suitable event space for 50–70 people (usually the school auditorium or assembly space does the job!)

• Support recruiting student participants

• Promote the event within their institution and to nearby schools

• Basic on-site venue support

Timeline 

Competitions will take place throughout the 2026-2027 academic school year. While scheduling is flexible, all competitions must be completed by April 2027 to allow winning teams to compete at the National PIH Canada Case Competition.   

A limited number of competition dates are available, and we are finalizing next year’s timeline by the end of July. Interested schools are encouraged to contact us early to secure their preferred dates. The months below are the only remaining available months, with up to a maximum of one high school competition per month. 

Bring the Competition to Your School 

Join us in empowering students to think critically about global health inequities and create innovative solutions! Contact students@pihcanada.org to start planning today!