north2north exchange story: Jannie Olsen's experience in Greenland
From October 2nd to 10th, Jannie traveled to Nuuk, Greenland to attend the 2025 NunaMed Conference and the Network Meeting on Strengthening Arctic Health Networks through Partnerships and a Mentorship Program.
At the NunaMed Conference, she had the opportunity to be part of the NunaMed practical team and contributed to the presentation of the session on the National Health Population Survey in Greenland, as well as the session on HBSC Greenland – the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study.
The Centre for Public Health in Greenland has conducted The Population Health Surveys since 1993. The purpose of these surveys is to support the Government of Greenland’s population program, Inuuneritta. The health-related topics that are relevant to both Naalakkersuisut and the municipalities are described and analyzed.
HBSC Greenland – the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study–is the Greenlandic branch of an international survey conducted among schoolchildren aged 10 to 15 years across more than 45 countries.
Furthermore, she had the opportunity to be the administrative power of the Network meeting: Collaboration on Strengthening the Arctic health networks through partnerships and mentorship program. Sixteen participants from Canada, the United States, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Greenland, and Denmark took part in the meeting. Jannie's responsibilities included gathering information, taking notes, and ensuring smooth participation for all attendees by coordinating flight bookings and accommodation. Her mission with this trip to Greenland was also to learn more about Greenland and connect more closely to Greenlandic traditions and culture.
“I have learned a lot, and I have seen what a meaningful and important impact is being made to strengthen Arctic Health. I also visited the Museum of Art, where stories of Greenlandic culture and history are beautifully shared. This experience gave me a deeper appreciation of Greenland, and I’m truly glad to see that its traditions and rituals continue to thrive despite the rapid development of recent decades. The last day I worked from Ilinniarfissuaq – our office in Nuuk, where I met with my colleagues in Nuuk. I bring back a lot of valuable knowledge, and I have a better connection and feeling with Greenlandic culture, history and collaborators. I’m so happy to have had this opportunity. It has been a learning experience combined with meaningful work.”