Iran’s Medical Universities Discuss Health Diplomacy and Cooperation

The fourth meeting of vice chancellors and directors of international affairs of medical sciences universities was held at the headquarters of Iran's Ministry of Health. The meeting brought together representatives from domestic medical universities including SUMS, as well as officials from subordinate departments of the Ministry.

The meeting focused on a wide range of topics including international engagements, management of international health services, recruitment of international students, cross-border health cooperation, scientific and technological collaboration among educational and research centers, as well as short-term courses, skill training, and seasonal schools.

Dr. Mohammad Hossein Niknam, the Director General of International Affairs at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the significance of the meeting in strengthening health diplomacy. He highlighted Iran's efforts in establishing health cooperation groups with several Latin American and African countries.

Dr. Niknam also referred to a recent meeting between the health ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of the World Health Forum in Geneva, as well as a webinar between the two sides. He noted that a memorandum of understanding to promote health cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia will be signed in the near future, encompassing various sectors.

The meeting served as a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and exploring new opportunities for international collaboration in medical sciences and healthcare. In light of Iran’s continuous efforts to develop health diplomacy, such events are aimed at helping promote global partnerships in medical education research and practice.