By Najib Sani, Gombe
As part of efforts to foster stronger regional cooperation, the Egyptian medical students have launched the continent’s first-ever “Health Diplomacy for Medical Students” programme.
The programme was aimed at empowering young health professionals and fostering stronger regional cooperation.
The inaugural edition took place at the Faculty of Medicine, MTI University, organised by Egyptian medical students under the auspices of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations – Egypt (IFMSA-Egypt) and its branch at MTI University.
The initiative received support from the Scientific Association of Medical Students at MTI and media sponsorship from the AfroMedia Initiative for Journalism and Media, highlighting its significance in raising awareness about the vital role of doctors beyond clinical settings.
According to the association in a press release issued on Wednesday, this pioneering programme uniquely combines academic learning with practical experience, emphasising the importance of health diplomacy, international relations, and health policy.
The association added that the programme will benefit students both Egyptians and non Egyptians, and doctors because of its inclusive approach, providing equal opportunities for all Egyptian and non-Egyptian African students and doctors residing in Egypt.
The organisers said the event underscored Egypt’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders in health and diplomacy.
They expressed their vision of connecting medical education with social responsibility, aiming to produce a new generation of doctors capable of influencing health policies and fostering regional cooperation. They committed to expanding and enriching future editions, reinforcing Egypt’s role as a leader in health diplomacy and sustainable development.
In his speech, Anthropological researcher Hassan Ghazaly, founder of the Global Solidarity Network, emphasised the importance of understanding community dynamics in medical development projects.
He highlighted opportunities for African doctors to engage in volunteering and public diplomacy initiatives facilitated by the Egyptian government and the African Union.
Some of the dignitaries who attended the launching included; Mr. Mostafa Magdy, Assistant to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Samah Kamel, Head of the Youth and Children Group at the United Nations, Dr. Mahmoud El-Qally, expert in sustainable development, Dr. Ahmed El-Rifai, political science analyst, and Dr. Dalia Ghazlan, public health awareness specialist.
Others were experts from the National Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development and the Arab Youth Platform for Sustainable Development
