Egypt has launched the first edition of the “Health Diplomacy for Medical Students” programme, the first of its kind in Egypt and on the African continent.
The initiative was organised under the auspices of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations – Egypt (IFMSA-Egypt) and its branch at MTI University, with support from the Scientific Association of Medical Students at the Modern University for Technology and Information (MTI) and complimentary media sponsorship from the AfroMedia Initiative for Journalism and Media.
It is aimed at raising awareness and promoting the role and capabilities of doctors within their communities.
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It also demonstrates strong support for empowering young doctors and medical students in Egypt, as well as Sudanese students.
In a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Tema, the organisers noted that the event provided an inclusive and fair learning environment that combines academic knowledge with practical experience, especially for those who have fled the war in Sudan.
The programme, it added, was designed to empower medical students in Egypt while offering equal and fair opportunities to non-Egyptian African students and doctors residing in Egypt with the aim of providing a deeper understanding of health issues in both African and global contexts, international relations, and health policy.
“It also equips participants with research skills necessary for effective participation in health policy decision-making at local and international levels.”
It noted that during the launch, Mr Hassan Ghazaly, an anthropological researcher and founder of the Global Solidarity Network, spoke about the importance of anthropology for doctors in understanding the communities that need health development projects.
Mr Ghazaly, who is also a member of the African Journalists Union, also discussed the concepts of public diplomacy, its different forms, and the opportunities offered by the Egyptian state to African doctors, in addition to the volunteering opportunities provided by the African Union in medical institutions across Africa.
He commended the programme initiators for their cooperation and efforts in supporting the faculty’s students, particularly African students, and for their commitment to empowering and integrating them into academic and community activities within the university.
The sessions covered several key topics, including youth diplomacy, public diplomacy, volunteer youth policies in Africa, international law and health, negotiation skills, personal branding for doctors, public health and sustainable development, and the role of youth in shaping health policies.
“This programme marks an important shift in connecting academic medical education with social responsibility and health diplomacy. It aims to prepare a new generation of doctors who can influence and contribute to shaping the future of health policy in Egypt and the region.”
The programme, they noted, was a first step in a series of initiatives designed to build the capacity of medical students and open new horizons for understanding the broader role of the doctor in society, which includes not only providing healthcare but also leading, negotiating, and making decisions in public health matters.
GNA
