In a groundbreaking initiative that’s setting the pace for the continent, Cairo has witnessed the official launch of Africa’s first “Health Diplomacy for Medical Students” program. Spearheaded by Egyptian medical students, the pioneering project brings together young health professionals from Egypt and across Africa—particularly Sudanese students displaced by conflict—in a powerful blend of medicine, diplomacy, and public policy.
Hosted at the Faculty of Medicine, Modern University for Technology and Information (MTI), the program is a collaborative effort by the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations – Egypt (IFMSA-Egypt), MTI’s student branch, and the Scientific Association of Medical Students, with strong media support from the AfroMedia Initiative for Journalism and Media.
With a focus on inclusion, equity, and empowerment, the week-long program armed participants with vital tools to understand global health challenges, navigate international health policy, and influence decision-making both locally and internationally. The curriculum also emphasized research skills and sustainable development, while fostering cross-cultural collaboration among African students in Egypt.
From sessions on youth diplomacy and personal branding to public health law and negotiation techniques, the program drew a lineup of high-profile experts, including:
- Mr. Mostafa Magdy, Assistant to Egypt’s Youth and Sports Minister
- Dr. Samah Kamel, UN Youth and Children Group Lead
- Dr. Mahmoud El-Qally, Sustainability Trainer
- Dr. Ahmed El-Rifai, Political Science Analyst
- Dr. Dalia Ghazlan, Public Health Advocate
- Mr. Hamada Qaoud, Governance & Development Specialist
- Ahmed Aboudouma, Legal Lead, Arab Youth Platform
- Dr. Rumaila Shahir, Head, German Academy in Cairo
Anthropologist Hassan Ghazaly, a thought leader on global solidarity and a member of the African Journalists Union, delivered an eye-opening session on the relevance of anthropology in medical outreach. He also highlighted volunteering opportunities via the African Union and Egypt’s proactive support for African health professionals.
Ghazaly praised MTI University’s leadership—Professor Mohy El-Din Ragab El-Banna and Professor Hesham Mohamed Omran—for their unwavering support in promoting African integration and academic inclusion.
This landmark initiative isn’t just about learning—it’s about leadership. Organizers say it’s the first step in a broader movement to redefine the doctor’s role in society—not only as a caregiver but also as a negotiator, policymaker, and advocate for sustainable health systems across Africa.
As the curtains fall on the first edition, the organizers vow this is just the beginning—Egypt is ready to lead Africa’s charge in health diplomacy.
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