The Hoima Post – Trustable News 24 -7
In a landmark moment for the continent, Egypt has witnessed the launch of the first-ever “Health Diplomacy for Medical Students” program, the first of its kind in both Egypt and Africa. The initiative was spearheaded by the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations Egypt (IFMSA-Egypt), in partnership with its branch at the Modern University for Technology and Information (MTI). The program was further supported by the Scientific Association of Medical Students at MTI, with complimentary media sponsorship from the AfroMedia Initiative for Journalism and Media, aimed at promoting awareness of the evolving role of doctors in society.
The Faculty of Medicine at MTI University served as host for the program, reaffirming its commitment to empowering young doctors and equipping them with skills beyond the clinical setting. Special attention was given to inclusivity, with the program offering opportunities to both Egyptian and Sudanese students, many of whom sought refuge in Egypt due to ongoing conflict in their home country. The learning environment created was both academically enriching and socially fair, bridging theory with practical application.
The program was designed to deepen the participants’ understanding of global health dynamics, international relations, and health policies. It also focused on developing the research and advocacy skills necessary to enable young doctors to contribute effectively to health policy at national, regional, and international levels.
A diverse team of national experts and professionals participated in the sessions, offering a multidisciplinary lens on public health and diplomacy. Contributions came from fields such as youth policy, sustainable development, political science, public health, law, and international cooperation. Participants also had the opportunity to engage with content on anthropology in healthcare, public diplomacy, and volunteerism within African medical systems.
Anthropological researcher Hassan Ghazaly, a founding member of the Global Solidarity Network and the African Journalists Union, emphasized the importance of cultural understanding in health interventions. He highlighted Egypt’s strategic role in supporting African doctors and outlined pathways through which young professionals can contribute to public health, both locally and continentally.
In his remarks, Ghazaly extended appreciation to Professor Mohy El-Din Ragab El-Banna, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, and Professor Hesham Mohamed Omran, Vice Dean for Student Affairs, for their dedication to supporting African students and encouraging their academic and community engagement.
The sessions addressed a wide array of topics, including youth diplomacy, volunteerism in Africa’s health systems, international health law, negotiation and leadership, personal branding for medical professionals, and the intersection between sustainable development and public health. This inaugural program is a significant step toward redefining the role of future doctors—preparing them not only as healthcare providers but also as leaders, negotiators, and policy influencers.
Organizers have confirmed that this initiative is only the beginning of a broader vision to connect medical education with social responsibility. With plans to expand the program in the coming years, Egypt is positioning itself as a hub for health diplomacy and sustainable development leadership in Africa.
