TEHRAN- Health Minister Bahram Einollahi, and his counterparts from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan, discussed expanding cooperation in the field of health, medical education, and treatment.

They met on the sidelines of the 70th session of the World Health Organization’s Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean held in Cairo, Egypt from October 9 to 12.

Einollahi, in the meeting with Abdul Qadir Patel, the health minister of Pakistan, elaborated on Iran's successful experiences in fighting diseases and transferring health and medical experiences to other member countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Office of the World Health Organization.

Patel, for his part, said, “Reinforcing medical and health cooperation between Iran and Pakistan is in line with the interests of the people of the two countries. In this regard, a joint working group has been formed to study the opportunities for cooperation.”

Referring to the cooperation between Iran and Pakistan during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, he lauded Iran's health service system and the great steps it has taken in the field of health insurance coverage.

In his meeting with the Saudi Arabian minister, Fahad bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel, Einollahi announced Iranian universities and faculties of medical sciences' readiness to collaborate with Saudi Arabia in scientific, research, and educational fields.

He also stressed that the communication between the scientists of the two countries should expand in the field of research.

Emphasizing that the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia can be the hub of health in the region, Einollahi added, “We can help many other countries in the region in the field of infectious diseases.”

Al-Jalajel, for his part, stated, “We welcome the expansion of regional relations, and we are eager to boost cooperation between the two countries in the field of health and treatment.”

Einollahi in a meeting with the Sudanese health minister, Haitham Muhammad Ibrahim, said this meeting provides a good opportunity to strengthen health diplomacy, decision-making, and regulation of health policies among the 22 member countries of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region.

He also announced the Islamic Republic of Iran’s readiness to share its experiences in the field of containment of diseases and to export Iranian health-oriented products such as medicine and medical equipment to Sudan.

Ibrahim, welcoming Einollahi's proposal, stated, “Iran and Sudan have the same position regarding global health issues, and protecting global health is a key goal and mission of both countries."

WHO regional committee meeting

The 70th session of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Committee (RC70) was held at the WHO Regional Office in Cairo under the theme "Together for a Healthier Future," and its agenda extends until next Thursday.

Both the WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom and the WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandhari delivered remarks during the opening session alongside several other prominent speakers.

Numerous ministers of health and other representatives of the Members of the Regional Committee were among the many dignitaries to attend the opening ceremony.

This year’s session of the Regional Committee coincides with the year-long celebration of WHO’s 75th anniversary.

MT/MG