TEHRAN – Health Minister Mohammad Reza Zafarkandi, who held separate meetings between Switzerland and Saudi counterparts, discussed the possibility of expanding health sector cooperation with both countries.
Authorities met bystanders of the 78th World Health Parliament (WHA), which began on May 19th and will be held in Geneva, Switzerland until June 27th.
In a meeting with Swiss Health Minister Elizabeth Baum Schneider, the two sought a pathway to strengthening collaboration. The focus was particularly on the Third Joint Economic Committee meeting, scheduled to be held in Tehran on September 16th.
Referring to measures taken to support Swiss factories operating in the country, authorities said that special working groups have been established to promote the activities of Swiss companies, including Roche, Nestle, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson and Straumann, among the healthcare sector. He also added that it plays an important role in removing obstacles and following up on their issues.
Baume-Schneider says it will “host the World Health Organization (WHO).” Switzerland is seeking to strengthen cooperation between the organization and other member states. The world is changing and we are calling for reforms to keep up with these changes. ”
In praise of Iran’s efforts to deal with substance abuse, officials said the necessary plans are ongoing to hold a meeting of the Joint Economic Committee.
Iranian officials also met with Saudi Arabia’s Health Minister Fahad bin Abduraman al-Jarael. During the meeting, both sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand health diplomacy.
The MOU is expected to strengthen joint efforts in global health security, Hajj and Umrah, smart hospitals and training professional talent, Al-Jalajel noted.
Referring to the Hajj pilgrimage, Zafarkandi said there is currently good cooperation between the two countries. Emphasizing Iran’s high capabilities in primary healthcare, healthcare networks, specialized health services, medical and medical devices, and medical education, Zafarqandi expressed optimism that both countries will further deepen the relationship between health and treatment sectors.
78th World Health Assembly
Focusing on the 2025 theme “The World for One Health”, WHA78 brings together high-level national representatives to address health challenges. This year’s gathering will be a crucial moment for global health as member countries face major changes in landscapes for global health and international development.
This year’s theme highlights the World Health Organization’s (WHO) enduring commitment to solidarity and equity, and emphasizes that even in unprecedented times, there should be an equal opportunity for everyone to lead healthy lives everywhere.
During the meeting, participants discussed and reflected on current and future priorities and challenges facing global health in accordance with the relevant documents, and as Member States declared ideas for each document, the IRNA cited Alireza Biglari, an employee of the Ministry of Health.
Zafarqandi is releasing a statement on 35 specific documents related to the country’s health system. These include 29 documents on general health activities, six focusing on activities in different sectors and international cooperation, officials noted.
Additionally, other topics raised by the expert committee, including budget and financial issues, membership status in member countries, audits, and issues raised during WHO executive committee sessions.
In the 78th WHA, a total of 56 topics will be discussed in document form, Biglari said.
The WHA’s bystander, the Health Minister plans to hold a meeting with counterparts from the hood directors of Switzerland, Italy, Qatar, Oman, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, India, Cuba and the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO).
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