Tehran – Minister Mohammad Reza Zafarcandi and his Italian counterpart, Orazio Silaci, discussed measures to promote cooperation in the health sector, with a focus on aging and digital health in particular.
The meeting began on May 19th and was held on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Parliament (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland until June 27th.
Italian officials have detailed the Italian health programme, with the country’s health system prioritizing prevention and promotion of health, the Ministry of Health’s website reported.
Aging and health plans, as well as digital health transformation, are one of the most important programs in the country, Sirasi noted. With an aging population, he added that Italy’s health policy emphasizes care and prevention.
On his part, Zafarkandi, who highlights Iran’s high capabilities in the health sector, announced that he is ready to share the Ministry of Health’s experience with Italy in the primary healthcare system, family physician program, referral system and treatment field.
The official continued, “The two countries have signed a different memorandum of understanding in the fields of health, including medicine, medical devices, and medical education. We are interested in promoting cooperation and discussing how to implement the agreements achieved.”
Zafarqandi highlighted that both countries face similar challenges, such as an aging population and non-communicable diseases, and proposed to prepare a list of cooperation capabilities, share the challenges, and organize a working group to promote relationships.
To support health diplomacy, the Minister of Health also held meetings with Swiss and Saudi counterparts.
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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