The President of Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) has emphasized Iran's readiness to transfer medical expertise and drug production capabilities to African countries, highlighting the nation's advancements in health, medicine, and pharmaceutical development.

According to Iran Press, during a meeting attended by African ambassadors residing in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Nader Tavakoli, President of the Iran University of Medical Sciences, described the university as a national initiative in the health sector. He stated, “We have made significant progress despite unfair sanctions, demonstrating that by relying on dedicated and innovative human resources, we can address many of the gaps in the health chain—from education and enrollment to drug production and technology—within our own country.”

Tavakoli expressed Iran's readiness to share this experience with African nations, proposing the establishment of a strategic scientific health alliance between the two sides.

In outlining the key areas of this strategic alliance, Tavakoli noted that research should focus on addressing real-world challenges. He stated, “We are prepared to open our laboratories and research centers to tackle the research questions posed by our African colleagues. Priorities may include tropical diseases, endemic diseases, specific drug shortages, and the provision of health services in rural areas of Africa.”

He further emphasized the importance of reciprocal and empowering education, adding, “We are not only interested in admitting African students to Iran; we are also ready to develop joint educational programs with dual accreditation and send professors to train educators as a long-term commitment.”

Tavakoli also discussed the third area of cooperation between Iran and African countries in health, explaining, “Transferring technical knowledge in areas such as vaccine production, biosimilar drugs, and medical equipment through the establishment of joint production lines in friendly African nations is another initiative. This approach involves not just the transfer of goods, but the complete knowledge cycle, from design to production.”

He identified the fourth area as creating a bridge between African scientists and the Iranian scientific community, stating, “We can serve as a platform for communication with over 60 universities and several hundred leading medical science research centers across Iran.”

This meeting, held at the Razi International Conference Center, IUMS, aimed to foster scientific, educational, research, and health-oriented cooperation between Iran and African nations.