A specialized meeting between ambassadors from African countries and officials from Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) was held in Tehran, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This meeting highlighted Iran’s extensive capabilities in education, research, and health services, showcasing the prominent role of Iran University of Medical Sciences—particularly the International Office—in advancing health diplomacy.

During the event, Dr. Nader Tavakoli, President of Iran University of Medical Sciences, acknowledged the long-standing and respectful relations between Iran and the African continent. He described the university as “a national project for self-reliance in health,” stating, “Today, this university has reached a level of capability that enables it to share the complete cycle of knowledge—from education and research to the production of medicines, vaccines, and medical equipment—with African countries. We propose to create a strategic scientific-health alliance between Iran and African nations.”

Dr. Tavakoli emphasized that the university's board of directors and the Vice President for International Affairs are prepared to translate the outcomes of this meeting into memorandums of understanding and operational plans, facilitating swift and precise cooperation.

Following this, Dr. Mehdi Moghtadaei, Vice President for International Affairs at Iran University of Medical Sciences, outlined the university's extensive resources, including 20 hospitals and 61 research centers, as well as the capacity to accept international students in 25 fields. He remarked, “Health knows no borders. Iran University of Medical Sciences is ready to share its scientific, educational, and technological experiences with African countries and to establish stronger relationships in education, research, health technologies, and medical tourism.”

Dr. Moghtadaei also referenced the university's successful experience in Ghana, noting, “The establishment of a branch of Iran University of Medical Sciences in Ghana and our close cooperation with the Ghanaian Ministry of Health and the Ghanaian Nursing System Organization exemplifies a successful model of strategic cooperation.”

Akbar Khosravinejad, Assistant Minister and Director General for Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored the significance of the African continent in Iran's foreign policy. He stated, “Iran's health system is one of the country's key advantages for developing foreign relations, and health cooperation with African countries offers substantial opportunities for expanding international relations.”

This meeting, which featured active participation from ambassadors and diplomats from African nations, was viewed as the starting point for specialized discussions and the development of a roadmap for health cooperation between Iran and Africa.

In conclusion, Dr. Tavakoli deemed this meeting “a turning point in strengthening the health diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” adding, “From today, Iran University of Medical Sciences considers itself a long-term scientific and research partner of African countries and is fully committed to achieving health for all.”