In cooperation with the African-Middle Eastern Society of Gastroenterology, the Arab Fund for Technical Assistance to African Countries (AFTAC) has launched eighteen (18) specialised training courses in gastroenterology and colonoscopy for 130 African medical students in their final year of study at medical schools in the Arab Republic of Egypt. The courses are held on the sidelines of the 23rd Scientific Conference of the Egyptian Research Society for the Study of Liver and Digestive Diseases, taking place from 28 to 30 May in Egypt.
The opening ceremony was overseen by Ambassador Mohannad Saleh Lajouzi, Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and Director-General of AFTAC, alongside a distinguished group of medical professors from various Arab and African countries. Also in attendance were CEOs of Egyptian hospitals and heads of gastrointestinal endoscopy and diagnostic radiology departments, several of whom delivered welcome remarks during the ceremony.
In his address, the Ambassador and Director-General of AFTAC extended his gratitude to the organisation's longstanding partners in the African-Middle Eastern Society of Gastroenterology for their ongoing collaboration with African medical professionals over the past eight years. He highlighted the significance of this initiative—held for the first time specifically for African students enrolled in Egyptian medical schools—and introduced attendees to the Fund's mission and activities, particularly within the health sector. He also underscored the keen interest of the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, in all AFTAC-led initiatives, especially those in the medical field.
The programme features hands-on training for final-year medical students in endoscopy, fibroscan, and abdominal and intestinal ultrasound imaging, in addition to their participation in theoretical sessions as part of the conference.
