ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT): The International Health Conference on “Transforming Global Health: Tackling Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)” commenced at the ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Morocco. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the urgent need to combat NTDs through science-led solutions, capacity building, and international collaboration.
Addressing a distinguished audience, including Minister of Health of Morocco, Director-General ICESCO, diplomats, and eminent experts from the UK, Pakistan, Brazil, and various OIC member states, Prof. Choudhary expressed gratitude to ICESCO, the Government of Morocco, and global partners for organizing this crucial event.
Prof. Choudhary highlighted that NTDs continue to impact vulnerable populations, causing immense suffering and economic strain, yet they remain largely underfunded and overlooked in global health discussions. The conference serves as a platform for leading scientists and policymakers to strategize and strengthen international responses to these diseases.
Representing COMSTECH, the Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the OIC, Prof. Choudhary reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to addressing NTDs through scientific research and innovation, capacity building and training, policy and advocacy, and investment in local solutions. Since 2022, COMSTECH and the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases, UK, have been conducting webinars, international training workshops, and research collaborations in regions affected by NTDs. Recent training sessions were held in Kenya (2023) and Ethiopia (2024), and efforts are now being expanded further through this conference.
Prof. Choudhary outlined several major COMSTECH programs aimed at empowering OIC member states through science and technology. Some of the key initiatives include the establishment of the Consortium of Excellence (CoE), a network of top OIC research institutions; research fellowships in virology and vaccine development in collaboration with host institutions in Indonesia and Pakistan; scholarship programs for Palestinian and African students; the COMSTECH Technology Portal and Expert Service to facilitate research collaborations; and training programs for technical personnel in handling sophisticated research and lab equipment. Other initiatives include health and STI capacity-building programs for LDC countries in Africa, including Burkina Faso, Chad, Gambia, Niger, Senegal, and Uganda; eye camps and medical training workshops in Benin, Chad, and Uganda; and capacity building in medicine and Halal product standardization.
Prof. Choudhary emphasized that this conference presents a unique opportunity to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration among experts, policymakers, and researchers. He called for greater investment in scientific research and local solutions to effectively combat NTDs and improve global health equity. He expressed deep gratitude to ICESCO and all participating organizations for their collaboration and commitment to addressing NTDs. He urged all stakeholders to work together towards a healthier, more equitable world and looked forward to fruitful discussions over the next three days.
