The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), in cooperation with Mohammed V University in Rabat, held on Monday, February 17, 2025, the International Health Conference on “Transforming Global Health: Tackling Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).” The three-day conference aims to offer a platform for researchers, officials, policymakers, healthcare workers, and students to discuss suitable mechanisms to contribute to countering NTDs and fostering equal treatment opportunities.

During the opening session, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, stated that the conference reflects a shared commitment to fighting one of the most pressing health challenges, further explaining that despite the great advancements in medical research, NTDs still affect more than a billion people worldwide, especially in poor communities. He added that achieving comprehensive health justice necessitates the eradication of these diseases, reaffirming ICESCO’s commitment to sustaining its efforts to address NTDs, in line with its steadfast belief in the dire need to promote its Member States’ healthcare systems, consolidate international cooperation, and mobilize the scientific expertise needed to achieve this goal. He also stressed that combating these diseases requires multilateral cooperation and long-term investments, an objective targeted by this conference through providing field training to 50 participants and equipping healthcare workers with the necessary skills and expertise to replicate them in their countries.

For his part, Dr. Iqbal Choudhary, COMSTECH Coordinator General, stated that the fight against NTDs requires the global community’s attention to strive to fill in the information gaps regarding their complex composition, contagious nature, and numerous outbreak factors, commending the joint programs and initiatives of ICESCO and COMSTECH in service of the Member States and humanity at large.

Speaking next, Dr. Amal Thimou, Vice Dean for Academic and Research Affairs at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at Mohammed V University in Rabat, underlined the need for the global community to share the responsibility of guaranteeing a safe and healthy world where individuals can live in communities that uphold health as a priority and a right for all.

Afterward, the first working session was held under the theme: “Eradicating Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Global Health Imperative.” The session was moderated by Mr. Anas Doukkali, Former Minister of Health of Morocco, and brought together a host of international officials and experts to discuss NTDs as a major global health issue facing poor communities. The session also discussed the devastating economic repercussions of the lack of awareness of these diseases, stressing the need for concerted efforts, leveraging modern technology, and increasing funding for scientific medical research to promote prevention measures and curb their natural and climate-induced spread.

The second session, moderated by Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of the Science and Environment Sector, discussed the theme, “Tackling Neglected Tropical Diseases: Field Perspectives and Best Practices,” with the participation of international experts and officials. The session addressed states’ effective practices to prevent the spread of tropical diseases, notably the Kingdom of Morocco, considered a model in fighting a number of diseases such as leishmaniasis, leprosy, and trachoma, following effective strategies.

Discussions also focused on the importance of promoting accurate diagnosis, building the capacities of healthcare workers, and capitalizing on impactful success stories as key levers of change.

On the sidelines of the conference, training sessions on countering NTDs will be organized for the benefit of 50 participants from ICESCO’s Member States, both at the Organization’s headquarters and the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at Mohammed V University in Rabat.