Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, on Tuesday, 6 May 2025, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the two sides in promoting community health, youth participation in health awareness, and encouraging scientific research in the field.

During the meeting, held at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik presented the Organization’s strategic vision and key programs and initiatives, particularly those related to health in Member States. He emphasized ICESCO’s commitment and openness to implementing innovative joint programs with relevant international institutions to advance community health.

Additionally, Dr. AlMalik noted that ICESCO has established strong partnerships with leading universities in and beyond the Islamic world to support research in digital health and to launch initiatives that enhance the role of youth in health awareness.

For her part, Dr. Balkhy expressed appreciation for ICESCO’s transformation across various areas and stressed the importance of joint cooperation in addressing health challenges in the Islamic world and in strengthening Member States’ pharmaceutical security policies.

Moreover, the meeting included discussions on several areas of cooperation, such as promoting scientific research, increasing health awareness in schools, launching joint training programs for teachers, and developing initiatives that boost youth participation in preventive awareness and health education.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector; Dr. Haddy Jatou Sey, Head of the Education Sector; Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Social and Human Sciences Sector; and Ms. Rime Jirari, Head of the Organizations and Bodies Department in the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector.

Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik accompanied Dr. Balkhy and her delegation on a tour of the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization, currently hosted at ICESCO headquarters in partnership with the Muslim World League (MWL) and the Mohammadia League of Scholars in the Kingdom of Morocco.