Cairo: Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar and Higher Education Minister Abdel Aziz Konsowa attended a ceremony at Alamein International University, marking the university's recognition by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the first health-promoting university in Egypt and Africa.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdel Ghaffar stated that the recognition highlights the university's comprehensive efforts to align with international assessment standards. The concept of a 'health-promoting university' positions health and well-being as central to the university's culture and institutional framework, rather than treating them as isolated activities.
The Minister emphasized the assessment's role in showcasing the university's success in institutionalizing health promotion and fostering a supportive educational environment. This achievement was accomplished through the integration of health promotion into governance and policies, ensuring a safe environment, and encouraging the health of students and staff.
Konsowa highlighted the achievement as a testament to Egyptian universities' capabilities in meeting international standards. He noted that modern universities extend beyond education and research to contribute to human development and improve quality of life by promoting healthy lifestyles, prevention, and physical and mental well-being.
The recognition followed a detailed assessment covering university environment, student and staff health, mental health, sustainability, emergency preparedness, and community engagement. Konsowa added that the Ministry of Higher Education is adopting the Health-Promoting Universities initiative and aims to expand its practices across Egyptian universities.
Chairman of the University's Board of Trustees Hassan Nadir remarked that the recognition underscores the university's commitment to making health promotion and well-being a widespread institutional and community practice. University President Essam el Kurdi echoed this sentiment, noting that the achievement aligns with the university's vision as a fourth-generation institution, integrating health and sustainability into its curricula and supporting multidisciplinary scientific research.
El Kurdi added that the university is dedicated to providing equitable health services and enhancing community engagement in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 on good health and well-being.
In addition to the ceremony, the two ministers toured the Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine and inspected its laboratories, which are equipped with advanced facilities that provide students with practical training, skill development, and preparation for the labor market.