Islamabad (TDI): Eighteen African ophthalmologists have successfully completed a one-year training program in Diabetic Retinopathy and glaucoma treatment, in Pakistan.
This marks a significant milestone in the international collaboration in healthcare development among the OIC member states, as the training was convened by OIC-COMSTECH.
During the awards ceremony, Coordinator General OIC-COMSTECH, Professor Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, awarded completion certificates to the African doctors.
While speaking to the participants of the ceremony, he stressed the shared challenges in public healthcare and emphasized the significance of cooperation among the OIC member states.
He stated, “This initiative is a practical demonstration of COMSTECH’s commitment to building indigenous scientific and medical capacities in OIC countries. It is not just a training program but an investment in the future of eye care in Africa.”
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OIC-COMSTECH has significantly strengthened science and technology cooperation among the 57 OIC member states.
The training initiative between Pakistan and Africa was organized in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank’s AFAB program, Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust, LRBT, and the University of Lahore.
The training initiative also aligned with the global efforts to prevent and treat avoidable blindness through sustainable and local capacity building.
It has opened doors for long-term partnerships between the medical institutions of Pakistan and African countries, setting the groundwork for continued cooperation in medical sciences and advanced medical technologies.
Moreover, Participants, during the ceremony, received both theoretical knowledge in the field of ophthalmology, and hands-on training using advanced diagnostic and treatment technology including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), laser therapy systems, and fundus cameras.
The goal of this training session was to introduce tools and procedures related to the advanced treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy and glaucoma treatment that are not commonly available in some African countries.
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During the session, the trainees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the training program, describing it as “transformational” in enhancing their capacity to treat avoidable blindness in Africa.
According to one participant, “This training not only upgraded our clinical skills but also broadened our perspective on how collaborative, locally led solutions can drive real change.”
Prof. Choudhary highlighted that the efforts of OIC-COMSTECH represent the ideal example of scientific diplomacy and effective capacity building.
He also reaffirmed that OIC-COMSTECH would continue to lead in fostering cooperation and trust-building among the OIC member states, especially among the developing states.
Javaria Khalid is a Web Contributor at The Diplomatic Insight Magazine. She specializes in covering geopolitical developments, international relations, diplomatic, and socio-economic developments in Europe and Pakistan.
