#Bahrain #Manama #Health Education #WHO Bahrain #RCSI Bahrain

WHO and RCSI Medical University of Bahrain Strengthen Collaboration

In a significant move aimed at enhancing healthcare education and research, the World Health Organization (WHO) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain. This partnership was formalized on November 15, 2026, in Manama, Bahrain, during a ceremony attended by key health and education officials.

The agreement, signed by Dr. Adham Ismail, Officer-in-Charge at the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, and Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, establishes a framework for collaborative efforts focusing on several critical areas. These include research, capacity building, public health outreach, education, and innovation, with a particular emphasis on advancing global health and addressing health workforce education, community engagement, and emergencies.

His Excellency Lieutenant General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health, noted that fostering collaboration across universities, healthcare institutions, and international organizations is essential to addressing public health needs. He stressed that the cooperation will help in creating a shared platform that responds to community requirements and supports healthcare policy development.

“The strength of health systems hinges on a well-trained health workforce and robust community engagement,” remarked Dr. Ismail. “This partnership combines WHO’s expertise with the educational and research capabilities of RCSI Medical University, aligning our efforts to enhance health outcomes.”

The MoU indicates that the WHO Bahrain Country Office will provide both technical guidance and expertise to support joint initiatives with RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, regularly reviewing the progress of these initiatives and identifying future areas of focus.

In his address, Professor Otoom emphasized the university’s goal to utilize this partnership to benefit Bahrain’s populace. He highlighted that the collaboration represents a pivotal step toward addressing broader health priorities while simultaneously cultivating knowledge and facilitating the growth of the health workforce. “Our commitment to improving health outcomes is reflected in our desire to translate this partnership into actionable initiatives that enhance community health,” he said.

Attendance at the signing ceremony included notable figures such as Her Excellency Dr. Jalila bint Al Sayyed Jawad Hassan, Minister of Health, and His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education. Both officials reiterated their respective ministries' commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that bolster Bahrain’s status as a noteworthy hub for medical education and healthcare development in the region.

Research is anticipated to be a cornerstone of the collaboration, leveraging RCSI Medical University’s expertise in public health matters. Key areas of focus will include diabetes, obesity, cardiometabolic diseases, cancer, and preventative healthcare. This initiative will not only enhance academic and research collaborations but also support humanitarian efforts that engage communities in meaningful ways.

Overall, the MoU lays the groundwork for sustained cooperation between WHO Bahrain and RCSI Medical University, underscoring their shared commitment to making significant contributions to healthcare improvement in Bahrain and the Eastern Mediterranean region. As both partners look towards the future, they are poised to make strides that significantly impact health systems, build resilience against health crises, and promote better health outcomes across communities.

For more insights into RCSI Medical University of Bahrain and its commitment to human health, visit RCSI Bahrain’s official website.