Zanzibar sees technological fortunes in hosting the 40th FAMSA Conference

ZANZIBAR: THE Minister of State in the Zanzibar Second Vice-President’s Office, Hamza Hassan Juma, has said hosting the 40th Conference of the Federation of African Medical Students’ Associations (FAMSA) in Zanzibar presents an important opportunity to strengthen cooperation among medical and health sciences students across Africa, exchange professional experiences and explore technological advancements in the health sector.

He said the conference, which brings together medical students from various African countries, is part of FAMSA’s tradition of holding meetings in member states to build relationships, promote unity and discuss effective ways of addressing health challenges facing the continent.

He added that the two-day conference in Zanzibar would provide participants with an opportunity to learn about emerging technologies in healthcare, including the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving medical examinations, disease diagnosis and treatment.

Meanwhile, Zanzibar Ministry of Health Director of Planning, Policy and Research Omar Mwalim Omar said the conference offered medical students an important platform to strengthen professional cooperation, conduct joint research and establish wider networks that would enable health professionals from different African countries to exchange knowledge and experiences in addressing health challenges.

ALSO READ: Sudanese medical students admitted at MNH

For his part, State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) Deputy Vice-Chancellor responsible for Finance, Planning and Administration, Professor Jamal Jumannne Athumani, said hosting the conference was an important milestone for Zanzibar and aligned with the university’s vision of producing graduates with the skills, knowledge and broad perspectives needed to respond to labour market demands.

FAMSA Vice-President Wahida Ali said the federation brings together medical students from different African countries and has a network of approximately 3,000 students, with a history spanning nearly 50 years since its establishment.

She added that the federation is recognised by international institutions, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the African Union (AU).