In a groundbreaking announcement on Tuesday, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Standing Committee on Science and Technology (Comstech) unveiled plans for a strategic collaboration with Iran’s Pasteur Institute to advance vaccine development in Pakistan. The collaboration aims to train virologists, fostering scientific exchange and fellowship in the critical realm of infectious diseases.
Vision for Global Impact
Coordinator General of Comstech, Prof M. Iqbal Choudhary, articulated the ambitious vision of training 10 virologists in each Muslim-majority country. The initiative seeks to build a cadre of skilled professionals equipped to address the challenges posed by infectious diseases and promote collaborative efforts on a global scale.
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International Course Inauguration
The announcement was made during a three-day international course on ‘Outbreak Investigation and Control of Infectious Diseases,’ hosted at the Secretariat of the OIC Standing Committee on Science and Technology. The course, facilitated by experts from the Pasteur Institute of Iran and the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi, attracted over 100 participants from diverse countries.
Multinational Participation
Participants from countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, Iran, Yemen, Nigeria, Uganda, Indonesia, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Jordan, and Bangladesh gathered to exchange knowledge and expertise. The collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment to combating infectious diseases through a united front.
Iran’s Scientific Achievements
In his address, Iranian Ambassador Dr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam expressed gratitude for the initiative, emphasizing the enduring cooperation between Comstech and Iran. Despite facing challenges and sanctions, Iran has emerged as a global scientific leader, publishing over 78,000 scientific articles in 2022 and ranking 15th worldwide. Dr. Moghaddam underscored Iran’s commitment to scientific development, citing notable progress in various fields and highlighting a focus on inclusivity, with over 50% of Iranian students being women.
Commitment to Scientific Development
In the course of his speech, Professor M. Iqbal Choudhary conveyed optimism regarding the collaborative endeavor with the Pasteur Institute of Iran, perceiving it as the commencement of a promising partnership with a prominent institution within the Muslim world. He accentuated Comstech’s overarching mission to propel advancements in science and technology for the Muslim Ummah, highlighting the organization’s steadfast commitment to the spheres of health and various other fields.
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The collaborative effort between Comstech and the Pasteur Institute of Iran is framed as a strategic initiative aimed at harnessing the respective strengths of both entities. The ongoing three-day course, slated to persist until December 28, serves as a tangible manifestation of the shared commitment of Comstech and the Pasteur Institute of Iran towards the advancement of scientific knowledge and the promotion of cooperation within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) community.