Inaugural Forum Kicks Off in Tunis
The first Tunis Forum on the Development of Sino-African Medicine officially opened on Friday, November 21, 2025, in the Tunisian capital. This two-day event, co-organized by the Tunisian Health Ministry and China's National Health Commission, is set to conclude on November 22, 2025. The forum's primary objective is to strengthen public health cooperation and deepen medical exchanges between China and African countries.
Held at the Palais des Congrès in Tunis, the forum brings together officials, medical experts, and business representatives from China and across Africa. It operates under the high patronage of Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed.
Key Participants and Objectives
Among the prominent figures, Lei Haichao, head of China's National Health Commission, delivered a video address, emphasizing China's readiness to collaborate with African partners to bolster public health systems. Tunisian Health Minister Mustapha Ferjani highlighted the forum's aim to foster an equitable China-Africa partnership, recognizing health as a fundamental human right. He also underscored Tunisia's historical role as a bridge for China-Africa medical cooperation, which began with the first Chinese medical mission in 1973.
The forum is described as an unprecedented platform designed to combine Tunisian expertise, Chinese scientific capacity, and African ambitions for health development. Hundreds of medical professionals from China and more than a dozen African countries are attending the event, with approximately 120 Chinese medical experts expected to participate.
Focus Areas for Cooperation
Discussions and initiatives at the forum are centered on a broad range of medical and public health areas. These include:
- Infectious disease control and maternal and child health.
- Enhancing traditional medicine and innovative phytotherapy.
- Developing cardiovascular innovations and supportive cardiology.
- Promoting digital health and artificial intelligence in medicine.
- Fostering industrial partnerships and joint ventures.
- Concluding strategic agreements and strengthening triangular cooperation.
The forum builds upon a partnership signed in February 2025 with the Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China, aiming to rethink the future of medicine by integrating traditional practices with digital innovations and AI to achieve African health sovereignty.
11 Comments
Habibi
Combining traditional medicine with AI is genius. This forum is pioneering innovation!
Muchacho
Finally, a real focus on health equity through strong international partnerships. Excellent initiative!
Coccinella
It's great to see a focus on critical areas like maternal health, yet the real challenge will be ensuring these initiatives reach rural communities effectively and are culturally sensitive.
Bermudez
Another forum, more talk. Let's see actual, tangible improvements on the ground.
Muchacho
While increased cooperation can bring much-needed resources, we must ensure these partnerships prioritize local capacity building over long-term dependency on foreign aid or expertise.
ytkonos
Crucial step for infectious disease control and maternal health. So much needed.
lettlelenok
Strengthening health systems through international collaboration is vital, but the terms of these 'equitable partnerships' need transparent scrutiny to prevent any future debt traps or uneven benefits.
ZmeeLove
China and Africa working together is a powerful force for global health progress.
Katchuka
Fantastic news! This collaboration will truly transform health outcomes across Africa.
KittyKat
Digital health and AI? Many places lack basic infrastructure first. Priorities are skewed.
Noir Black
Traditional medicine sounds good, but what about safety and proper regulation?