Italy and Cameroon to promote a new vision of medicine and healthcare
An academic partnership for the advancement of the health sector
The Italian Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, the Gemelli IRCCS Foundation and the Catholic University of Central Africa (UCAC) sealed a strategic partnership on Monday 22 January, aimed at strengthening training and assistance capacities in the health sector. The signing ceremony took place in the presidency hall of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart.
A commitment to improving healthcare in Cameroon
In a continent where access to quality healthcare remains a major challenge, this agreement is of vital importance. Jean Mbarga, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Yaoundé and Grand Chancellor of UCAC, emphasised the potential impact of this collaboration on public health in Cameroon. He expressed the hope that this partnership could turn dreams into reality, promoting a new vision of medicine and care.
Exchange of experience and multi-dimensional collaboration
The agreement provides for a fruitful exchange between the partner institutions. As well as sharing teaching experience and providing mutual assistance, it encompasses joint research projects, the supply of essential medical equipment, and continuing education programmes for teachers and administrative staff. It also opens up opportunities for academic exchanges between teachers and students.
The Catholic University’s social commitment
Professor Pier Sandro Cocconcelli, representing the Catholic University, underlined the importance of this agreement in the light of the institution’s social commitment. He recalled the words of Pope Francis on the crucial role of Catholic universities in social transformation, particularly in the field of health. This initiative is part of the University’s ongoing commitment to international solidarity.
Support for development and integral training
Mgr Claudio Giuliodori, ecclesiastical assistant general of the Catholic University, underlined the universal dimension of this agreement, in line with the vision of Father Agostino Gemelli, one of the founders of the FIUC. He highlighted the beneficial impact of this collaboration on student training, stressing the importance of solidarity as a foundation for academic activities.
An approach centred on solidarity
Professor Antonio Gasbarrini, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the Catholic University, highlighted the fundamental missions of the institution, including that of solidarity. He emphasised the commitment to training healthcare professionals who are aware of their responsibility towards the most vulnerable populations, thus placing this partnership in a humanist perspective.
A vision of openness and exchange
Finally, Professor Marco Elefanti, Director General of the Agostino Gemelli IRCCS University Polyclinic Foundation, underlined his institution’s commitment to research and care. He expressed his conviction that this partnership will not only help to improve access to healthcare in Africa, but will also enrich the knowledge and skills of all those involved, in a spirit of international exchange and collaboration.
By entering into this agreement, the partners are committing themselves to working together to meet the persistent challenges in the field of healthcare in Africa. This partnership represents a significant step forward.