On July 14th, David Atchoarena, Executive Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Academy, paid a visit to Nanjing Medical University (NMU), where he and his delegation were warmly welcomed by President Hu Zhibin, Vice President Feng Feng, and the heads from the School of Public Health and the Department of International Cooperation & Exchange.
During their meeting, Dr. David Atchoarena provided an overview of the WHO Academy, including its founding background, organizational structure, 2024-2026 development strategy, strategic goals, and current progress. He expressed his aspirations for future collaborations between the two institutions to advance global health efforts and contribute further to global health development.
President Hu Zhibin warmly welcomed Dr. David Atchoarena and presented an overview of the university's recent strides in achieving high-quality development. He emphasized the university's proactive efforts in expanding collaborations with leading universities and international organizations worldwide. Through initiatives such as academic exchanges, faculty and student visits, research collaborations, and clinical studies, NMU aims to elevate its educational standards and disciplinary development, and amplify its international influence. The university remains committed to actively engaging in WHO initiatives, thereby making even greater contributions to enhancing global health standards.
Following the meeting, President Hu Zhibin presented Dr. David Atchoarena with a commemorative gift from the university.
In the afternoon, Dr. David Atchoarena and his delegation visited the Jiangning campus of the university. Vice President Feng Feng, accompanied by the heads from the Department of International Cooperation & Exchange, the Teaching Management Office, and the School of Public Health, as well as teacher representatives, participated in a roundtable discussion. Director Chen Yun from the Department of International Cooperation & Exchange provided an overview of the university's international exchanges and cooperation initiatives. Discussions during the meeting centered on clinical medical education, continuing education, public health, and prospects for medical education and research cooperation.
After the meeting, Dr. David Atchoarena visited the university’s Medical Simulation Center, the historical gallery of the School of Public Health, and the National Birth Cohort Biobank.
At the conclusion of his visit, Dr. David Atchoarena expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by NMU. He acknowledged China’s pivotal role in collaborating with the WHO to tackle global health challenges and recognized the university’s achievements in nurturing medical talent and fostering international cooperation with leading universities and organizations worldwide. He expressed his hope for enhanced cooperation across various domains to bolster medical education and advance international health initiatives.
[Drafted by Huang Xiaojia; Photographs by Xu Hao; Reviewed by Chen Yun and Wu Wei; Translated by Zhang Bei]
