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Prof. Hesham El-Ghazaly, Head of the National Committee for the Presidential Initiative for Women's Health, President of the Egyptian Cancer Society, and Director of the MASRI Research Center at the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, participated in the first International Cancer Research Forum in Algeria. The forum was held under the patronage of His Excellency President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria and under the supervision of Prof. Oday Boungar, Head of the National Committee for Cancer Prevention and Control.

The forum was organized in cooperation with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organization. It served as a high-level international scientific platform, bringing together leading researchers, health policymakers, and oncology experts from around the world to promote international collaboration and develop research and innovation strategies in the fight against cancer.

Prof. Hisham El-Ghazaly participated in the high-level plenary session alongside a number of prominent international figures in scientific research and public health, including Dr. Elisabeth Wieder-Bass, Director-General of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and senior Algerian officials in the health, scientific research, health security, and pharmaceutical sectors.

El-Ghazaly's participation reflected the influential presence of Egyptian expertise in international scientific forums. He presented Egypt's pioneering experience in developing its healthcare system and scientific research, particularly the presidential initiatives for public health, most notably the Presidential Initiative for Women's Health, which has become a regional model in the areas of early detection, diagnosis, integrated treatment, and promoting scientific research relevant to the needs of society.

He also highlighted Egypt's growing role in supporting cancer research at the regional and international levels, reviewing the Egyptian Cancer Society's contributions to strengthening international scientific cooperation, building research and medical capacities, and expanding partnership networks between research institutions within Egypt and abroad.

El-Ghazaly emphasized that Egypt's accession to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) represents a significant strategic step that enhances its position as a regional hub for applied scientific research and contributes to linking research outputs to health and development policies, thus supporting the Egyptian government's efforts to develop an evidence-based healthcare system.

The conference also highlighted the role of the MASRI Research Center at Ain Shams University's Faculty of Medicine in supporting clinical and applied studies, training young researchers, and developing specialized training programs. This aligns with Ain Shams University's vision to solidify its position as a leading academic institution in scientific research and innovation at both the regional and international levels.

The conference witnessed broad participation from heads of national medical associations, directors of research centers, academics, and specialists from various African, European, and Arab countries. The scientific program included a series of international lectures and specialized workshops that discussed ways to advance cancer research and establish a practical roadmap for enhancing scientific collaboration and the exchange of expertise.

In closing, Prof. Hisham El-Ghazaly emphasized that the growing challenges facing cancer research necessitate strengthening cross-border partnerships, intensifying data and expertise exchange, and investing in human resources and research institutions. He stressed that Egyptian scientists and researchers possess the experience and competence to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cancer research and healthcare in the region.