As the “One Health” Summit, scheduled for April 7 in Lyon, approaches, the Tunisian Minister of Health received the French ambassador to Tunisia, Anne Guéguen, in order to prepare for this milestone and to review the numerous bilateral cooperation projects in the health sector.
This meeting highlighted the density of ongoing partnerships between Tunisia and France in a sector considered strategic for both countries. Through this consultation, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to consolidate cooperation oriented toward the concrete improvement of health services, for the benefit of populations across the entire Tunisian territory.
Among the main axes of collaboration mentioned are the construction and development of new hospitals in the regions, carried out with the support of the French Development Agency (AFD). This cooperation aims to strengthen health infrastructure and improve access to care in several regions of the country.
The exchanges also covered the digitization of the health sector, notably through the project “e-health”, also supported by the AFD. This initiative is part of a modernization dynamic of the Tunisian health system, with the objective of streamlining services, optimizing the management of medical data, and improving patient care.
Franco-Tunisian cooperation also covers the field of social protection, through twinning programs and support conducted with Expertise France in North Africa. These initiatives aim to share expertise and support the evolution of social and health systems.
Another important aspect: support provided to associations engaged in community health, notably within the framework of the Sa7at Moujtama program. This proximity approach emphasizes local initiatives and the role of on-the-ground actors in prevention, information and support for populations.
The cooperation also extends to the field of scientific research. The two countries encourage scientific exchanges with the IRD in the Mediterranean, as well as mobility grants for young researchers, through programs such as the PHC Utique and the Charles Nicolle Chair. These programs contribute to strengthening training, innovation and bridges between the Tunisian and French scientific communities.
In the field of professional training, discussions also addressed the training and mobility of nursing aides, in connection with the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII). This partnership aims to support professional pathways while meeting the growing needs of the medico-social sector.
Finally, several awareness-raising actions were highlighted, notably around the fight against cancer, diabetes and the promotion of blood donation, with the support of the French Institute of Tunisia. These campaigns reflect a shared commitment to also act in the realm of prevention and public health.
Through this multiform cooperation, France reaffirms its role as a major partner of Tunisia in the health sector. A partnership that the two countries intend to continue and deepen, in a logic that goes beyond national borders, faithful to the spirit of the “One Health” summit, founded on the idea that human, animal and environmental health are inextricably linked.
Adel Khelifi
