content

Health Measures in Germany and the MENA Region during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Hands holding COSIMENA information brochures
© Michael Assad
On September 22nd, 2020, the DAAD Regional Office Cairo organized an online public lecture on the topic “Health Measures in Germany and the MENA Region during the COVID-19 Pandemic”.

Within the scope of COSIMENA -Cluster of Scientific Innovation in the Middle East and North Africa- the event intended to provide an insightful analysis of the different approaches of medical systems in Germany and the MENA Region in dealing with COVID-19. Different experts were invited to share their knowledge on a variety of topics: Studies on the mental health consequences of the pandemic, best-practice examples from the health measures from Morocco and Jordan and an analysis of the evolution of the research field from an Egyptian perspective were presented. A time for open questions and answers examining similarities and differences among the aforementioned cases followed. As a result, the public lecture offered the opportunity for the attendees to reflect on major issues deriving from the current global pandemic through a perceptive comparison between different countries.

“The current global pandemic has turned the world upside down;” Ms. Isabell Mering, director of the DAAD regional Office Cairo, stated during her opening remarks, “all countries around the globe are currently confronted with the urgent necessity to find health policies to face it”. The first presentation therefore focused on the impact of COVID-19 on mental health to understand some major problems emerging during this challenging time of transformation. Prof. Dr. Hanna Christiansen, Child and Youth Psychotherapist, Psychologist and Supervisor at the University of Marburg presented the articulated set of consequences on mental health of the global pandemic. Specifically, she clarified how the COVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented source of stress for people at a multidimensional level. After Dr. Christiansen’s explanation of the mental health risks deriving from the global pandemic and the available strategies to cope with it, Prof. Dr. El-Azami El-Idrissi Mohamed, an Academic Researcher at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Fez , took the floor. He proceeded the public lecture with a presentation on “The impact of professional arena and closed communities on the evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak in an early containment” focused on the country of Morocco. He first explained how the implementation of early measures had a positive impact on the evolution of the outbreak and helped Morocco to avoid a major crisis. Similarly, Prof. Dr. Walid Al-Zyoud, PhD, Vice Dean of the School of Applied Medical Sciences and Head of Biomedical Engineering Department at the German Jordanian University (GJU) took the containment measures in Jordan under scrutiny. He then offered a detailed explanation of Coronavirus, the available testing options and concluded with the invention of a new testing method invented by him and a research partner “the RNA toolkit” which is being produced and marketed in the coming weeks in his presentation “Invention step in the age of Coronavirus”. The lecture then moved to analyse the consequences of the global pandemic in the research field from the perspective of Egypt. Prof. Dr. Abdel Meguid Kassem, Chief of the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Department at the Faculty of Medicine at the Cairo University and member of the Advisory Committee of the pandemic in Egypt emphasized the need to continue exchanging information in the academic field for an effective response to the global pandemic. He equally highlighted the challenges which researchers are facing in this unique global crisis such as the pressure by decision makers and the public, the limited information at disposal, the lack of coordination and prioritization due to unpreparedness. Furthermore, he elaborated the research fields in which more research work is needed.

Overall, the public lecture shed the light on major issues in the health sector deriving from the Coronavirus pandemic from different perspectives. It therefore stimulated reflections on the nature of the crisis, its consequences and the possible measureson a regional and cross-regional basis while emphasizing the necessity to continue sharing information across countries in a spirit of solidarity and exchange.

Author: Veronica Merlo

Advertisements by German Universities

1/19

English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programs at Hof University

Shape your future with our career-focused Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in English, featuring hands-on learning, internships, and strong industry connections!

More

International Master program “African Studies” (M.A.)

The Master of African Studies offers students a uniquely interdisciplinary social sciences approach to the study of Africa. The programme critically engages the social, political and cultural dynamics...

More

M.A./M.Sc. Human and Artificial Intelligence

Discover our brand-new Master's program for graduates of Philosophy, Psychology, and Computer Science!

More

Data, Science and AI (B.Sc./B.A.)

Good in Mathematics? Like working with computers? Want to understand the theoretical foundations of modern information technologies and learn how to use them?

More

Get a truly international education!

Are you looking to study at a German university that will launch your international career? Join us at ESB Business School for a top-tier education!

More

Transform tomorrow: Advance your tech skills for a sustainable world

Become a tech expert! Study at TU Ilmenau in the center of Germany: Bachelor and Master programs of Science – designed for real-world impact

More

Become a Leader with your MBA European Management

Study your MBA with a focus on Entrepreneurship or Behavioural Management at Saarland University in the heart of Europe. Apply today and accelerate your career!

More

Your Future in Engineering Begins at Carl Benz School!

Your path to success starts here! Study Mechanical Engineering at Carl Benz School, KIT with English-taught courses & tailored support

More

Study in Berlin - MBA & International Master’s Programmes

Study management in English. Improve your leadership skills. Gain digital know-how. Become part of an international student body. Benefit from many corporate activities, valuable career consultation a...

More

Study at Germany´s oldest private business university

Since 1971, EBS Universität educates the leaders of tomorrow. Start your bachelor's or master's studies at EBS now and be empowered to make a difference in the world.

More

Food System Sciences (M.Sc.)

Your master’s degree for a better world! Be a part of our international master’s programme at the Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health and apply now!

More

Be part of the transition to the future shape of energy

Join our English-taught Bachelor of Science in Energy Systems Engineering and Management!

More

Study International Engineering in Germany

100% English-taught BA degree program with simplified admission process. Top university ranking.

More

Food Quality and Safety (M.Sc.)

Your master’s degree for a better world! Be a part of our international master’s programme at the Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health and apply now!

More

Top-ranked International Master & PhD Programs (english-taught) – FOR ...

24 International Master & PhD Programs (english-taught) @ RPTU University of Kaiserslautern-Landau Application Deadline: Apr 30 & Oct 31 More information: https://rptu.de/international/home

More

MBA IBC (Black Forest Business School) – Prepared for Leadership

Upgrade your career with an English-taught MBA degree of Offenburg University! Your gateway to a qualified job in Germany and around the world!

More

Study at Germany's first AI university!

We are rethinking university: discover our innovative teaching and learning concept and the AI & Robotics and Human & Artificial Intelligence Master's degree programs!

More

Executive M.Sc. in Energy, Mobility, Production, Product Innovation, F...

Boost your career with an industry-oriented M. Sc. in Renewable Energies, Digital Transformation, Global Production, Innovation, Finance or Mobility. Taught in English in Germany!

More

Hands-on Master’s programs at Hof University Graduate School

Boost your career with our practical M.B.A. and M.Eng. programs, including a one-year industry internship to gain real-world experience!

More

Contact

Screenshot of map with location of DAAD-office marked