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Within the framework of the strategy of Theodor Bilharz Research Institute and its pioneering role in supporting international cooperation and exchanging research and medical expertise across all scientific fields—and in accordance with the directives of  Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz, Director of the Institute, to open up to international experiences and strengthen scientific partnerships with global research institutions—the institute made a distinguished participation in the annual conference for exchanging expertise between China and Africa in the field of tropical disease control, which was held in the People's Republic of China from June 11 to 14, 2025, under the title:

"China–Africa Technical Exchange Conference on Tropical Diseases Control and Prevention"

The institute was represented at this important scientific forum by Dr. Hagar Fathy Abdel Maksoud, Assistant Professor in the Department of Parasitology at the institute, where she delivered a lecture entitled:

“Schistosomiasis Epidemiology in Egypt: Travel through History”
In her presentation, she reviewed the journey of schistosomiasis in Egypt throughout the ages, starting from its discovery during the era of the ancient Egyptians—as documented through mummy analysis and papyri—passing through its stages of development, and reaching the modern state’s efforts and its successful strategy in controlling the disease and reducing its impact on public health.

This conference is considered one of the most prominent international forums in the field of tropical medicine and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). It witnessed the attendance of several high-level figures, including the Chinese Minister of Health and the Director of the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), in addition to experts and representatives from various African countries such as Tanzania, Gambia, and South Africa.

Dr. Hagar Fathy also received a special invitation to visit the headquarters of the China CDC, where she conducted a field tour of its various departments and was introduced to the advanced systems used in disease and epidemic control. She also exchanged expertise with specialists in this important and vital field.

It is worth noting that  Theodor Bilharz Research Institute is bound by a Memorandum of Understanding and a joint cooperation protocol with the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases in China, in support of scientific relations and the exchange of expertise in the field of parasitic disease control. In this context, the institute received a delegation of professors and researchers from the National Institute, along with representatives from the Xiangsu Institute and the Anhui Institute for Schistosomiasis Control, where the meeting addressed ways to activate joint cooperation and enhance research collaboration between the Egyptian and Chinese sides.

Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz, Director of the Institute, confirmed that this participation represents an important step in strengthening the regional and international role of  Theodor Bilharz Research Institute. He pointed out that engaging with international expertise and knowledge transfer are fundamental pillars in developing scientific research at the institute and among the most important axes of enhancing its research and medical performance—especially in priority areas such as tropical and parasitic diseases. He added that the institute continues its efforts to build scientific capacities capable of interacting with global health challenges and providing effective research solutions that meet the needs of the scientific and medical community and contribute to advancing the quality of medical services provided.