Conference on Telemedicine, Mine Action and Development
The Conference was organized from 26 to 27 September 2010 in Cairo, Egypt. More then 40 representatives from 15 countries and 9 international and regional organizations participated at this important meeting. The Conference has been very successful and ha
The Conference “Telemedicine, Mine Action and Development” was organized from 26 to 27 September 2010 at the Headquarters of the League of Arab States. More then 40 representatives from 15 countries and 9 international and regional organizations participated at this important meeting, organized jointly by the League of Arab States, the International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance (ITF) and the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Cairo.
During the Conference, participants also visited El Agouza Rehabilitation Center, which already implemented the telemedicine program. Their personnel organized a detailed demonstration of one part of the telemedicine program, when they connected with Telemedicine Center of Kosovo*. Through the connection they jointly examined the patient and consulted on further course of rehabilitation. The demonstration presented the importance of telemedicine and its contribution to improve health system.
During the Conference, participants also visited El Agouza Rehabilitation Center, which already implemented the telemedicine program. Their personnel organized a detailed demonstration of one part of the telemedicine program, when they connected with Telemedicine Center of Kosovo*. Through the connection they jointly examined the patient and consulted on further course of rehabilitation. The demonstration presented the importance of telemedicine and its contribution to improve health system.
The Conference has been very successful and has reached enthusiasm of experts, potential donors as well as wider population, through media coverage.
It was agreed to create a sophisticated and integrated multinational Middle Eastern Telemedicine Network for application of telemedicine and advanced technologies in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of victims of landmines and unexploded ordnances, improvised explosive devices and other causes of trauma and major injuries. The Network will improve the rehabilitation programs for the victims and contribute to reducing mortality and morbidity of landmine/ unexploded ordnance injuries and from other traumas. It will provide medical personnel with the right information at the right time in a timely manner.
The development and implementation of the program will include:
- the establishment of a multinational telemedicine network and the human capacity in each country to run the telemedicine program independently;
- an advanced multidisciplinary educational program on management of injuries caused by landmines, UXO, and other traumas;
- provision of telemedicine services that will be used for other clinical conditions and situations;
- the support for rehabilitation for landmine, UXO, and other trauma victims;
- the creation of a landmine/UXO risk education program using advanced technologies and multimedia applications;
- Prevention of discrimination between landmine/UXO/other trauma victims and theirs social and economic reintegration;
- Inclusion of rehabilitation programs of landmine/UXO/other trauma victims in the long term and sustainable development assistance programs.
Main results of the Conference:
- ITF and the League of Arab States agreed to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation;
- Telemedicine project will be presented on the meeting of the Health Council of the League of Arab States, which will be held in March 2011 in Beirut (Lebanon).