ROME (WAM)
The Salerno Medical School, the oldest medical university in Europe, will hold on Friday a special ceremony under the patronage of Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic, to honour the UAE's pioneering humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and its role in providing relief to affected populations.
The Schola Salernitana Lumen et Magister Award ceremony also recognises the UAE's efforts in enhancing scientific cooperation and exchanging knowledge and expertise, which contributed to addressing global health challenges resulting from the pandemic.
The event will be organised for the first time at the Italian Chamber of Deputies in Rome.
The list of honourees at this event includes Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the UAE Media Council and former Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi; Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA); Syed Basar Shueb, CEO and Managing Director of International Holding Company (IHC); and Peng Xiao, CEO of G42 Group.
This recognition symbolises the global appreciation for the UAE's efforts in addressing the rapid and widespread impact of COVID-19 worldwide.
The UAE remained committed to its humanitarian responsibility towards other nations, providing approximately 80 percent of the international aid during the pandemic.
Moreover, the UAE accelerated scientific cooperation between countries to find innovative solutions to combat the pandemic.
Friday will also see the Salerno Medical School in Rome host the "Italian-Emirati Scientific Day" at the historic Vicolo Valdina complex, located within the Chamber of Deputies, attended by Dr. Abdallah Raweh, Honorary President of the Salerno Medical School and Vice Rector of LUdeS University, Switzerland.
This event is part of the International Days of the Salerno Medical School, showcasing Italy's appreciation for the UAE's efforts in promoting cooperation in scientific research and its commitment to developing an advanced scientific and research environment that supports sustainable development and innovation.
The Salerno Medical School is the first renowned medical academy built in the West and the first university institution associated with medicine to be established in Europe, dating back to approximately 1000 AD.
For centuries, the school has produced theses and principles that became the foundation of modern medicine.
The Salerno Medical School launched its prestigious award in memory of its ancient teachers, awarding it to those with outstanding medical, scientific, and humanitarian contributions.
Previous recipients include Rita Levi-Montalcini, Nobel Prize Laureate in Medicine; Umberto Veronesi, a world-renowned oncologist and researcher; and Jeremiah Stamler, a world-renowned cardiologist known as the “father of preventive cardiology.”