The Razi Center, part of the Manouba University Hospital's neurology department, has officially obtained accreditation from the World Health Organization (WHO) as a regional collaborating center for the Eastern Mediterranean region. This center specializes in training and research on neurocognitive disorders, particularly dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The accreditation was announced by Tunisian Health Minister Mustapha Ferjani during a visit to the center.
Minister Ferjani emphasized that this international recognition is a source of pride for Tunisia, highlighting the center's expertise in medical fields and its role in addressing the growing number of elderly individuals with Alzheimer's. The center will work with the WHO on a joint program to enhance the capacities of national and regional institutions, improve healthcare services, and provide better care for patients.
The accreditation is a testament to the center's competence in various medical domains and its developed expertise. The center's head, Riadh Gouider, noted that this recognition comes after years of cooperation with the WHO, including adapting and utilizing digital tools, scientific research, education, and contributing to guidelines for disease prevention.
As a regional collaborating center, Razi will strengthen its research activities, focusing on the genetic characteristics of Alzheimer's in the region and early detection mechanisms. The center will also participate in clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of new treatments and their suitability for Tunisian patients.
The program includes creating regional databases linking research institutions and establishing a scientific environment for training healthcare professionals and researchers. These efforts aim to develop sustainable healthcare strategies and care plans at the national and regional levels.
According to Riadh Gouider, the accreditation will enable the center to conduct more advanced epidemiological studies in Tunisia, providing a more accurate estimate of the number of people affected by Alzheimer's. The center's work will also focus on developing early diagnosis and innovative treatments to slow disease progression and improve care.
The Razi Center, which opened in September 2010, provides consultations, day care services, training, and scientific research. Since its inception, nearly 9,000 patients have benefited from its services, with around 800 utilizing day care services. The center currently has five daily care beds and aims to expand its impact in Tunisia and the region.
Key points
- The Razi Center's accreditation as a WHO regional collaborating center enhances Tunisia's expertise in Alzheimer's research and care.
- The center will work with the WHO to strengthen national and regional institutions, improve healthcare services, and provide better care for Alzheimer's patients.
- The accreditation will enable the center to conduct advanced epidemiological studies and develop early diagnosis and innovative treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
