The Graduation Ceremony for the Second Cohort of the Public Health Strengthening Program Held

The Ministry of Public Health, through the National Institute of Health and with financial and technical support from EMPHNET Organization, awarded graduation certificates to 30 trainees who completed a six-month Public Health Strengthening program.

A ceremony was held with the participation of Dr. Mohammad Hassan Ghiyasi, Deputy Minister for Health Promotion and Policy; Al-Hajj Sheikh Mohammad Tahir Haleem, Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Public Health; senior ministry officials; representatives of EMPHNET; and media personnel.

The Deputy Minister congratulated the graduates and stated, “Today marks a bright moment in our country’s academic and professional landscape. It represents a new chapter for you and a symbol of hope for the future of Afghanistan’s health system.”

He highlighted the graduates’ new responsibilities, the opportunities ahead, and existing health-sector challenges. He urged them to apply their knowledge with commitment and integrity, and to contribute actively to disease prevention and improved public health.

The Chief of Staff, Al-Hajj Sheikh Mohammad Tahir Haleem, also congratulated the graduates, noting, “We are moving toward constructive engagement. The graduation of these doctors will support efforts to strengthen the health system, enhance prevention, improve disease diagnosis, advance research, and fill existing gaps in the sector.”

Additional remarks were delivered by Dr. Taj Malook Sameem, Director of the National Institute of Health; Dr. Khwaja Mir Islam Saeed, Technical Advisor to the Field Epidemiology Program; Mr. Saifuddin-Al-Hindawi from EMPHNET’s central office; Ismatullah Hashimi, the organization’s country lead; and one graduate. They underscored the program’s value and the essential role these doctors will play in disease control, preventive health, research, and strengthening the national health system.