Historic Memorandum of Understanding signed between IAMRA and the World Health Organization

The International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA) signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today with the World Health Organization in a ceremony in Geneva.

The MoU was signed by Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the WHO, and Joan Simeon, Chair of IAMRA. The ceremony was also attended by IAMRA secretary Dr Humayun Chaudhry and Dr Jeffrey Carter, Chair of the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States.

The MoU sets out a framework for collaboration between the WHO and IAMRA on a range of strategic projects and common goals including:

• The identification of priority evidence gaps and related research in health workforce regulation
• The inclusion of regulatory perspectives into areas of development by the WHO
• The provision of technical support for capacity building in medical regulation in countries and assistance in identifying appropriate technical advisers
• Closer collaboration on sponsored participation of low and middle-income countries at IAMRA global meetings,
• The development of a webinar series with a focus on issues for medical regulators in low and middle-income countries, and
• Support for the implementation and uptake of the WHO Guidance on Health Practitioner Regulation

IAMRA Chair Joan Simeon, who is also the chief executive officer of Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa Medical Council of New Zealand, welcomed the signing of the MoU and said it heralds a new era of cooperation and collaboration between the two organizations.

‘Today’s signing is the culmination of a lot of work between IAMRA and the WHO and IAMRA looks forward to utilizing the resources and expertise of the WHO in advancing our jointly held strategic goals in medical and health professional regulation,’ she said.

‘IAMRA’s vision is for everyone in the world to be treated and cared for by safe and competent doctors. By working more closely with the WHO in information sharing and priority driven programs, we are confident we can help achieve more effective medical regulation worldwide and through our support of regulatory activities in low and middle-income countries.

Director General of the WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, echoed those sentiments.

‘We are delighted to enter into this agreement with IAMRA and work together to strengthen health professional regulation to ensure everyone in every country gets access to the best possible health care,’ Dr Tedros said.

‘We look forward to continuing and enhancing our strong professional relationships with IAMRA, which will benefit our shared goals of international collaboration to ensure a safe and competent global health workforce.’