Tunis: Minister of Health, Ali M'rabet, opened on Thursday evening the 2nd Mediterranean Congress and the 26th National Congress of Internal Medicine organised by the Tunisian Society of Internal Medicine in Hammamet from May 30 to June 1. The 2nd Mediterranean Congress of Internal Medicine is attended by around 300 internists from various Tunisian medical faculties, as well as experts and specialists in related fields, international organisations and scientific societies from Tunisia and other Mediterranean countries. These countries include Lebanon, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, Italy and France. According to a statement from the Ministry of Health, the congress agenda includes lectures and scientific seminars on a range of topics, such as the prevention of diseases prevalent in the Mediterranean region (including vacuities, Behçet's syndrome, diabetes, hypertension and autoinflammatory diseases such as familial Mediterranean fever). Minister M'rabet praised the Tunisian Society of Internal Medicine for its commitment to keeping abreast of scientific advances, training and mentoring its members, and facilitating the exchange of expertise. He highlighted the significant contribution of internists to the national health system through the rapid diagnosis and effective treatment of autoimmune diseases, hypertension and diabetes. He emphasised their crucial role in prevention, treatment and ensuring the integration of different medical and healthcare systems. The Minister affirmed that the expertise of Tunisian medical professionals in various specialties enables Tunisia and the wider Mediterranean region to improve health services and indicators. He called for greater cooperation between countries, the exchange of expertise and the promotion of scientific research and training, and praised the initiative to create the Mediterranean Association of Internal Medicine. Minister M'rabet stressed the importance of coordination between all participants and specialists from different countries, and underlined the importance of scientific research on the Mediterranean diet in preventing numerous diseases such as obesity, heart disease and cardiovascular diseases. He reiterated the need to keep abreast of the latest scientific developments and medical research in internal medicine, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases prevalent in the Mediterranean region. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse