More than 850 physicians and healthcare professionals from around the world participated in the “COVID Pandemic-Lessons Learnt” International Virtual Conference, which was held on July 25th. Supported by FAR, the Armenian American Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO), and A&A Medical Supply, and organized by the International Center for Professional Development (ICPD), the conference addressed much-needed information about the COVID-19 pandemic.
The agenda consisted of four sessions respectively dedicated to epidemiology; clinical issues in pediatric and pregnant patients; clinical issues in adult patients; and resource allocation, reopening and innovation. Leading Armenian professionals from institutions, which included the American University of Armenia and Kaiser Permanente Thrive, shared their experiences in fighting the coronavirus. In addition to Armenia and Artsakh, participants from places as far away as India, Saudi Arabia and the U.S., also joined the conference.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many of us into new realities but one thing is clear for now—the priorities have not changed, they have become bolder. The COVID-19 outbreak not only became a new challenge to deal with but also showed the strengths developed on the valuable experience of responding to other threats, as well as weaknesses that need to be addressed. The epidemic has proved, once again, that health is one of the most important priorities,” said Armenia’s Minister of Health Dr. Arsen Torosyan during in his opening speech.
FAR’s Healthcare Program Director Dr. Hambardzum Simonyan, who moderated the conference, emphasized that its main goal was to fill an educational gap in clinical, epidemiological, regulatory and innovative aspects of the pandemic.“Despite having had some losses in this struggle, we should learn lessons and try to be ready for upcoming challenges,” he said.