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profit Obesity Exceeds Underweight For The First Time Among School-age Children and Adolescents Globally – UNICEF

Geopolitics, A Risk For Businesses?

We live in a multipolar world, where political tensions and regional conflicts continually threaten international stability. It is no surprise that many executives worldwide report their businesses being affected by unexpected political risks. The impact on resources, logistics, supply chains, and public sentiment from the war in Ukraine, Washington–China tensions, tariff uncertainties, and the escalating Israel–Gaza conflict has been widely documented, alongside numerous other regional disputes. Geopolitics has become an unavoidable and dominant risk for business, increasingly influencing corporate policies. Shifting supply chains, rising energy prices, and growing nationalism are putting pressure on long-standing global business plans.

Since the end of the Cold War, geopolitical factors often took a back seat to macroeconomic or operational concerns. Sustainability had even overtaken geopolitics as a dominant theme. That is no longer the case. Today’s volatile environment is forcing a major shift in business priorities. A recent McKinsey Global Survey found that executives now see geopolitical tensions as the biggest threat to economic growth, pushing climate change and its mitigations down the list of corporate concerns.

Because these risks are unlikely to disappear soon, multinational companies must build geopolitical resilience into their strategies. Executives recognize that a global power shift is underway, but many still overlook that these disruptions present not only risks to mitigate but also opportunities to seize. While leaders naturally focus on the downsides, they must also craft response plans that allow them to adapt and grow. Thriving amid uncertainty requires adjusting growth strategies, core operations, technology, and capital portfolios to create risk-adjusted value. A proactive approach enables businesses to protect existing operations while capturing emerging opportunities across regions and industries.

This means regularly revising geopolitical strategies and ensuring flexibility in operations. Companies must

design supply chains that can quickly adapt to sudden changes. Such resilience not only mitigates losses but also creates the right conditions for innovation— benefiting both business performance and social or environmental impact. Leaders overly focused on potential downsides risk paralysis. Instead, they should align corporate capabilities with geopolitical realities, identifying opportunities in three main areas: accelerating growth, optimizing operations, and strengthening strategic resilience.

As global conditions shift, companies may attract new customers and expand market share. Opportunities for commercial acceleration can arise when tariffs make competitors’ products more expensive, or when new trade agreements open access to previously unreachable markets. Current shifts in global trade corridors are already reshaping industries. Data shows that net foreign direct investment in China has dropped dramatically—from $344 billion in 2021 to $51.3 billion in 2023, and to just $18.6 billion in 2024, the lowest in three decades. Analysts expect this redirection of capital to continue, making it critical for business leaders to track where these investments are headed.

As geopolitical shocks occur, once-stable, highgrowth sectors may weaken, while previously overlooked segments could present new potential. Advertising can help businesses navigate and even thrive during such turbulence, but it demands a strategic, nuanced approach. While instability poses challenges, thoughtful communication, promotion, and advertising can help companies adapt, sustain relationships, and strengthen their market position.

Infomedix International has long advocated for a more interconnected and informed medical community. As we face uncertain times, this mission is more critical than ever. Collaboration, knowledge-sharing, communication and innovation will be our collective tools to maintain momentum.

baldo.pipitone@infodent.com

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Bowman PPE Dispensing Solutions

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Bacterial Viral filters for Spirometry

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FORUMED bacterial viral filters eliminate any potential risk of cross-infection during pulmonary function tests.

They are available with different connection sizes and fittings, making them suitable for most machines and pipes on the market.

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Compatible sizes with : MGC, Jaegger, MIR, Cosmed, Medisoft, Spiroconnect, Koko, Medgraphics, Sensormedics, Geratherm, Vitalograph

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Endoscope CCD’ Camera Repair Innovation

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In an effort, to make a better and more functional product to serve the requests of our loyal customers, IEC has developed a new design for our small diameter endoscope CCD’ repairs. This new design significantly reduces the diameter of the wire harness creating more room for other parts. It gives the endoscope CCD’ the ability to angulate and move with less stress on the camera than ever before. We offer this service to endoscope repair companies and dealers worldwide.

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Innovative Endoscopy Components, LLC has been the ISO13485/ISO9001 Certified vendor of choice to hundreds of endoscope service facilities and dealers worldwide, for over 25 years.

Our product range and services are constantly growing with international demand. Rapid prototyping, optical assemblies, injection molding, and CNC machined parts are offered just like OEM endoscope and equipment labeling as well as CCD’ repair and multilingual repair training and consulting.

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I NT E R N AT IO NA L

New Housing C 25

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IAE is a major role player in the international x-ray market as the only independent manufacturer in Europa of rotating anode tubes.

With its wide product line of more than 100 insert/housing combinations, IAE is a strategic and reliable partner to the most important equipment manufacturers globally.

A recently developed product is a rotating anode x-ray unit, suitable for C-arms; it features a compact design with miniature high voltage connectors and a single-piece cast aluminium body.

A combination of 2 tubular oil-water heat exchangers on the housing body and a remote air-water heat exchanger ensures amazing heat dissipation.

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EXTRON 3: Proven Image Quality, Enhanced Safety and Efficiency

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Introducing EXTRON 3, the latest addition to DRTECH’s premium low-dose C-arm series. Building upon the proven performance of the MDR-certified EXTRON, the new EXTRON 3 delivers the same outstanding TruDigital image quality with even greater accessibility.

Designed for smaller surgical environments, EXTRON 3 combines compact mobility with advanced low-dose imaging, ensuring radiation safety for patients and clinicians. Its enhanced RNR (Real-time Noise Reduction) and AOD (AI Object Detection) technologies provide crystal-clear, stable images while minimizing artifacts and halation during procedures.

Villa unveils new CHRONOS

W Villa Sistemi Medicali

Chronos is Villa’s all-new multifunctional R/F system with superior performance, offering the broadest diagnostic and application capabilities, fast and precise positioning, and a wide range of movements for accurate imaging that improves workflow efficiency.

Its compact design, featuring a tilting movement, ensures maximum space optimization and easier installation, with all components seamlessly integrated into the equipment structure, enhancing reliability and reducing installation time.

The breakthrough feature of the system is the ability to expose the X-ray tube and flat panel detector beyond the tabletop, enabling all types of direct examinations, even for polytrauma patients on stretchers, expanding diagnostic capabilities.

The advanced Chronos collimator, with control joysticks and touch screen, simplifies movements, while the 3D camera and AI software recognize body type, positioning, chest distance and depth to optimize the examination process.

Chronos is a comprehensive R/F imaging solution, equipped with intelligent positioning and user-friendly controls, designed to enable healthcare professionals to deliver optimal diagnoses.

F www.villasm.com

B vsminfo@villasm.com

Equipped with a 43” monitor, a lightweight yet stable and compact cart, and an intuitive 15.6” touch console, EXTRON 3 delivers effortless operation and an optimized workflow. With its balance of performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, EXTRON 3 is the ideal choice for hospitals seeking a streamlined, next-generation mobile C-arm.

F www.drtech.com

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OPERA Revolution - New RF Remote

Controlled Table

W General Medical Merate

Opera Revolution is the result of technological and ergonomic innovation and it is the newest addition to the Opera systems family, best-seller among remote controlled tables. Accessibility for the operator and for the patient is facilitated thanks to the new elevation system, which reduces the distance from the floor. This ensures easy and safe access also to elderly patients or patients with reduced mobility.

Through a user-friendly interface and fast workflow, the imaging system of the Opera Revolution offers a fully-integrated solution for high image quality with minimal dose. This makes the Opera Revolution a guarantee for complete functionality and excellent image quality in both specialized and routine examinations.

Opera Revolution can also be combined with advanced algorithms based on Artificial Intelligence that help in the detection of pulmonary and musculoskeletal pathologies, as well as in the input of measurements of the spine, legs and foot in a few seconds.

F www.gmmspa.com

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S Visit us at MEDICA 2025 (Düsseldorf, 17th – 20th November): Booth No. 10F60 RSNA 2025 (Chicago, 30th November – 3rd December): Booth No. 2968 WHX 2026, formerly Arab Health (Dubai, 9th – 12th February)

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Giotto Class S - Productivity combining innovation and quality in the breast care

W IMS Giotto

Giotto Class S is a versatile system that can be be configured for 2D or/ and 3D breast tomosynthesis imaging choosing between different options, accessories and advanced interventional applications like high-precision tomo-guided biopsy or contrast enhanced spectral mammography.

It features a unique, particularly ergonomic design which ensures patient comfort and user-friendliness for the operator.

The C-arm stand enables a wide freedom of inclination: it can be tilted downwards and upwards to maximize patient comfort and breast positioning.

The system can be equipped with the new software application “Tiziano” based on AI algorithms for estimating the volumetric breast density according to the 5th edition of ACR BI-RADS Atlas.

IMS Giotto is a company of GMM Group.

F www.imsgiotto.com B imscomm@imsgiotto.com

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Imaging the Future: A Global Celebration of Radiology on IDoR 2025

On November 8, 2025, medical imaging professionals around the world celebrated the 14th International Day of Radiology (IDoR) — a global initiative that brought together radiologists, radiographers, radiological technologists, medical physicists, and patient groups to honour the vital role that radiology plays throughout the patient care journey.

Held annually, the International Day of Radiology was established to raise awareness about the essential contributions of medical imaging to safe and effective healthcare, while also aiming to improve public understanding of the indispensable role of radiologists and radiographers within the clinical team. It represents a moment each year when the medical community and the public can pause to reflect on the incredible evolution of imaging, the people behind it, and its central place in modern medicine.

A Global Celebration of Science and Care

Medical imaging has long been recognised as one of the most dynamic, innovative, and fast-evolving disciplines in medicine. From X-rays and MRI scans to ultrasound, CT, and nuclear medicine, the technologies at the heart of radiology have revolutionised how diseases are detected and treated. Today, radiology enables earlier and more accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment planning, and ongoing monitoring of countless conditions — from cancer and cardiovascular disease to trauma, infections, and neurological disorders.

Yet, despite the widespread visibility of imaging technologies in hospitals and clinics, the true scope and impact of radiological services often remain underappreciated outside the medical community. The IDoR seeks to bridge this gap by high -

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lighting both the technical excellence and the human expertise that make modern imaging possible.

To mark this connection between science and society, November 8 was chosen as the annual date of celebration — commemorating the discovery of X-rays in 1895 by German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen. His groundbreaking discovery transformed medicine forever, opening a window into the human body without the need for surgery and earning him the first-ever Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.

This symbolic date not only honours the birth of radiology but also serves as a reminder of the field’s continuous evolution. From Röntgen’s mysterious “shadow pictures” to today’s high-resolution, AI-assisted imaging, radiology has remained at the forefront of innovation, precision, and patient-centered care.

Global Partnerships and Shared Vision

The IDoR 2025 celebration was a joint initiative led by the European Society of Radiology (ESR), the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), and the American College of Radiology (ACR), with active support from the International Society of Radiology (ISR).

Continental and regional radiological organisations also joined the effort, including the Asian Oceanian Society of Radiology (AOSR), the Colegio Interamericano de Radiología (CIR), the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR), and the Radiological Society of South Africa (RSSA). Further support came from the European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS) and the International Society of Radiographers & Radiological Technologists (ISRRT).

These collaborations reflect the global nature of radiology. Diseases know no borders, and neither does medical imaging. Every day, radiologists and technologists across the world work in unison to deliver high-quality diagnostic services, contribute to research, and ensure equitable access to imaging for patients regardless of geography or resources.

Events Around the World

Across the globe, national radiological and radiographer societies, imaging departments, and allied health organisations marked the day with a wide variety of initiatives. Hospitals opened their doors to the public through guided tours and exhibitions, allowing visitors to see firsthand how imaging departments function and how radiology supports every step of the patient journey.

Public lectures, school workshops, and community seminars introduced audiences to the science behind medical imaging, with demonstrations of how technologies such as ultrasound and CT scanning actually work. Many countries used the occasion to highlight local advancements in radiology — from new imaging centres and research projects to public screening initiatives.

Media campaigns and press events also played an important role in raising awareness. In some regions, radiologists took part in televised interviews or radio discussions about the importance of imaging in preventive medicine and early detection. Others focused on showcasing patient stories, illustrating how imaging had helped save lives through timely diagnosis and intervention.

Social media amplified the day’s impact even further. Participants were encouraged to share photos, reflections, and stories from their local celebrations using the hashtag #IDoR2025. Many institutions captured the spirit of the event through behind-thescenes images from their departments, which were widely shared and featured across ESR’s official channels. This digital engagement helped build a sense of global community, uniting imaging professionals from different continents around a shared mission: improving patient care through innovation, expertise, and compassion.

Reflecting on Progress and the Future

While the International Day of Radiology celebrates the past and present, it is also an opportunity to look to the future. The field of radiology is evolving rapidly — driven by advances in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics that promise to further enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.

AI tools are increasingly capable of detecting subtle abnormalities, automating routine tasks, and assisting radiologists in managing the ever-growing volume of imaging data. Far from replacing professionals, these technologies are empowering them to focus more on

complex interpretation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and patient communication.

The future of radiology will also depend on the continued integration of imaging into the broader healthcare ecosystem. From precision oncology and minimally invasive interventions to image-guided surgery and digital health platforms, radiology remains the central hub through which medical information flows. Ensuring equitable access to these technologies — particularly in low- and middle-income countries — is a global priority shared by IDoR’s organising bodies.

Partner Organisations European Society of Radiology (ESR)

Founded in 2005 through the merger of the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) and the European Association of Radiology (EAR), the European Society of Radiology is an apolitical, non-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening and unifying European radiology. With more than 140,000 members across the globe, ESR is now the largest radiological society in the world, serving as a leading voice in education, research, and professional standards.

Each year, ESR organises the European Congress of Radiology in Vienna — one of the biggest and most innovative scientific meetings in Europe. The Congress attracts tens of thousands of participants, offering a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and showcasing the latest developments in imaging science and technology.

The ESR works closely with national radiological societies across Europe and maintains partnerships with major international organisations from related medical fields. It also monitors developments at the European Union level, advocating for policies that support research, patient safety, and high-quality clinical practice.

The Society publishes three leading journals:

• European Radiology, its flagship research publication;

• Insights into Imaging, focused on educational content and review articles; and

• European Radiology Experimental, highlighting cutting-edge research in imaging science and technology.

The mission of the ESR is clear: to serve the healthcare needs of the public by promoting scientific research, supporting education and training, and continuously improving the quality of radiological practice in Europe and beyond.

Radiological Society of North America (RSNA)

The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) is an international organisation of radiologists, medical physicists, and other medical professionals with more than 54,000 members worldwide. Established in 1915, the RSNA is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, and stands as one of the most influential medical societies in the world.

Every year, RSNA hosts one of the largest medical conferences on the planet — a weeklong event that begins on the last Sunday of November in Chicago. The annual meeting draws tens of thousands of participants and features hundreds of scientific sessions, exhibits, and workshops. It is renowned not only for its scale but also for its focus on innovation, education, and collaboration.

RSNA publishes two prestigious peer-reviewed journals:

Radiology, which presents groundbreaking research and reviews in diagnostic imaging and related sciences;

RadioGraphics, dedicated to continuing education and practical applications for clinical radiologists.

Beyond its publishing and conference activities, RSNA is deeply involved in research and technological development. The society has pioneered informatics-based software solutions to support universal electronic health records, sponsored projects to advance quantitative imaging biomarkers, and conducted educational outreach in developing nations.

Through its Research & Education (R&E) Foundation, RSNA provides millions of dollars in funding each year to support early-career investigators and innovative imaging research. Its global outreach programmes help build radiology capacity in under-resourced regions, reflecting the society’s commitment to improving healthcare for all.

American College of Radiology (ACR)

The American College of Radiology (ACR), founded in 1923, is a professional

medical association representing diagnostic radiologists, radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with additional offices in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., the ACR plays a pivotal role in setting standards, advancing research, and advocating for the profession.

The College publishes two major periodicals:

The Journal of the American College of Radiology (JACR), featuring peer-reviewed research, policy discussions, and clinical insights;

The ACR Bulletin, which provides updates on advocacy, practice management, and emerging trends in imaging.

The ACR’s mission extends far beyond professional representation. It develops practice guidelines, appropriateness criteria, and quality standards that form the backbone of safe, effective, and evidence-based imaging worldwide. The ACR also engages in extensive advocacy efforts, working with policymakers to ensure that radiology remains accessible, affordable, and aligned with the best interests of patients.

Education and certification are central to ACR’s work. The organisation offers continuing education programmes, online learning modules, and simulation-based

training to help radiologists stay at the cutting edge of medical imaging. Through its Commission on Human Resources and diversity initiatives, the ACR also promotes inclusivity and mentorship within the profession.

A Shared Commitment to Excellence

Together, ESR, RSNA, ACR, and their international partners exemplify the unity and diversity of the global radiology community. Despite differences in healthcare systems and resources, radiologists and radiographers share a common purpose: to use imaging science to improve human health.

The International Day of Radiology encapsulates this spirit of collaboration. It is not only a celebration of technological achievement but also of human dedication — the radiographers positioning patients for precise scans, the radiologists interpreting subtle findings, the physicists ensuring safety and quality, and the educators training the next generation.

Conclusion: Radiology at the Heart of Modern Medicine

The 14th International Day of Radiology was more than a commemoration — it was a reaffirmation of radiology’s central place in healthcare. As medicine becomes increasingly data-driven and multidisciplinary,

imaging remains the cornerstone of diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up.

Radiology’s power lies not only in its technology but in the professionals who operate it with skill, empathy, and integrity. From Röntgen’s first X-ray plate to the AI-driven imaging systems of today, radiology continues to illuminate the unseen — both within the human body and within the broader pursuit of knowledge and compassion in medicine.

By celebrating IDoR 2025, the global imaging community honoured its history, embraced its future, and reminded the world that behind every image lies a team of experts dedicated to saving lives, one scan at a time.

Source: www.internationaldayofradiology.com

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Dongmun Co.,

Officially knows as the Kingdom of Morocco, the country has 38.2 million inhabitants, average age just under 30 years

GDP: 15% primary, 30% manufacturing, 55% services

Inflation 2.3% (2025 forecast)

Middle-low-income country: Euro 4,000 per capita

Main sectors: Phosphates, Automotive supply chain, Aerospace supply chain, Agro-food, Construction, Renewable energy, Electronics, Textiles, Leather goods, Tourism

Expected 2025 GDP growth, 3.9% (IMF)

Unemployment rate (2024), 13.3%

Public debt 81% “sustainable”

Dirham, stable currency. Foreign exchange reserves 2024 = USD 37 billion

Open economy, 2024 trade = 78% of GDP

Common languages for business: French, Spanish, Arab, English Parliamentery constitutional monarchy, with capital Rabat

Reliable banking system: international and Moroccan banks

Morocco’s Hub as Gateway to Africa and Europe

Reading time

Silvia Borriello

Editorial Director

silvia.borriello@infodent.com

Important hub, for its strategic geographical position, to Europe, West Africa and the Atlantic route, Morocco is a country poor in natural resources and raw materials but with huge intangible resources such as art, history and culture. Rich in savoir fair, artisan tradition, skilled negotiators, architects, doctors, designers, important universities and with its own national banking network. From agricultural country, Morocco has transformed itself into an industrial and soft power hub, a continuously growing economy, with strong prospects for development and modernization towards European levels.

At the confluence of Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East, Morocco seeks to transform itself into a regional business hub, thanks to its geographical -

ly strategic location, political stability, and world-class infrastructure to expand as a regional manufacturing and export base for international companies.

Morocco works towards productive diversification and actively encourages and facilitates foreign investment, particularly in export sectors like manufacturing, through positive macro-economic policies, trade liberalization, simplification of the regulatory framework, investment incentives, and structural reforms. The Government of Morocco implements strategies aimed at boosting employment, attracting foreign investment, and raising performance and output in key revenue-earning sectors, with an emphasis placed on value-added industries such as renewables, automotive, aerospace, textile, pharmaceuticals, outsourcing, and agrofood industry. As part of the Government’s development plan, Morocco continues to make major investments in renewable energy and is on track to meet its stated goal of 52% total installed capacity by 2030. The New Development Model, an overarching plan for economic reform released in April of 2021, lays out the country’s ambition to increase the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption from 19.5% in 2021 to 40% by 2035.

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s

Imports €70 billion

Exports € 42 billion

(UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2022, Morocco attracted the ninth-most foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa in 2021. France, the United Arab Emirates, and Spain hold a majority of FDI stocks. In addition, Morocco’s proximity to the European continent makes it a strategic partner, with 63% of its exports and 50% of its imports coming from the EU. Its total interchange (Imports + exports) is worth 112 billion Euros with Spain as first trade partner, followed by France, China, the US, Germany and Italy. Morocco continues to orient itself as the “gateway to Africa,” and expanded on this role with its return to the African Union in January 2017 and the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA), which entered into force in 2021 . In June 2019, Morocco opened an extension of the Tangier-Med commercial shipping port, making it the largest in Africa and the Mediterranean; the government is developing a third phase for the port which will increase capacity to five million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

Tangier is connected to Morocco’s political capital in Rabat and commercial hub in Casablanca by Africa’s first high-speed train

service. However, weak intellectual property rights enforcement, inefficient government bureaucracy, corruption, and the slow pace of regulatory reform remain challenges. In 2022, Morocco introduced a series of reforms to strengthen its anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing legislation, regulations, and criminal penalties to address the weaknesses identified when Morocco was placed on the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) “grey list” of countries subjected to increased monitoring due to deficiencies in anti-money laundering and terrorist financing compliance in 2021. As a result of these reforms, in February 2023, Morocco was taken off the FATF grey list.

Morocco has ratified 72 investment treaties for the promotion and protection of investments and 62 economic agreements, including with the United States and most EU nations, that aim to eliminate the double taxation of income or gains. These treaties and agreements support Morocco’s goals to develop as a regional financial and trade hub, providing opportunities for the localization of services and the finishing and re-export of goods to markets in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

Main supplier countries: 1-Spain, 2-China, 3-France, 4-USA, 5-Turkey, 6-Germany, 7-Italy

Main export countries: 1-Spain, 2-France, 3-Germany, 4-Italy

FOCUS ON INFRASTRUCTURES

1,800 km of highways

ROAD NETWORK TRAIN

1st high-speed train in Africa (Tangeri-Casablanca)

PORT NETWORK

34 cargo and tourism ports. Tanger Med 1st container port in the Mediterranean. Over 10 million processed containers in 2024 18 international airports. Casablanca 1st Hub Europe-Africa

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Medical Market - The healthcare industry is a growing sector, full of opportunities for future investment. The government remains the primary healthcare provider since 70% of the population uses public hospitals. According to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Moroccan medical device market is estimated at $236 million, with $191 million in imports in 2021. China, Germany, and the United States supply the majority of the equipment, with increasing competition from Italy, Turkey, and South Korea. The Moroccan government plans to develop emergency and mobile hospital units, for which the Ministry of Health will issue multiple tenders over the next five years. Notably, the government has prohibited the import or sale of second-hand or refurbished medical devices and equipment per a February 2017 law, to improve equipment quality.

Over the years the country has also made significant strides in the development of its pharmaceutical industry, meeting

70% of the national demand for drugs, ensuring a more self-sufficient and accessible healthcare system for the population. The government is promoting the ‘Made in Morocco’ brand and local production. The country has significant potential to become an African hub, but also a part of the European hub, as other countries are reshoring their production, which will considerably

impact their healthcare costs. Hence, Morocco can benefit from this situation and become a key player in both African and European pharmaceutical distribution. As well as drugs, Morocco is pushing to develop self-sufficiency/local manufacturing of vaccines and PPE such as masks, gloves, gowns, overshoes, and head coverings. b

“In collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, we are actively working on promoting the ‘Made in Morocco’ brand and local production. This is because Morocco has significant potential; we can easily become an African hub, and not only that but also a part of the European hub. Other countries are now looking to reshore their production, which will considerably impact their healthcare costs. Hence, Morocco can benefit from this situation and become a key player in both African and European pharmaceutical distribution”

Dr. Khalid Ait Taleb, Minister of Health and Social Protection

“Build Back Better” Morocco’s Health System

Despite historically lagging behind in healthcare services, compared to the developed world, many nations in Africa are now making significant progress towards providing affordable high-quality healthcare for all, in line with World Health Organization standards. One such Country is Morocco.

As in many health systems, the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the weaknesses of Morocco’s health system, especially of its social protection networks. Before the crisis, the country struggled to implement Universal Health Coverage (UHC) actions for many years. In the aftermath of the pandemic, a window of opportunity opened, not only following the global recommendation to “build back better”, but also due to a rising national political will to significantly transform the health system. Over the last years, Morocco took historical actions, one related to generalizing health insurance for the whole population and the second to launch a structural health system reform, aiming to improve accessibility and

equitable distribution of care throughout the country, to enhance quality and safety of health services.

Morocco’s healthcare system is a mix of public and private services with the public sector playing a dominant role, primarily providing services through public hospitals and clinics. Regardless of administrative situation, every individual is entitled to free access to basic public health services in public primary health centers. Specialized care often requires referral to provincial, regional, or university hospitals. Although approximately 85% of supply is provided by public hospitals and 15% by private centers, spending remains unbalanced.

In 2022, the public system accounted for only 40% of healthcare spending, while the private sector accounted for 60%. Even if the country is working towards universal health coverage (UHC), making significant improvements, it nonetheless faces challenges in terms of financial sustainability, efficiency, and equitable access to care with people often having problems in receiving public care, especially secondary and tertiary care.

The “basket of care” in Morocco refers to the range of health services covered by mandatory health insurance (AMO) and the Medical Assistance Plan for the Economically Disadvantaged (RAMED) – both recently merged into a unified health insurance scheme, AMO-Tadamon. Those who are incredibly needy have access to the Medical Assistance Plan (RAMED), which is based upon the principles of national solidarity. Even those citizens who cannot contribute any money towards the scheme benefit from treatment offered in public healthcare centers.

The social protection and public healthcare system provides coverage for basic medical care, including preventive and curative care, hospitalization and emergency services, particularly those services related to the state’s priority programs, pregnancy and childbirth, invalidity and retirement. The specific services included in the basket are subject to reimbursement within the framework of the respective insurance schemes. Occupational diseases and accidents at work are not covered. Although the state formally covers between 70%- 90% of healthcare costs, with the remaining portion being paid by the patient out-of-pocket, however, government coverage can vary and there may be limitations in terms of equipment, staffing, and infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, leaving many reliant on out-of-pockets payments or private insurance.

Expected to be fully implemented by 2025, the universal health coverage systems (UHC) is one of the main reforms introduced in the public health sector, offering subsidized healthcare to all residents regardless of income.

Compulsory Health Insurance (AMO):

Mandatory health insurance system, designed to provide basic health coverage for citizens in the following categories:

- AMO for Workers: specifically covers salaried employees, both in the public and private sectors, and their dependents.

- AMO-General:

a more encompassing term that refers to the overall AMO system, including the various categories of beneficiaries, such as workers, self-employed individuals, and others covered by the mandatory insurance

Medical Assistance Plan for the Economically Disadvantaged (RAMED): Medical Assistance Scheme designed to ensure access to care for vulnerable and low-income populations, for those outside the formal employment, especially the poor, those with disabilities, and the elderly. Based upon the principles of national solidarity and social welfare. Even those who cannot contribute any money towards the scheme benefit treatment offered in public healthcare centers.

Since 2022

AMO-Tadamon

United under one platform, AMO-Tadamon is the basic mandatory health insurance that combines the benefits and coverage of both the former RAMED (medical assistance for the poor) and AMO (Compulsory Basic Health Insurance) programs, providing healthcare coverage for all citizens. This new program allows beneficiaries, including those previously under RAMED, to access both public and private healthcare facilities, a significant change from the previous system where RAMED beneficiaries were largely limited to public facilities.

AMO-Tadamon covers services to insured persons and their dependents, including medicines, doctor’s consulations, preventive and curative care, maternity care, medical treatment for children under 12, chronic diseases, diagnostic tests, X-rays, hospitalization, outpatient surgery, and basic dental and optical treatments. It also ensures public hospital visits are free. The program is designed to be inclusive, with the state covering contributions for individuals who cannot afford to pay, ensuring that everyone has access to healthcare.

In 2002, just 17% of Morocco’s population was covered by health insurance. That year, the government began its healthcare reform process. Morocco’s Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, Assurance Maladie Obligatoire (AMO), was launched in 2005 (Law no. 65-00) to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage only for formal public- and private- sector employees. On the same year, the groundwork for the Régime d’Assistance Médicale (RAMED) was designed to provide health insurance for those outside formal employment, especially the poor, those with disabilities or chronic diseases, and the elderly. Launched to test its implementation in 2008, later generalized to cover the entire country in 2012, RAMED was a social health insurance program for vulner-

able and low-income populations, for those who couldn’t afford to pay fees for their medical care.

Originally, AMO beneficiaries benefitted from comprehensive coverage, among other things—childbirth, hospitalization, and medications and could use both public and private facilities under the health insurance scheme. In private clinics, AMO beneficiaries could be reimbursed for 70% of the national reference price for their care; in public clinics and hospitals, 90% of the price of services provided. On the other hand, RAMED beneficiaries could receive subsidized or free healthcare only at public hospitals, raising concerns about the existence of a two-tier healthcare system. Additionally, the expansion of the RAMED program, without a

corresponding increase in public healthcare resources, resulted in an overburdening of public hospitals. Within the RAMED scheme households with incomes less than MAD 300 (USD 34) per person per month (including those with no incomes at all) were eligible for free health insurance. Those with monthly per-person incomes of MAD 300–600 (USD 34–68) were eligible to purchase health insurance in accordance, based on their income. RAMED beneficiaries who received subsidized or free healthcare were not subject to caps on coverage.

In 2022, to reduce some of the burdens on public health facilities, the government launched the AMO-Tadamon program, a new platform that merges the existing RAMED and AMO programs into

A Glimpse of History

With a rich history spanning about over 300,000 years back, the Kingdom of Morocco came into existence in 788 after the establishment of the Idrisdid dynasty by Idris. The Alawy dynasty (Royal Family), which rules the country to this day, seized power in 1631, and over the next two centuries expanded diplomatic and commercial relations with the Western World.

one single system. The 11 million beneficiaries of RAMED were transferred to the newly consolidated scheme and now benefit from the same health coverage as those in the formal sector. Importantly, this new program allows RAMED patients to receive subsidized care from private healthcare institutions, instead of only being allowed to use public facilities.

The AMO-Tadamon is part of the Government’s broader effort to expand healthcare coverage; this project requires a rigorous reform of social systems and programs, especially following the crisis linked to the COVID pandemic, which has highlighted several shortcomings, particularly the weakness of social protection networks. Despite its expansion, there is still a significant number of uninsured individuals, not enrolled in the program, and high outof-pocket expenses for those who are insured, potentially creating access barriers for some individuals. According to a report by the Morocco Economic, Social, and Environmental Council (CESE), a quarter of Moroccans still don’t have medical insur-

Global Comparison

ance. In 2024, 4 in 5 Moroccans reported having medical insurance, up from less than 3 out of 4 in 2020. The insurance plan aims to include everyone, especially low-income groups, with new systems created to make it easier for people to join. But there remain problems. Out of 8.5 million uninsured, 5 million aren’t signed up. Another 3.5 million are signed up but don’t receive benefits. Even those insured pay half of their medical costs out-of-pocket, twice what the WHO recommends. Many skip treatment because it’s too expensive. Meanwhile, some insurance programs are financially struggling. The AMO-Tadamon plan is stable, but others are losing money. For example, the self-employed workers’ plan (AMO –General) has a 72% deficit. Additionally, most health spending goes to private clinics, not public hospitals. As private care can cost five times more than public care, this puts pressure on the system’s finances.

The Health Insurance System is financed by a combination of employee and employer contributions and government financing. Employees in the formal sector contribute

one to four percent of their incomes, depending on whether they already have private health insurance coverage.

AMO-Tadamon is managed by the National Social Security Fund, known as Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale (C.N.S.S.). Under the new system, employed individuals make contributions via a single unified payment, which covers tax, social security, and healthcare obligations, and is called the “contribution professionnelle unique (CPU).” Contribution amounts are based on income and range from MAD 300 to 3,600 (USD 29 to 352). Within its first six months of existence in 2006, AMO enabled 3.5 million Moroccans to access health insurance for the first time. Since the establishment of these programs, the percentage of citizens with health coverage grew from 15% in 2005 to 78% in 2022. However, because there was not a correlated improvement in healthcare resources, particularly in rural areas, the impact of these reforms has been somewhat limited. Many beneficiaries reported challenges accessing hospital care and high rates of out-of-pocket pay-

Source: worldata.info - Unless otherwise stated, data corresponds to information from the WHO Global Health Workforce Statistics, UNICEF State of the

Children program, Childinfo, the Global Health Observatory Data Repository and the OECD.

Cancer Treatment

The Lalla Salma Foundation for the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer was founded in 2005. This non-governmental organization has improved the quality of cancer management and access to cancer care for Moroccan patients. Currently, Morocco has 24 cancer centers – 12 public and 12 private – that treat over 60,000 new cases annually. Within the Ministry of Health’s plans, Cancer treatment equipment has been identified as a priority investment area.

How do pharmacies work in Morocco?

Most over-the-counter medications are readily available in the large number of pharmacies throughout the country, especially in major cities.

Morocco has the second largest pharmacy network in Africa. Under the National Health Service, you pay a small fee for prescription drugs. If not affiliated with the national system, drugs cost much less than Western countries.

ments. It remains to be seen if consolidating AMO and RAMED (into the AMO-Tadamon), thereby allowing all beneficiaries to access private health resources, in addition to the public clinics, will alleviate some of these challenges. These reforms have been greatly facilitated by developing a unified social registry (Registre social unifié – RSU), launched in 2019. The Minister of Health and Social Protection has noted that the RSU allowed for the effective targeting of families and has enabled the extension of coverage to needy segments of the population.

According to data by the US Department of Commerce, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Morocco has received over $4 billion in aid from domestic and international sources to bolster its healthcare infrastructure and curb the spread of COVID-19. Upgrading public hospitals is a national

priority, as well as public-private partnerships to support healthcare infrastructure and scientific research.

The main hospitals and clinics are in larger cities such as Rabat, Casablanca and Tangier. The public sector runs over 2,689 primary healthcare facilities, 159 public hospitals at different levels, with a total bed capacity of 22,146 (approx.). There are over 14,300 physicians in the public sector. There is also a separate healthcare system solely dedicated to the military, with six hospitals and a medical center. The Moroccan government has several multi-year plans to strengthen the current healthcare system through the development of new hospitals, increasing the number of doctors and nurses in training, and opening the market to private investment. To accelerate the sector’s reformation, the government budget to the health-

care sector reached around MAD 30.7 billion (USD 3.4 billion), a 9.1% increase in 2024, to primarily focus on enhancing the healthcare infrastructure across the country.

Although the country has both public and private health facilities, private hospitals are preferred owing to long ques and lower quality medical care experienced at the public healthcare facilities. The private sector healthcare market is growing rapidly with more than 400 private hospitals and clinics, heavily concentrated in the Casablanca-Settat and Rabat- Salé-Kénitra regions, and over 14,500 physicians. The private health sector holds a bed capacity of over 27,000.

Until 2015, only doctors and practicing physicians were permitted to own private clinics. But a change in legislation and policy, now allows even foreign individuals to establish clin-

A Glimpse of History

Morocco’s strategic location near the mouth of the Mediterranean drew renewed European interest; in 1912, France and Spain divided the country into respective protectorates, reserving an International Zone Tangier. Following intermittent riots and revolts against colonial rule, in 1956, Morocco regained its independence and reunified.

Rabat Ibn Sina Hospital. Largest general hospital in Morocco at 139,640 square meters, was delivered with a forward-thinking design that incorporates state-of-the-art technology and energy conservation. With the concept of a seed planted that then slowly rises from the ground into the sky, as it rises it gains strength and functionality, becoming a landmark in the city. By uniting three existing separate hospitals into one building, it becomes a symbol for unity and strength.

ics, to attract foreign investment, to address the shortage of healthcare resources, particularly in underserved areas, and to improve the overall quality and accessibility of healthcare services. The Moroccan healthcare system is in fact grappling with a pronounced lack of resources, particularly in terms of human personnel, resulting in longer wait times for patients and limited access to specialist care.

Presently, Morocco has between 27,600-28,892 physicians, a ratio of around 7.8 doctors per 10,000 inhabitants, more than half working along the Casablanca-Rabat axis, underscoring a significant disparity between urban and rural areas. In addition, about 270 rural municipalities find themselves in a state of critical medical isolation, denoting their location more than an hour away from a hospital facility. Among these municipalities, 160 are classified as priority, encompassing roughly

two million inhabitants. In this context, several e-health services, such as telemedicine and electronic health records, have been developed to improve healthcare access and efficiency. Standing out as one of the few countries in Africa and the Arab world, Morocco has established a regulatory framework outlining the rules for telemedicine practice. Numerous initiatives have emerged, particularly within the public sector, such as the National Telemedicine Initiative launched in October 2018, with the aim of covering 80% of medical deserts (areas with significant limitations, or no access at all to healthcare) by 2025. Nevertheless, despite the concerted efforts, there remain challenges to achieve the objectives set forth by the Moroccan healthcare system.

Over the years, Morocco has witnessed significant improvements in key health indicators and in vaccination coverage, with a commendable 94.5% vaccination coverage

rate and equitable distribution across different regions. This has resulted in the elimination of targeted diseases like poliomyelitis and diphtheria, as well as a notable decrease in the incidence of diseases such as measles. The expansion of health coverage has been a priority, evident through a substantial increase in the number of basic healthcare establishments and hospitals throughout the country. The health system, however, struggles with the management of health data and information, which limits its ability to make informed decisions, monitor healthcare quality, and plan healthcare strategies. Among the challenges are non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are increasingly prevalent, posing a significant health burden, accounting for over 80% of deaths. The prevalence of risk factors for NCDs, such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity, is also high.

Among Main Sources

-ITA- International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/morocco-healthcare - ITA-Agency for the Promotion Abroad and the Internazionalization of Italian Companies, Casablanca office: www.ice.it/it/mercati/marocco - “Morocco aims to achieve universal healthcare through integrating all healthcare programs (2022–present)”, Author: Molly Hickey UNESCWA, https://www.sdg16.plus/policies/universal-healthcare-morocco/ -Mahdaoui M, Kissani N. Morocco's Healthcare System: Achievements, Challenges, and Perspectives. Cureus. 2023 Jun 29;15(6):e41143. doi: 10.7759/cureus.41143. PMID: 37519608; PMCID: PMC10386871. -https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10386871/ -https://www.healthcaremea.com/morocco-chasing-the-uhc-dream/ -issa, Reforms in Africa to extend health insurance coverage, https://www.issa.int/analysis/reforms-africa-achieve-universal-health-coverage -Bouzaidi, T.D., Ragbi, A. An analysis of the trend towards universal health coverage and access to healthcare in Morocco. Health Econ Rev 14, 5 (2024). https://doi. org/10.1186/s13561-023-00477-0 - https://healtheconomicsreview.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13561-023-00477-0 -Worldata.info https://www.worlddata.info/africa/morocco/health.php#google_vignette -Uhc in Morocco: a bottom-up estimation of public hospital’s financing size based on a costing database, https://healtheconomicsreview.biomedcentral.com/ articles/10.1186/s13561-024-00501-x

-Jallal M, Serhier Z, Berrami H, Bennani Othmani M. Current State and Prospects of Telemedicine in Morocco: Analysis of Challenges, Initiatives, and Regulatory Framework. Cureus. 2023 Dec 22;15(12):e50963. doi: 10.7759/cureus.50963. PMID: 38259391; PMCID: PMC10801268. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38259391/

-One in Four Moroccans is Without Medical Insurance, Report Finds, by Aymen Alami, https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2024/11/12206/one-in-four-moroccans-iswithout-medical-insurance/ -Morocco; Chasing the UHC dream . https://www.healthcaremea.com/morocco-chasing-the-uhc-dream/

Understanding AI

When we talk about AI systems, we are not talking about the hardware, the computer, but the efforts made by IT specialists to build Data Centers with tens of thousands of servers, running LLMs, that together organize the response to be given by what is called “Artificial Intelligence”. LLM (Large Language Model) is an artificial intelligence model that processes and generates human-like text by analyzing vast amounts of text data. LLMs are pre-trained on enormous datasets, which allow them to learn grammar, context, and various language nuances. LLM uses transformer neural networks to understand the relationships between words and phrases, enabling them to perform tasks such as text generation, translation, summarization, question answering, and powering chatbots.

01 What are LLMs

A Large Language Model (LLM) is an advanced type of deep learning-based statistical model trained to understand and generate natural language text, by being trained on vast amounts of text data. These models process sequential data (such as text) with understanding of the context and semantic relationships between words.

LLMs are used for tasks like creating chatbots, translating languages, summarizing documents, answering questions, and generating human-like text content.

How does an LLM work Embedding

An LLM transforms the input text into a numerical vector that takes into account the semantic links between words (this process is called embedding) and compares the vector with internal knowledge. This allows the model to deﬁne the relevant context and, on this basis, generates a text by applying a statistical calculation to calculate the probability of the next word based on its level of coherence with the context.

How does an LLM work Context

It processes the contents of a text or PROMPT and, based on its own knowledge and ability to interpret the language contained in the prompt (and based on its own cognitive biases), it is capable to generate consistent answers.

The data volume that an LLM can manage (both in input and output) is deﬁned as CONTEXT (or context window), which unit is called TOKEN

Training on Massive Data

LLMs are trained on enormous datasets, which include books, articles, and websites, allowing them to learn grammar, facts, and reasoning skills.

Transformer Architecture

They often use transformer neural networks with self-attention mechanisms to process entire sequences of text at once, understanding the relationships between words and phrases.

Language Understanding & Generation

This training enables LLMs to understand context, generate coherent and relevant text, and perform various natural language processing (NLP) tasks.

Limitations

- knowledge base (knowledge acquired during the training phase)

- biases (they are internal structures generated during the training phase)

- size of the context (expressed in tokens)

- hardware capabilities (operation speed, available memory)

- tendency to generate invented content (technically called “hallucinations” )

*[see, for example, Avianca Airlines legal case by lawyer Steven A. Schwartz]

- great ability to apply statistical predictions to natural language

- ability to generate coherent and persuasive texts

- ability to generate texts by making logical associations, sometimes connecting unexpected but plausible ideas

Because Large Language Models (LLMs) learn from internet data, they can sometimes reflect biases present in that data, and their output should be carefully reviewed for accuracy and ethical implications. The system produces text that is not necessarily true, but coherent; ChatGPT, to mention one, warns us to pay attention as it suffers from what technicians call “hallucinations”: a suggestive but misleading term because it gives it a human connotation. In fact, hallucinations are simply randomly false, invented answers that artificial intelligence mixes with the well-founded information it provides. Anyone familiar with ChatGPT, or similar tools, knows that what we call intelligence is, in fact, a probabilistic model based on a statistical mechanism and on an immense database that includes everything, good and bad,

that circulates on the Internet. ChatGPT manages to produce sensible texts because after each word it probabilistically guesses the expression that will follow. In most cases it provides well-founded information, but not always.

On this regard, RAG – Retrieval Augmented Generation - is a process pipeline used to specialize an LLM in a particular domain, used to reduce hallucinations and to better manage the context. This AI system combines a LLM with an external knowledge base to improve the accuracy, relevance, and trustworthiness of generated responses. RAG systems first retrieve relevant information from external data sources, like documents or databases, and then use that contextual information to “ground” the LLMs’ generation

process, resulting in more factually accurate and domain-specific outputs without requiring the LLM to be retrained. Speaches, books, documents and any date are segmented and embedded (mathematical operation in which a sentence or a document or an entire book is reduced to a vector, a number sequence), creating a mathematical representation, an index, that takes into consideration specific features (features decided by the embedding engine creator!); for example, what language is the document in? Is this semantic unit positive or negative? Which thematic category does it belong to? As humans are multifaceted, it is difficult to classify us, but every interface (posts, clicking on links, social etc.) is a characteristic, a feature, and the system makes it become a number, a vector, mapping our intentionality.

What is RAG

Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) is a process pipeline (architecture) that allows to:

- specialize an LLM after training (knowledge)

- act on a proprietary data set

- Reduce hallucinations

- reduce, and better manage, the context to be examined

03 How RAG Works Proﬁling

Query to Vector:

When a user submits a query, it’s also converted into a vector

Contextual Retrieval:

The query vector is used to search the vector database for the most relevant information.

Augmented Prompt:

The retrieved information is combined with the original query to create an enhanced prompt for the LLM.

Grounded Generation:

The LLM generates a response based on both its internal training data and the speciﬁc, contextual information provided in the augmented prompt.

02 How RAG Works Preliminary phase

Data Indexing and Retrieval

-segmentation of the external document and data into small parts (split), and converted into a numerical format (vectors) -vector indexing (embedding) of documents and data reduced in the split phase -storing of vectors in a vector Database

04

Beneﬁts of RAG

Improved Accuracy:

RAG reduces "hallucinations" and errors by drawing on up-to-date, reliable external data sources rather than relying solely on potentially outdated training data.

Domain-Speciﬁc Knowledge: It allows LLMs to provide accurate, specialized responses for speciﬁc industries or an organization’s internal data without the costly process of retraining the entire model.

Current Information: By accessing external knowledge bases, RAG systems can provide answers based on recent information, making them more relevant in dynamic environments.

Source Citation: Since the information comes from external sources, these systems can often cite the sources of their information, increasing transparency and trust.

MEDICA 2025 and COMPAMED 2025: Orientation, Networking and Perspectives for a Key Industry Undergoing Transformation

German Federal Health Minister Nina Warken slated to attend the opening –medical technology industry shows its innovative strength

As one of the world’s most innovative industries, the medical technology industry faces a challenging environment and turbulent times. Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, digitalisation and interconnected care are the features of the changing healthcare business. Simultaneously, regulatory requirements, disrupted supply chains, an increasing shortage of specialised workers, combined with new geopolitical risks and trade restrictions are a challenge to manufacturers and their suppliers. In the midst of all this tension, MEDICA 2025 and COMPAMED 2025, as the leading international information and communication platforms for the entire medical technology value chain, will be offering orientation, exchange and perspectives from 17 to 20 November in Düsseldorf.

Back in the spring, the MEDICA team revealed the new campaign motto “Meet

Health. Future. People.”, a motto that indicates the programme for the coming year’s trade fairs and the direction that their themes and formats are going to take. With the participation of several thousand exhibiting companies, the full spectrum of innovations for forward-looking medical care can be experienced live in one place. Renowned personalities will offer exciting insights and best practices on the hottest topics of the day in talks and discussion rounds. Professionals from all healthcare sectors will be able to forge valuable contacts across the globe.

Two especially prestigious visitors are expected right at the launch of MEDICA 2025: German Federal Health Minister Nina Warken and North Rhine-Westphalia Health Minister Karl-Josef Laumann have confirmed their attendance at the opening of the 48th German Hospital

Conference. “A new start for hospital policy – Courage to make changes” is the motto of this year’s Hospital Conference, which will take place amid MEDICA trade fair events (in Hall 10) once again. In times when reforms, workforce issues and supply quality in the healthcare sector are being talked about daily, the appearances by Nina Warken and Karl-Josef Laumann on 17 November promise some tantalizing topics of conversation, in direct dialogue with high-ranking decision-makers from German hospitals.

In the eyes of Dr. Jens Uwe Schreck, Managing Director of the Association of Hospital Directors Germany (VKD), the Hospital Conference’s venue is a real winner: “It was an excellent decision to locate the German Hospital Conference inside the trade fair halls. It allows even better and more intensive exchange between trade fair visitors, Hospital Conference participants and the

exhibitors with their innovations.” With a view to this year’s agenda, Dr. Schreck regards topics such as hospitals’ resilience in terms of disaster management, complete with large numbers of incoming casualties, abolishing bureaucracy, and “purging the healthcare sector of excessive regulations” as being especially important.

A hotspot for “future tech”

Forward-looking technology will also meet specific applications in the newly launched MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM (in Hall 12), which will incorporate the topics of its forerunner, the MEDICA HEALTH IT FORUM. High-calibre speakers and start-up contests such as the 14th MEDICA STARTUP COMPETITION or the 17th HEALTHCARE INNOVATION WORLD CUP are sending out clear signals: with its programme formats, MEDICA is the hotspot for the full spectrum of digital innovations – from smart wearables, through AI-supported diagnostics, to micro-medical robotics. In the direct vicinity of the MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM, the MEDICA START-UP PARK and the Wearable Technologies Show will be likewise contributing to this prestige. Also in Hall 12, the MEDICA ECON FORUM, organised by statutory health insurance provider Techniker Krankenkasse, will be making the digital transformation of German healthcare to ensure a modern, networked supply chain a focal topic of its conversations.

Networking with the highly inventive founder scene

This year, the MEDICA START-UP PARK (in Hall 12), now a firm fixture in the Digital Health area of MEDICA as an exclusive networking platform for the highly inventive founder scene, is set to match last year’s

record participation of 60 start-ups. DARERL ApS (Copenhagen), HeartHero (Denver) and OMMO Technologies (Texas) will be among the attendees. DARERL develops anatomical digital twins for virtual product development for medical technology and wearables. HeartHero presents a wearable, user-friendly AED, which only automatically defibrillates according to need. OMMO Technologies offers a magnet-based 3D tracking system for highly precise motion capture applications, which makes it ideal for neurosurgical, orthopaedic or dental interventions. The sensor technology can be integrated into various surgical instruments.

All facets of modern medicine – “hot topics” decide the agenda

MEDICA 2025 reflects the industry’s hot topics – not only in the Digital Health/ Health IT world of experience, but in its other worlds of experience as well. These hot topics include AI/generative AI, robotics and automation along with interconnected care . In addition to exhibitors’ innovations for all outpatient and inpatient treatment phases, a varied stage programme and special shows assist in this endeavour. The worlds of experience included in the line-up are: Lab Technology and Diagnostics (with MEDICA FORUM), Medical Technology and Electromedicine (with MEDICA TECH FORUM and ‘Hospital of the Future’), Commodities and Consumables plus Physiotherapy and Orthopaedic Technology (with the MEDICA SPORTS HUB).

In conjunction with COMPAMED, which always takes place parallel, this comprehensive topical range and product offering is unique anywhere in the world. Today, COMPAMED is the world’s leading platform

for suppliers to the medical technology industry. With its exhibition and stage programme in Halls 8a and 8b, the trade fair is an impressive showcase for supplier competence in key technologies and likewise has five worlds of experience : Manufacturing & Devices (e.g., components, parts, manufacturing processes), Services & Advice (e.g., research, development, services), Materials (e.g., plastics, glass, ceramics, metals, composite materials, adhesives, packaging), Micro Tech (such as microcomponents and microfluidics) as well as IT in Tech (software development and maintenance for medical technology).

High-calibre delegations & service campaign

MEDICA and COMPAMED were already a big hit in 2024, with more than 5,000 participating exhibitors in total who came from 72 nations, along with around 80,000 visiting professionals from 165 nations. A similarly strong international resonance is expected for this year – not least on account of a high number of visitor groups who have already announced their attendance. From the United Kingdom, for example, a high-calibre delegation from the National Health Service (NHS) will be arriving, with specialists from paediatric and even neurosurgical clinical care, among other areas.

Be they professionals from across the world or the exhibitors’ employees – all those coming to Düsseldorf will be able to benefit from a new service. In partnership with Kuoni Tumlare Congress, Messe Düsseldorf has created a new hotel booking platform on which numerous room contingents close to the trade fair are available at attractive prices. The service with booking options can be accessed at: https://www. medica.de/hotels_city_infos.

MEDICA 2025 and COMPAMED 2025 will take place from 17 to 20 November on the trade fair premises in Düsseldorf.

The final day has new opening hours: the trade fair halls will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Professionals can embark on an exploratory tour of medical technology innovations on the first three consecutive days, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

More information on participating companies, innovations, plus the programme of accompanying forums and conferences can be found at: www.medica-tradefair.com and www.compamed-tradefair.com b

Messe Düsseldorf GmbH

MEDICA 2025 Press Team

Martin Koch, Apostolos Hatzigiannidis and Luisa Harnau

Phone: +49(0)211-4560-444/ -544/ -539

E-mail: KochM@messe-duesseldorf.de

Federal Minister of Health Nina Warken is expected to attend on the first day of the fair

MEDICA LABMED FORUM: Trends, Topics

and Innovations in Laboratory Medicine – Examined in Detail and Discussed by Experts

Important impetus for almost all medical disciplines

A Laboratory medicine forms a bridge between clinical practice, research and patient care. This makes it a key driver for a progressive healthcare system. As a result, the MEDICA LABMED FORUM has developed in recent years into a particularly noteworthy scientific programme element of MEDICA in Düsseldorf, the world’s leading trade fair for the healthcare industry and medical technology. Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Stefan Holdenrieder, German Heart Centre (Technical University of Munich), the forum will once again offer a varied agenda on all days of MEDICA 2025 from 17 to 20 November in the middle of the exhibition area for laboratory equipment and diagnostics in Hall 1. Thanks to the central role that blood tests and other laboratory medical procedures play in medicine, the high-calibre stage programme will provide in-depth knowledge transfer, in-depth discussions and thus impulses relevant to almost all specialist disciplines.

Digitalisation, AI and automation take centre stage

While the coronavirus pandemic and its virological, diagnostic and clinical aspects were the focus of attention in 2021 and 2022, the focus has shifted towards digitalisation, artificial intelligence and automation since 2023. Large language models and artificially intelligent robots not only fascinate visionaries and techies – they also solve very specific everyday problems that arise from a shortage of skilled workers and increasing demands on medical laboratories. In this context, there are regular reports on current legal challenges for clinics and industry – for example, through the In Vitro Diagnostics Regulation (IVDR).

Regardless of current trends, the MEDICA LABMED FORUM has always paid particular attention to cardiological and oncological diseases as the leading causes of death in the Western world, flanked since 2024 by the latest findings from research into ageing and longevity.

Key

topics & highlights 2025

This year’s key topics and highlights on the individual days of the event are:

• Monday, 17 November: Skills shortage & IVDR led by Prof. Dr Thomas Streichert (University of Cologne)

• Tuesday, 18 November: Cardiogenetics & oncology led by Prof. Dr. Stefan Holdenrieder (Technical University of Munich)

• Wednesday, 19 November: Young scientists, AI & tele-lab care led by PD Dr. Verena Haselmann (University of Mannheim)

• Thursday, 20 November: Healthy ageing and longevity led by Dr Kai Prager and Dr Peter Quick (VDGH Berlin)

The morning sessions of the forum begin at 10:30 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m. After a lunch break with selected industry presentations, the afternoon sessions continue from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. –on Thursday, the schedule will be slightly different due to the shortened exhibition hours (10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.).

Day 1: Skilled labour shortage and in vitro regulation

According to recent surveys of medical laboratories, staff shortages are currently the biggest challenge to maintaining regular laboratory operations. Prof. Thomas Streichert, chair of the Monday session, explains: ‘The ongoing shortage of qualified specialists is making it increasingly difficult for hospital laboratories to ensure fast, high-quality results in the face of rising sample numbers and increasingly complex diagnostics.’ On the forum stage, experts from the fields of practice, management and training will discuss:

• Causes and current developments in staff shortages

• Innovative approaches to employee recruitment and retention

• Digitalisation and automation as a relief in everyday life

During the session, best practices will be presented for laboratories that are ready to break new ground for a secure future.

The afternoon session will focus on the latest developments in the field of In Vitro Diagnostics Regulation (IVDR), a European Union regulation governing the approval, marketing and monitoring of tests for laboratory examinations on humans. Among other things, the panel will address new developments in cybersecurity and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and will deal with consumer protection in direct-to-consumer testing (DTCT), a relatively new form of direct marketing of laboratory tests via the internet and pharmacies without medical supervision.

Day 2: Cardiology and oncology

The Tuesday session will be chaired by Prof. Stefan Holdenrieder, who is also the organiser of the overall scientific programme. Traditionally, on the second day of the exhibition, he presents current developments in laboratory medicine for the two disease complexes that determine mortality in the Western world: cardiovascular disease and cancer.

This year, he will focus on the emerging field of cardiogenetics in the morning session. ‘At the German Heart Centre at the Technical University of Munich, we not only record and examine mono- and polygenic risk factors that promote the development of coronary heart disease in our young patients with congenital heart defects and cardiomyopathies, but also increasingly in adults,’ says Holdenrieder. The aim here is to intervene in good time to prevent serious long-term damage. Two renowned experts from his institute, Prof. Dr. Cordula Wolf and PD Dr. Teresa Trenkwalder, will discuss these topics with Prof. Eric Schulze-Bahr, Director of the Institute for Genetics of Heart Diseases (IfGH) at Münster University Hospital.

Early detection of cancer from blood

In oncological diagnostics, Prof. Holdenrieder addresses the ‘hot topic’ of ‘multi-cancer early detection’ (MCED). This involves highly sensitive and highly parallelised techniques that enable the early detection of cancer from blood. The basis for this are DNA molecules that are released from cancer cells into the circulation – known as cell-free or cfDNA – and which, due to certain biochemical characteristics such as methylation and fragment length patterns, can provide information about which tumours they originate from, even before these become clinically or radiologically detectable. Advanced bioinformatic techniques are required to evaluate the flood of data generated in this process.

Day 3: Young Scientists Day

The ‘Young Scientists Day’ has also become a firm tradition, with PD Dr Verena Haselmann inviting young scientists to present their research results and represent the interests of the next generation of laboratory medicine professionals. This year’s main topics are artificial intelligence in laboratory medicine in the morning and

‘Tele-Lab Care’ in the afternoon. Both sessions focus on the increasing digitalisation of laboratory medical patient care and collaboration with other diagnostic areas, such as imaging in the context of integrated diagnostics or continuous self-monitoring with wearables. The spectrum of presentations ranges from the support of integrated diagnostics through large language models to special AI applications in haematological oncology and paediatrics to regulatory aspects of telemedical patient care via digital platforms.

Day 4: Healthy ageing and longevity

To conclude this year’s MEDICA LABMED FORUM, Dr Kai Prager (DiaSys Diagnostic Systems GmbH) and Dr Peter Quick from the Association of the Diagnostics Industry (VDGH) will continue the exciting discussion on healthy ageing and new approaches to prolonging human life, which they launched with great success in 2024. Anti-ageing is a controversial topic in medicine because the boundaries between serious science and dubious commercial promises are blurred.

The two chairmen have set themselves the task of strengthening confidence in

this branch of research with scientifically sound contributions. Dr Kai Prager comments: ‘This year, we are focusing specifically on the question of how cellular processes and epigenetic changes influence our ageing and what role stem cells play in this.’ Another focus is the prevention of dementia and the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases through personalised diagnostics and therapy.

Direct link with information about the MEDICA LABMED FORUM: www.medica-tradefair.com/mlf2

All information about MEDICA 2025 is available online at: www.medica-tradefair.com

Author’s note: Prof. Georg Hoffmann, MD Messe Düsseldorf GmbH

MEDICA + COMPAMED press team Martin Koch, Luisa Harnau and Apostolos Hatzigiannidis

Tel. +49(0)211-4560-444/ -539/ -544

Email: KochM@messe-duesseldorf.de

International expert meeting for trends and innovations in laboratory medicine - the MEDICA LABMED FORUM at MEDICA

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Interested in dealing new products and improve your business? These pages are for you: announcements of companies and distributors searching for each other. Your next partner is already waiting for you. Write us to be in the next issue*: B classified@infodent.com

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IEC is offering to medical equipment dealers and service companies worldwide pre-owned Olympus endoscopes, processors, and lightsources. Expect excellent customer service and pricing. Please contact us for further information.

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Dr TECH is seeking global distributors for our premium C-arm, digital radiography, and mammography systems.

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Pelvistore BV - Belgium

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We are looking to distribute diabetes, rehabilitation and autism products. Imperial-AE (Imperial Middle East), established in Abu Dhabi in 2019, delivers high-quality medical, rehabilitation, and healthcare furniture products. We partner with international brands to offer medical consumables, dental equipment, wound & diabetes care, and smart surfaces. With expert consultation, installation and service, we ensure innovative solutions, reliability, and value. Imperial Middle East

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We are looking to distribute blood tubes collections, gloves, syringes, needle syringes, butterfly needles, infusion sets, urine containers, vaginal speculum, silk surgical tape, PE surgical tape, cotton roll, cotton gauze, EKG paper, ultrasound gel.

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I’m a freelance agent involved in the medical products industry and I represent foreign factories into Spain. I would like to enter in contact with worldwide manufacturers interested to penetrate in Spain territory. Please share my contact details to any company interested to sale in my country. Juan Amo - Spain

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We are looking for distributors exclusively in Morocco for CGM Continuous Glucose Monitor. Dispropal Sarl - Morocco

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trade shows calendar

november 2025

S 17-20 / 11

MEDICA

S marrakesh, morocco

19th International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine World Congress

Organised by: Kenes International Organizers of Congresses S.A.

Rue François-Versonnex 7 1207 Geneva

Switzerland

Phone: +41 315 280432 ext. 939

Venue: Palais des Congrès Marrakesh Morocco

F https://isprm25.com/about-us/

S tokyo, japan

Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress

Organised by: EUROMEDICOM Part of IM Aesthetics 37 avenue de Friedland

75008 Paris

France

Phone: +33 1 58 56 74 00

Venue: Prince Park Tower Tokyo Tokyo Japan F www.amwc-japan.com/en

S düsseldorf, germany

Organised by: Messe Düsseldorf GmbH

Messeplatz

40474 Düsseldorf

Tel: +49 211 4560-01

Fax: +49 211 4560-668

Web: www.messe-duesseldorf.de

Venue: Duesseldorf Trade Fair Centre

Messeplatz 40474 Duesseldorf

Germany

F www.medica.de

01/01 - 31/12 - Smart Medical Fair

The international virtual medical trade fair

F www.smartmedicalfair.com

Organized by Infodent & Infomedix International

The platform virtually connects manufacturers with a global audience. For further information, visit Infodent & Infomedix International booth! F www.smartmedicalfair.com/stand/h5p1b0z2218

november 2025

S 19-21 / 11

Pharmchina 2025

S nanjing, china

Organised by: Reed Sinopharm exhibitions Co., Ltd. 15th Floor Tower B,Ping An International Finance Center No.1-3, Xinyuan South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100027, P.R.China

Phone: +86 10 84556677

Fax: +86 10 62033210

Venue: Nanjing International Expo Center - NIEC Nanjing China

F www.pharmchina.com.cn/en

november 2025

S 24-25 / 11

AUTOMA+ 2025

S Vösendorf, Austria

Pharmaceutical Automation and Digitalisation Congress

Organised by: BGS Group

Email: automaplus@bgs.group

Venue: Eventhotel Pyramide & Congress Center Vösendorf Austria

F https://automa.plus/

november 2025

S 25-27 / 11

Warsaw Medical Expo

S warsaw, poland

3rd Edition

Customer Service Office

Phone: +48 518 739 124 biuro.podawcze2@warsawexpo.eu

Venue: Ptak Warsaw Expo Hall B 62 Katowicka Ave. 05-830 Nadarzyn Poland

F https://warsawmedicalexpo.com/en/

november 2025 december 2025 S 30 / 11 - 04 / 12

S 04-07 / 12

Healthcare Expo Taiwan

S 08-11 / 12

S chicago - il, usa

Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting

Annual Meeting: Nov. 30 – Dec. 4, 2025 Technical Exhibits: Nov. 30 – Dec. 3, 2025

Organized by: The International Association of Medical Equipment Remarketers and Servicers (IAMERS) 85 Edgemont Place Teaneck, NJ 07666, USA Phone: +1 201 833 2203 Email: info@iamers.org

Venue: The Ivy Room 12 East Ohio Street Chicago, IL USA

F www.rsna.org

S taipei, taiwan

9 th Edition - Expand Biotech, Medtech, and Healthtech markets for business growth in APAC

Venue: Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center (TaiNEX 1) Hall 1 Taipei Taiwan

F https://expo.taiwan-healthcare.org/en/

S moscow, russia

Russian Health Care Week - International Scientific and Practical Forum

Expocentre Krasnopresnenskaya nab., 14 Moscow, Russia, 123100 Phone: +7 499 795 3799 // 795 3946

E-mail: centr@expocentr.ru

Venue: Crocus Expo Moscow Russia

F www.zdravo-expo.ru/en

december 2025

january 2025

S 12-14 / 12 S 14-16 / 01

Medicall 2025 COSME Tech 2026

S mumbai, india

44th Edition - India’s Largest & Hospital Equipment Expo

Organised by: Medexpert Business Consultants Pvt Ltd

Phone: +91 7305 789 789

Email: info@medicall.in

Venue: Bombay Convention & Exhibition center Off Western Express Highway, Goregaon East, Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400 063 India

F www.medicall.in

S tokyo, japan

16th International Cosmetics Development Expo

Organised by: RX Japan (formerly Reed Exhibitions Japan)

Email: cosme-tokyo.jp@rxglobal.com Phone: +81 3 6739 4121

Venue: Tokyo Big Sight Tokyo Japan F www.cosme-week.jp/hub/en-gb.html

february 2025

S 09-12 / 02

WHX Dubai formerly Arab Health

S dubai, u.a.e.

51st Edition

Informa Markets- Middle East 20th Floor, Dubai World Trade Center Tower - Sheikh Zayed Rd - DubaiUnited Arab Emirates

Email: arabhealth@informa.com Website: www.arabhealthonline.com

Venue: Dubai Exhibition Centre Expo Road, Dubai South Jebel Ali, Dubai United Arab Emirates

F www.arabhealthonline.com

Obesity Exceeds Underweight For The First Time Among School-age Children and Adolescents

Globally – UNICEF

One in 10 children worldwide living with obesity. Exposure to the marketing of ultra-processed foods found to be widespread

Obesity surpassed underweight as the more prevalent form of malnutrition this year, affecting 1 in 10 – or 188 million – school-aged children and adolescents, and placing them at risk of life-threatening disease, UNICEF warned in a new report today.

“Feeding Profit: How Food Environments are Failing Children ” draws on data from over 190 countries and finds the prevalence of underweight among children aged 5-19 has declined since 2000, from nearly 13 per cent to 9.2 per cent, while obesity rates have increased from 3 per cent to 9.4 per cent. Obesity now exceeds

underweight in all regions of the world, except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

According to the findings, several Pacific Island countries have the highest prevalence of obesity globally, including 38 per cent of 5 to 19-yearolds in Niue, 37 per cent in Cook Islands, and 33 per cent in Nauru. These levels – which have all doubled since 2000 – are largely driven by a shift from traditional diets to cheap, energy-dense, imported foods.

Meanwhile, many high-income countries continue to have high levels of obesity, for example 27 per cent of 5 to 19-year-olds in Chile are living with obesity, 21 per cent in the United States, and 21 per cent in the United Arab Emirates.

“When we talk about malnutrition, we are no longer just talking about underweight children,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “Obesity is a growing concern that can impact the health and development of children. Ultra-processed food is increasingly replacing fruits, vegetables and protein at a time when nutrition plays a critical role in children’s growth, cognitive development and mental health.”

While undernutrition – such as wasting and stunting – remains a significant concern among children under 5 in most low- and middle-income countries, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing among school aged children and adolescents. According to the latest available data, 1 in 5 children and adolescents aged 5-19 globally – or 391 million – are overweight, with a large proportion of them now classified as living with obesity.

Children are considered overweight when they are significantly heavier than what is healthy for their age, sex and height. Obesity is a severe form of overweight and leads to a higher risk of developing insulin resistance and high blood pressure, as well as life-threatening diseases later in life, including type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.

The report warns that ultra-processed and fast foods – high in sugar, refined starch, salt, unhealthy fats and additives – are shaping children’s diets through unhealthy food environments, rather than personal choice. These products dominate shops and schools, while digital marketing gives the food and beverage industry powerful access to young audiences.

For example, in a global poll of 64,000 young people aged 13-24 from over 170 countries conducted through UNICEF’s U-Report platform last year, 75 per cent of respondents recalled seeing advertisements for sugary drinks, snacks, or fast foods in the previous week, and 60 per cent said the advertisements increased their desire to eat the foods. Even in conflict-affected countries, 68 per cent of young people said they were exposed to these advertisements.

Without interventions to prevent childhood overweight and obesity, countries could face lifetime health and economic impacts exceeding, for example, US$210 billion in Peru, due to obesity-related health issues. By 2035, the global economic impact of overweight and obesity is expected to surpass US$4 trillion annually.

The report highlights positive steps governments have taken. For example, in Mexico – a country facing a high prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity, and where sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods account for 40 per cent of children’s daily calories, the government recently banned the sale and distribution of ultra-processed foods and items high in salt, sugar and fat in public schools – positively impacting food environments for over 34 million children.

Unicef

UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, especially the most disadvantaged and those hardest to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive and fulfil their potential. We provide and advocate for education, health and nutrition services. Protect children from violence and abuse. Bring clean water and sanitation to those in need. And keep them safe from climate change and disease. The world’s largest provider of vaccines, UNICEF also runs the world’s largest humanitarian warehouse. Before, during and after emergencies, we’re on the ground with life-saving help and hope.

F www.unicef.org

B press@unicef.it

To transform food environments and ensure children have access to nutritious diets, UNICEF is calling on governments, civil society, and partners to urgently:

• Implement comprehensive mandatory policies to improve children’s food environments, including food labelling, food marketing restrictions, and food taxes and subsidies.

• Implement social and behaviour change initiatives that empower families and communities to demand healthier food environments.

• Ban the provision or sale of ultra-processed and junk foods in schools and prohibit food marketing and sponsorship in schools.

• Establish strong safeguards to protect public policy processes from interference by the ultra-processed food industry.

• Strengthen social protection programmes to address income poverty and improve financial access to nutritious diets for vulnerable families.

“In many countries we are seeing the double burden of malnutrition – the existence of stunting and obesity. This requires targeted interventions,” said Russell. “Nutritious and affordable food must be available to every child to support their growth and development. We urgently need policies that support parents and caretakers to access nutritious and healthy foods for their children.”

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cover page Innovative Endoscopy Components, LLC 320 International ParkwayFort Lauderdale FL 33325 - USA +1 954 217 8780 info@endoscopy.md www.endoscopy.md

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