A man tries a medical device at an exhibition during the Joint International Pharmacy Conference 2026 in Cairo, Egypt, Feb. 1, 2026. The Joint International Pharmacy Conference 2026 wrapped up in Cairo on Monday after two days of discussions on combining Western pharmaceuticals and traditional Chinese medicine, with a focus on the use of artificial intelligence. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)
CAIRO, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Joint International Pharmacy Conference 2026 wrapped up in Cairo on Monday after two days of discussions on combining Western pharmaceuticals and traditional Chinese medicine, with a focus on the use of artificial intelligence.
Organized by the Egyptian Chinese University and the Chinese Association for Research and Advancement of Chinese Medicine, the conference examined how digital technologies can be applied to long-established medical practices. Final sessions highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in data-driven drug development and more personalized patient care.
Mina Tadros, dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Drug Technology at the Egyptian Chinese University and president of the conference, said the event aimed to promote integration between Western medicine and traditional Chinese approaches.
"We explored ways to bring the two fields together and to introduce Chinese medicine more broadly in Egypt and beyond," Tadros said.
He said the accompanying exhibition included 12 Egyptian pharmaceutical and medical equipment companies, along with four major Chinese firms.
Zhu Chaoping, a senior expert with the Chinese association's external therapy committee, said Egypt could play an important role in expanding the global reach of traditional Chinese medicine. He cited Egypt's location and its ties with China and Africa, including cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Throughout the final day, participants discussed advances in genetics, vaccine development and the digital transformation of pharmaceutical manufacturing. Organizers said the exchanges are expected to lead to new research partnerships between Egyptian and Chinese institutions and support Egypt's public health priorities. ■