Lisbon: Aga Khan University (AKU) has reinforced its global leadership in health and research through a series of high-level engagements in Portugal. These included signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the University of Coimbra, engaging in strategic discussions with Portugal's Ministry of Health, and participating in an international conference on artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare.
According to the Aga Khan University, the MoU was signed on July 14, 2026, forming part of a broader collaboration involving the University of Coimbra, the Coimbra Local Health Unit, and the Coimbra Academic and Clinical Centre. The signing ceremony, attended by Portugal's Minister of Health Ana Paula Martins and WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, established a framework for collaboration in health education, research, and innovation. Similar agreements were also signed with Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the World Health Summit.
Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of AKU, emphasized the critical nature of international collaboration in addressing global challenges during his remarks at the ceremony. He reiterated the necessity of cross-border partnerships to advance the welfare of communities and strengthen institutional capacities.
Further discussions between representatives of the Ismaili Imamat, Portugal, and AKU leadership with senior officials from Portugal's Ministry of Health focused on capacity development, research, and health system strengthening, underscoring the mutual commitment to advancing healthcare through international collaboration.
The engagements were followed by the WHO Europe-Government of Portugal Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, held in Lisbon on July 15 and 16, 2026. The event gathered health leaders from 37 countries to discuss responsible AI adoption in health systems, emphasizing governance, ethics, and practical strategies for improving patient care.
At the conference, Professor Salim S. Virani, AKU's Vice Provost Research, presented on the transformative impact of AI and digital innovation at the University. He highlighted AKU's extensive digital innovation initiatives and moderated a panel on building sustainable AI ecosystems through collaboration and workforce development, reinforcing the University's commitment to translating technology into meaningful health outcomes.