International Scientific Conference on Obesity Prevention and Treatment Commences at Cihan University-Erbil
On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, under the patronage of Dr. Aram Mohammed Qadir, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Kurdistan Regional Government, the proceedings of the International Scientific Conference titled ‘Obesity: A New Era 2026 – Prevention, Treatment and Multidisciplinary Care’ commenced at the Conference Hall of Cihan University-Erbil.
Organized by Cihan University-Erbil in collaboration with BARSAM International Development and Innovation Company and the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Cihan University-Erbil, the conference aimed to address recent medical and nutritional advancements.
Conference Opening Ceremony
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr. Ameer Chali, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Professor Dr.Amjad Saber Al-Delawi, President of Cihan University-Erbil and Conference Chair; Dr. Nawzad Yahya Bajger, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Cihan University and Institutes; alongside vice presidents, college deans, heads of various academic departments, consultant physicians, and researchers.
Obesity Framework and Health Risks
In his opening speech, Professor Dr. Amjad emphasized that obesity is not merely a cosmetic or weight-related condition, but a chronic and recurrent disease resulting from genetic, metabolic, psychological, and environmental factors.
Furthermore, he highlighted that obesity serves as a primary risk factor for diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, fatty liver disease, and specific malignancies, noting its increasing prevalence globally and regionally.
Multidisciplinary Team Approach
Professor Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delawi explained that addressing this health challenge requires an integrated multidisciplinary team comprising physicians, surgeons, nutritionists, researchers, and healthcare policymakers. Within this framework, he emphasized the core pillars of the conference: Prevention, Treatment, and Multidisciplinary Care.
Role of the University and Official Inauguration
The President of Cihan University-Erbil underscored the university’s conviction that higher education institutions serve as active partners in public health and as bridges between scientific research and clinical application.
He expressed optimism that the conference would establish broader institutional collaborations between universities and health organizations before officially opening the conference.
Importance of Healthy Nutrition
In another segment, Dr. Nawzad Yahya Bajger, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Cihan University and Institutes, underscored the importance of proper nutrition in preserving public health and preventing obesity-related diseases.
He stressed the necessity of enhancing dietary awareness, enhancing the role of clinical nutritionists, and building effective partnerships between educational institutions, hospitals, and the private sector to parallel medical progress.
Scientific Program of the Conference
Spanning two days, the conference focuses on managing obesity as a complex chronic condition. The scientific agenda includes the presentation of recent evidence concerning prevention protocols, surgical innovations, and the integration of nutritionists into multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
