NABD-BC2 at the HTAi 2026 Annual Meeting

NABD-BC2 Association had the pleasure of participating in the Health Technology Assessment International (HTAi) 2026 Annual Meeting, held from 6–10 June 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye. The association was represented by its President, Mrs. Ikram Eseghir, who attended the meeting through the PCIG PASS, a dedicated initiative offered by HTAi’s Patient and Citizen Involvement in HTA Interest Group (PCIG) to support patients, caregivers, and patient representatives in participating in the HTAi Annual Meeting. This opportunity enabled NABD-BC2 to contribute to global discussions on Health Technology Assessment (HTA) while strengthening its engagement with the international HTA community.

Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is a multidisciplinary process that uses evidence-based methods to evaluate the value of health technologies, including medicines, medical devices, diagnostics, procedures, programs, and healthcare systems. HTA supports informed decision-making and contributes to the development of efficient, high-quality, and patient-centered healthcare systems.

Under the theme HTA as a System Shaper, the 2026 Annual Meeting explored how HTA can move beyond the assessment of individual technologies to become a strategic tool for strengthening health systems, promoting equity, supporting sustainability, and informing policy decisions. Through plenary sessions, workshops, panel discussions, and scientific presentations, participants exchanged experiences and innovative approaches across a wide range of topics, including capacity building, health economics, stakeholder engagement, environmental sustainability, evidence synthesis, and policy implementation.

A key highlight of the event was the growing visibility of Morocco in discussions related to HTA. Members of the Moroccan academic community delivered presentations showcasing ongoing efforts and early-stage initiatives aimed at introducing and institutionalizing HTA within the Moroccan health system. These presentations demonstrated Morocco’s commitment to adopting evidence-informed approaches to healthcare decision-making and provided valuable insights into the country’s progress toward establishing a national HTA framework. For NABD-BC2, this represented an important opportunity to better understand these developments and explore how patient organizations can contribute to this emerging national agenda.

On 7 June, Mrs. Ikram Eseghir also participated in a full-day pre-conference workshop dedicated to patient involvement in Health Technology Assessment (HTA) research and implementation. The workshop combined theoretical presentations with practical exercises, breakout group discussions, and interactive sessions designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of meaningful patient engagement throughout the HTA process. Participants exchanged experiences and learned from international examples of successful patient involvement in HTA research, assessment, and decision-making. The workshop provided valuable insights into strategies for integrating patient perspectives, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and supporting the implementation of patient-centered HTA systems in diverse healthcare settings.

The conference also offered an important opportunity for NABD-BC2 to engage with members of the Moroccan delegation, including academics and experts involved in advancing HTA in Morocco. These exchanges allowed the association to gain a deeper understanding of ongoing national efforts, discuss the role of patient organizations within future HTA processes, and explore opportunities for collaboration. In addition, NABD-BC2 networked with HTA agencies, academic institutions, and healthcare leaders from different regions, learning from countries with more established HTA systems and sharing perspectives on patient engagement and healthcare access.

HTAi 2026 further provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen collaboration with our partners from We Want Life and Aid and Hope. During dedicated discussions, the organizations explored future areas of cooperation and reviewed progress related to the AA-CAN Coalition. The meeting reinforced a shared commitment to improving access to cancer care across the MENA region through patient-centered advocacy, capacity building, and regional collaboration. Discussions focused on future joint initiatives and strategies to further amplify the voice of patients in healthcare policy and decision-making processes.

A significant highlight of the conference was a formal meeting with Dr. Lamia Mahmoud, WHO EMRO Advisor, during which constructive discussions were held on promoting meaningful engagement of people with lived experience (PWLE) in healthcare decision-making processes in Morocco. The meeting also provided an opportunity to present the Moroccan experience in patient advocacy and engagement, as well as the work of the AA-CAN regional coalition. Discussions explored opportunities to strengthen patient participation in policy development, health technology assessment activities, and broader health system reforms. Potential areas for future collaboration with WHO EMRO were identified, particularly in advancing patient-centered approaches, capacity building, regional cooperation, and knowledge exchange initiatives.

NABD-BC2’s participation in the HTAi 2026 Annual Meeting represents another important step in the association’s commitment to promoting evidence-informed healthcare policies, strengthening patient engagement, and building strategic partnerships at national, regional, and international levels. The knowledge gained and relationships established during the meeting will contribute to ongoing efforts to support a more equitable, effective, and patient-centered healthcare system in Morocco.

We extend our sincere gratitude to HTAi and the PCIG for making this participation possible, and to all partners and colleagues whose engagement and collaboration contributed to a rich and productive experience.