Binational symposia are held every two years, alternately in Israel and in the United States. Hundreds of women's health leaders from both countries discussed common issues such as breast cancer, heart disease, working women's health, and prevention strategies for adolescent risky behaviors. HHS Secretary Donna Shalala and Israeli Minister of Health Yehoshoua Matza gave keynote addresses. The two health leaders have also been working with Dr. Gro Brundtland, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, to attack global health issues from tobacco to infectious disease. Israel is typically one of the highest foreign recipients of NIH grants and contracts.
Research grants are nonpolitical and are awarded solely based on academic merit.
Israelis are also among the most frequent participants in NIH's visitors program. Each year, up to six International Research Fellowship Awards are given to young Israeli scientists for postdoctoral biomedical and life sciences research. In 1992, Israel also reached an agreement to obtain access to NIH's computerized medical database. The MECC agreement was signed by the Ministers of Health of Israel, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority, and the Consortium focuses on cancer surveillance, information and education. It has assigned task forces on lymphoma, cancer registration and epidemiology, breast cancer, pediatric oncology and quality assurance.