Infectious diseases top agenda at health congress

Inaugurated by Shaikh Mohammed, Arab Health Exhibition and Congress will continue at World Trade Centre till January 29.

Shaikh Mohammed along with officials at the Arab Health Exhibition at the Dubai World trade Centre on Monday.— KT photo by Shihab

Dubai — Concern over global public health care in view of emerging infectious diseases such as Ebola and medical tourism in the UAE, topped the agenda at the 40th edition of the Arab Health Exhibition and Congress that kicked off at the World Trade Centre on Monday.

Officially inaugurated by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the event will continue until January 29 and is expected to draw more than 120,000 attendees.

“Diseases do not respect borders or boundaries,” said Dr Paul Stoffles, chief scientific officer, Johnson and Johnson from New Jersey, US. He was addressing the role of pharma in public health in a lecture on communicable diseases.

“We need to work together to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities,” he said.

Each year, 6.6 million children die due to communicable diseases while maternal health and HIV/AIDS also claim a huge number of lives. Talking about Ebola that has killed over 8,000 people since it emerged last year, Dr Stoffles said: “It kills in 95 per cent of the cases.” “Why did Ebola happen?” he asked.

“Ebola happened because of lack of a proper diagnostic system ... it went unnoticed for many months.” “It is important to continue to innovate using the best scientific minds to resolve such health problems,” he added.

Essa Al Maidoor, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) said: “At the end of the day, innovation in the health sector, leads to better patient outcomes.”

“We strongly believe in the importance of hosting, supporting and attending such conferences which bring together pioneers in the field of healthcare and provide an opportunity to discuss the latest advances in the health sector.”

Visitors at Dubai World Trade Centre on the opening day of the Arab Health Exhibition and Congress on Monday. —  KT photos by Shihab

According to organisers, the Middle East healthcare sector continues to enjoy robust growth with 4,000 exhibiting companies from across the globe. 

Besides discussions, products launches, displays and innovative medical techniques are also important highlights of the event.

The American Hospital Dubai announced the launch of its first primary care clinic.

The hospital’s new Dubai Media City Clinic will begin welcoming patients from February 2.

Peter Makowski, CEO of American Hospital, said: “This is the first in a series of primary care clinics that we plan to open in Dubai, as satellites to our growing hospital campus, all delivering the same quality of care with expert teams of board certified specialists.”

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com