The 19th Seha International Pediatric Conference has been described as more than just a conference—it’s a “grand celebration” of knowledge, engagement, and networking, according to Dr. Huda ALDanhani, a Pediatric Infectious Disease Consultant at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC). As a long-standing participant, Dr. ALDanhani expressed her personal connection to the conference, which she has followed since her medical school days, highlighting the UAE’s strong commitment to pediatric and children’s health over 19 years.
During her interview, Dr. Danhani shed light on several key challenges and efforts in pediatric health:
Vaccine Uptake Challenges: A significant hurdle in vaccine uptake for children is not availability, but rather parental hesitancy. This often stems from a lack of awareness regarding vaccine safety and importance. Dr. Danhani noted that while vaccine hesitancy existed before COVID-19, the rapid introduction of COVID-19 vaccines amplified these concerns, making people uncomfortable with new developments.
The Importance of Travel Health in Pediatrics: As an infectious disease consultant, Dr. Danhani frequently encounters imported infections like malaria and dengue, which are often preventable. She emphasized the critical need to promote travel health awareness among parents before they travel, as children, especially younger ones, are more susceptible to severe complications from these diseases. The conference aims to educate healthcare professionals on travel health, ensuring they proactively inquire about travel plans and provide necessary prophylaxis and advice.
Combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the UAE: Antimicrobial resistance is a global concern, with the rate of pathogen resistance outpacing new antibiotic production. The UAE is taking this risk seriously. Dr. Danhani highlighted recent initiatives, including the publication of a local antibiogram by the Ministry of Health. This crucial tool guides healthcare professionals in appropriate antibiotic use, aiming to preserve the effectiveness of existing antibiotics. The UAE has also implemented robust antimicrobial stewardship programs at national, local, and institutional levels.
A Message to Parents in the UAE: Dr. Danhani underscored the UAE’s dedication to healthcare excellence, assuring both local and expat parents that the country operates at international standards for children’s health. She encouraged parents to be aware of common childhood infections and understand when antibiotics are truly necessary, thus contributing to responsible antibiotic use.
