Dubai, UAE- October 2024- The Healthcare Future Summit wrapped up at the Dubai World Trade Centre, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. This year’s summit brought together a lineup of major international events, including the Dubai Otology, Neurotology, and Skull Base Surgery Conference & Exhibition, the Annual Radiology Meeting, and the International Family Medicine Conference & Exhibition, as well as the inaugural School Health Conference.
By focusing on the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing across global health sectors, the summit underscored the UAE’s growing role as a leader in healthcare innovation and development.
The Healthcare Future Summit, recognized as a landmark event, aims to drive public health improvement, particularly in vaccination and infectious disease prevention. Bringing together healthcare leaders, researchers, policymakers, and industry innovators from around the world, the summit tackled recent advancements in vaccine technology and immunization practices.
Dr Ramadan Al Blooshi, Advisor to the Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority and Director of the Public Health Protection Department and Chairman of the Scientific Committee for the Summit, stated: “The summit successfully attracted over 5,000 healthcare leaders, researchers, policymakers, and industry innovators from around the world, where discussions focused on the latest advancements in vaccine technology, immunization practices, and a range of pressing global health issues related to infectious diseases.”
A prominent topic on the agenda was innovation’s role in expanding adult vaccination programs. Attendees emphasized the importance of prioritizing vaccines for diseases affecting older populations, such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and shingles, as well as influenza and pneumonia vaccines, which pose substantial risks for seniors. Discussions centered around developing new vaccines to protect vulnerable aging populations effectively. The shingles vaccine, highlighted for its role in shielding adults from the virus’s painful and potentially disabling effects, was especially noted as essential for those over 50.
H.E. Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Adjunct Associate Professor UAEU and Chair of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) PIP Advisory Group, commented: “Vaccination doesn’t stop at childhood; it is equally important throughout adulthood. Adult vaccines save lives, prevent complications from chronic illnesses, and contribute to a healthier, more productive society. Embracing adult vaccination is a proactive choice for better health.”
School Health Conference 2024: Promoting Health Awareness and Student Well-being in the UAE
The School Health Conference concluded with over 400 attendees representing 200 UAE schools, addressing school immunization challenges to foster health awareness among students and parents. This inaugural conference is designed to promote children’s health and well-being in schools through collaborative, educational, and innovative practices. Organized by the Dubai Health Authority, the event covered essential topics, including student health, mental health, nutrition, preventive care, and emergency preparedness in schools. The goal is to equip schools with knowledge and tools to create a healthy, safe, and supportive environment for students, offering insights into current health challenges affecting school-aged children and providing teachers, healthcare providers, and decision-makers with up-to-date tools and strategies in school health and safety.
Dr. Wafi Dawood, Chief Executive Officer of Strategy and Planning Sector at the Knowledge and Human Authority (KHDA) emphasized the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles and enhancing student wellbeing throughout their educational journey.
He highlighted the success of the Dubai Fitness Challenge and its role in encouraging daily physical activity for students and families. Dawood stated that student wellbeing is a core part of the Dubai Education 2033 (E33) Strategy and its initiatives for the coming years, which focus on a learner-centered educational journey from birth to post-graduation and lifelong learning.
The Healthcare Future Summit offers a unique opportunity for participation in a comprehensive healthcare gathering. More than 206 esteemed doctors and specialists worldwide share their expertise, presenting new research across 184 scientific sessions that foster knowledge exchange and innovation in healthcare. Additionally, over 112 exhibiting brands joined the summit, further bolstering connections within the health sector.
