Qatar Foundation institution puts key focus on diabetes treatment, care and joint collaboration with local and international partners
Doha, Qatar, 1 October 2018: Over 400 researchers, healthcare professionals, exhibitors, VIPs and international speakers gathered at the second Conference on Diabetes, Obesity, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (CUDOS 2018) hosted by Sidra Medicine from 22-24 September 2018.
Themed on “Childhood Diabetes: from Novel Discoveries to Clinical Practice”, the three day conference concluded with several high profile presentations and discussions related to addressing diabetes challenges in children and women. Sidra Medicine Vice Chair, Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham, who shared his message via video, highlighted how CUDOS 2018 is rooted in developing practical and implementable improvements in care – keeping the needs of the patients in mind.
In addition to establishing several local and international collaborations with partners, a key outcome from CUDOS 2018, was the recognition of three young investigators – Mr. Omair Al Naeemi, Ms. Reem Hasna and Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim Janahi. They were awarded by Sidra Medicine Chief Research Officer, Prof. Christof von Kalle and Dr. Ammira-Sarah Akil, Staff Scientist and CUDOS 2018 Conference Chairperson and Organizer for their outstanding presentations on medical sciences.
Local keynote speakers included Sheikh Dr. Mohamed Bin Hamad Bin J. Al-Thani, the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Public Health, who highlighted the investment Qatar is making in addressing diabetes and how CUDOS 2018 has brought together local and international experts who are committed to optimizing the health of children as well as adults with diabetes. Ms. Reem Al-Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Society Development at the Ministry of Transportation and Communications Qatar (TAMUQ) discussed the Ministry’s Smart Qatar Healthcare initiative.
“We would like to thank all the attendees, exhibitors, partners and speakers for making this conference a success. The event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors - Hamad Medical Corporation, our event strategic diamond partner; Qatar National Bank, our official diamond VIP sponsor and Ooredoo Qatar, official diamond telecoms sponsor. CUDOS 2018 was an excellent showcase of how the healthcare network and corporate partners can collaborate on a common goal – advancing programs that will benefit the people of Qatar,” said Dr. Akil.
Dr. Abdulla Al Ansari, HMC Acting Chief Medical Officer, said the conference, which focused on two of Qatar’s greatest public health challenges, provided an important opportunity to explore the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases beyond the clinical setting.
“Diabetes and obesity are among the greatest threats facing health and well-being in Qatar. HMC’s Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI) is playing an important role in promoting clinical, education, and research efforts that target diabetes and obesity-related illnesses. This conference brought together an interdisciplinary group of professionals working in the fields of diabetes and childhood obesity and provided an important platform to explore the role healthcare professionals play in promoting strategies which enhance the well-being of children living with, or at risk of, these metabolic diseases. CUDOS also provided an opportunity to showcase examples of the important work being undertaken by the QMI,” said Dr. Al Ansari.
Noted international expert, Professor Anthony Keech, a cardiologist, epidemiologist and internationally renowned clinical trials researcher from Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Australia closed the conference with a presentation on “Building Research Capacity to Answer Important Questions”. His presentation was aimed at developing knowledge, skills and understanding when conducting clinical research trials as well as the importance of well-designed clinical trials in informing health and policy.
Yousef Darwish, General Manager, QNB Group Communications, expressed QNB's keenness to contribute in supporting healthcare initiatives that serve and develop the health sector in Qatar. He said, “QNB was very pleased to partner with Sidra Medicine in this initiative as it highlights the importance of health and wellbeing. QNB has sponsored an array of health conferences over the years, and the Bank’s sponsorship of the event is part of its commitment to promoting healthcare excellence and nurturing health awareness and expertise in Qatar and in other parts of the world.”
CUDOS 2018 also marked the first time that the highest number of Continuous Medical Education (CME) and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points were awarded to a medical conference in Qatar, with a maximum of 28.75 hours. Attendance to the event was an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Category 1) as defined by the Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners-Accreditation Department.