The 7th Annual Saudi International Vaccination forum takes off today in Riyadh
Under the patronage of Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, and King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, the 7th Annual Saudi International Vaccination forum takes off today in Riyadh, the leading event taking place from the 17th to the 18th of May, 2025, and in collaboration with the Public Health Authority (PHA).
Dr. Emad Almohammadi, Consultant of Preventive Medicine and Public Health; Chief Of?cer of Communicable Diseases, Public Health Authority, Riyadh, KSA, said: 'Robust immunization policies are built on scientific evidence, strong leadership, and cross-sector collaboration. In Saudi Arabia, we continue to prioritize vaccines based on disease burden and emerging threats, while addressing challenges like vaccine hesitancy, adult immunization gaps, and sustainable funding. Through the efforts of national advisory teams, we have implemented innovative strategies that significantly improved vaccine uptake. Our experience underscores the value of technical guidance and local expertise in shaping effective, resilient immunization programs'.
The 7th Annual Saudi International Vaccination forum is a premier initiative in the Middle East to gather policy makers, distinguished regional and international experts and professional associations to exchange insights and discuss recent updates, national and international guidelines in the ?eld of vaccination, and highlight the critical role of effective vaccine implementation in improving public health in the region.
Prof. Ziad Memish, Senior Infectious Disease Consultant and Senior Advisor to HE the Supervisor General, King Salman Humanitarian Aid & Relief Centre, Professor, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, KSA, said: 'King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) plays a pivotal role in advancing global immunization by integrating life-saving vaccination programs into its humanitarian response. Through strategic partnerships with WHO, UNICEF, and other global agencies, KSrelief delivers vaccines to conflict-affected and underserved populations, overcoming logistical and political barriers. Its efforts strengthen health systems, build local capacity, and reduce the spread of preventable diseases. By prioritizing equity and access, KSrelief not only addresses immediate health crises but also contributes to long-term global health security, reaffirming its commitment to transforming lives through sustainable humanitarian impact'.
The forum will provide an exceptional scienti?c program that covers sessions about vaccine policy and regulations, the latest updates about vaccines and vaccine preventable diseases, new vaccines in the pipeline, through interactive presentations, panel discussions and educational workshops. The main theme for this year's forum emphasizes the transformative power of vaccination in creating healthier, more resilient communities by protecting lives, preventing diseases, and promoting overall wellbeing. It underscores the collective responsibility, partnerships, and commitment required to achieve a healthier and safer future for everyone.
'With increasing global travel and emerging health risks, updating travel vaccination strategies is more critical than ever,' said Prof. Jaffar Altaw?q, Professor, Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, KSA. 'Vaccines against diseases like Yellow Fever, Rabies, Typhoid, and Cholera are essential tools in preventing the spread of serious infections, especially in high-risk regions. Ensuring travelers are adequately protected not only safeguards individual health, but also strengthens global public health security, through awareness, access, and updated guidelines, we can minimize disease transmission and enhance the safety of international travel'. Added, Prof. Jaffar Altaw?q
Prof. Sami AlHajjar, Consultant, Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Virology; Executive Director, Pediatric & Women's Health Center of Excellence, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, KSA, commented : 'As we navigate an era marked
by both scientific progress and public skepticism, strengthening immunization policies requires not only robust data but also trusted leadership. This session highlights how national immunization advisory bodies can shape resilient strategies, address vaccine hesitancy with evidence and empathy, and scale innovative solutions that enhance uptake. By sharing challenges and successes across countries, we can foster a collaborative approach that reinforces public confidence and ensures equitable vaccine coverage—ultimately turning immunization from a recommendation into a collective responsibility'.
The main theme for this year's forum is Vaccination for Healthier Communities: Protecting Lives, Promoting Wellbeing. This year's theme emphasizes the transformative power of vaccination in creating healthier, more resilient communities by protecting lives, preventing diseases, and promoting overall wellbeing. It underscores the collective responsibility, partnerships, and commitment required to achieve a healthier and safer future for everyone.
For more information about The 7th Annual Saudi International Vaccination Forum, please visit: saudivaccinationforum.com
Comments are closed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
27-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
Syrian conjoined twins successfully separated in Saudi after complex 8-hour surgery
Syrian conjoined twins Selin and Elin, aged one year and five months, have been successfully separated after a highly complex surgical procedure in Saudi Arabia. The intricate procedure, which lasted eight continuous hours, was performed by a multidisciplinary team of 24 medical specialists. 'This achievement is a testament to the high calibre of Saudi medical professionals and the Kingdom's humanitarian mission to serve people worldwide," said Dr Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, head of the surgical team and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief). According to Saudi Gazette, the operation took place at King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City, under the Ministry of National Guard in Riyadh. The surgical team included experts in paediatric surgery, anaesthesiology, plastic surgery, and other key fields, ensuring every stage of the procedure was performed with maximum precision and safety. The twins' family expressed heartfelt thanks to King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the dedicated medical team for the exceptional care their daughters received. This marks the fourth successful separation of conjoined twins from Syria and the 66th surgery completed under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme — a globally recognised initiative that has evaluated 150 cases from 27 countries over the past 35 years. The surgical team included specialists in paediatric surgery, anaesthesiology, plastic surgery, and other critical disciplines, ensuring every stage of the procedure was performed with maximum precision and safety. The procedure took place at King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City, under the Ministry of National Guard in Riyadh. The successful operation also drew praise from Syrian officials. Hussein Abdulaziz, chargé d'affaires at the Syrian Embassy in Riyadh, thanked the Saudi government, KSrelief, and the entire medical team. He highlighted the advanced capabilities of the Kingdom's healthcare system and noted the operation as a powerful symbol of the strong brotherly ties between Saudi Arabia and Syria. This is not the first time Saudi Arabia has extended its advanced medical services to children from abroad. In June last year, a similar procedure was performed on six-month-old Filipino conjoined twins, Akeiza and Aisha. The surgery, which was conducted in five stages over 7.5 hours, had a projected success rate of 70 per cent and was also carried out at King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital.
Web Release
22-05-2025
- Web Release
Under the patronage of Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs The 7th Annual Saudi International Vaccination forum concludes with key recommendations for enhancing vaccine uptake and investing in r
Under the patronage of Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs The 7th Annual Saudi International Vaccination forum concludes with key recommendations for enhancing vaccine uptake and investing in research and development to drive innovation and address evolving threats Under the patronage of Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, and King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, and in collaboration with the Public Health Authority (PHA), the 7th Annual Saudi International Vaccination Forum concluded in Riyadh by reaffirming the essential role of collective and unwavering commitment to advancing public health through innovation, collaboration, and science-driven vaccination strategies. The leading event marked a pivotal moment in the region's immunization journey, under the theme, 'Vaccination for Healthier Communities: Protecting Lives, Promoting Wellbeing. This landmark three-day event brought together a distinguished assembly of global and regional experts, policymakers, researchers, and international organizations. It served as a dynamic platform for sharing insights, reviewing emerging data, and aligning on strategic priorities to enhance immunization systems and protect population health. The experts participated in the 7th Annual Saudi International Vaccination Forum emphasized several key recommendations, included: Strengthening disease surveillance systems to ensure rapid response and early detection. Promoting vaccine uptake through behavioral and community engagement strategies. Investing in research and development to drive innovation and address evolving threats. Reinforcing national and regional immunization strategies, particularly for vulnerable and high-risk populations. Speakers and stakeholders echoed the critical need for multidisciplinary partnerships involving government bodies, academic institutions, public health authorities, and international organizations and societies. There was a strong consensus on the importance of technical advisory leadership, digital health integration, and the preservation of public trust—all essential pillars of resilient and future-ready vaccination programs. The outcomes of this forum transcend discussion. They pave the way for practical implementation, cross-border alignment, and long-term impact. As we move forward, we do so united in a shared vision: to protect lives, promote wellbeing, and foster healthier communities through proactive, inclusive, and equitable immunization efforts.
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Zawya
King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief)-funded nutrition support reaches more than 6,000 vulnerable women and children in South Sudan
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has reached more than 6,000 vulnerable mothers and children in flood-affected Bentiu, Unity State, with lifesaving nutrition assistance, thanks to generous funding from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief). The US$400,000 contribution enabled WFP to procure and distribute specialized nutritious foods, including Super Cereal Plus - fortified blended food - and Lipid-based Nutrient Supplements – Plumpy Doz. These products are designed to prevent acute malnutrition in children aged six months and above, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women. Malnutrition levels in Bentiu remain alarmingly high following years of severe flooding that have submerged vast areas of land, displaced entire communities, and heightened exposure to waterborne diseases—factors that significantly increase the risk of malnutrition, particularly among children. 'As hunger and malnutrition continue to outpace available resources, support for nutrition programmes is more vital than ever,' said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, WFP Country Director in South Sudan. 'Getting the right nutrition to young children and mothers at the right time not only saves lives—it gives children a chance to grow, learn, and reach their full potential. Our partnership with KSrelief is helping make that possible.' This intervention comes at a time when nearly 7.7 million people across South Sudan face crisis or worse levels of food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above)—a near record high – including an estimated 2.1 million children who are at-risk of malnutrition this year. WFP and KSrelief have been global partners for a decade, since KSrelief was established in 2015 in Riyadh. The two organisations have collaborated in South Sudan since 2018, with this latest contribution reinforcing their shared commitment to improving health and nutrition outcomes for the most vulnerable. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).
