Healthy Longevity Innovation Forum attracts global experts to Abu Dhabi to shape the future of aging
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD) convened with the inaugural Healthy Longevity Innovation Forum to drive advancements in longevity science and personalised healthcare.The event brought together an elite group of global experts, policymakers, and healthcare leaders, including dignitaries from DoH, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) and esteemed members of the IHLAD Board. The forum served as a pivotal platform to explore cutting-edge research, innovative healthcare solutions, and policy frameworks aimed at fostering healthier, longer lives in the UAE and beyond. The forum further solidified the Department's mission to transform healthcare to meet the needs of a modern aging world.Led by Prof Dr Shahrukh Hashmi, Division Director for Medical Research and Development at DoH, a highly exclusive closed-door research session featured scientific luminaries like Dr Eric Verdin, President and CEO (Buck Institute for Research on Aging), Professor Andrea Maier, Co-Director of the Centre for Healthy Longevity (National University of Singapore), and Professor Evelyne Bischof, Professor of Medicine (Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences). The experts engaged in comprehensive discussions exploring advanced longevity medicine, digital biomarkers, and precision health interventions – setting the stage for potential breakthroughs that could enhance healthcare outcomes and quality of life for residents within emirate and beyond.Dr Nicole Sirotin, CEO of the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi, said: "Research is critical to the success and growth of our community. We currently lack sufficient evidence in diagnostics and therapeutics for healthy longevity. Our goal is to ethically build this new specialty. IHLAD, in partnership with DoH, is fostering high-level collaboration to co-create the future of health."Her Excellency Dr Fayeza Alyafei, the Executive Director of the Healthcare Quality Sector at the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: 'At the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), healthy longevity is a cornerstone of our strategic vision for the future of healthcare in the emirate. The department is continuously collaborating with our esteemed partners across the ecosystem to develop a proactive, prevention-focused model of care. "The inaugural Healthy Longevity Innovation Forum, co-hosted with the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD), served as a pivotal platform to exchange knowledge, expertise and resources that will enable breakthroughs in addressing the needs of our modern aging world. This initiative further advances DoH's mission to implement innovative, preventive approaches throughout Abu Dhabi and beyond, fostering lifelong wellness and empowering community members to adopt healthier lifestyles.'His Excellency Dr Rashed Alsuwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), said: 'Abu Dhabi is redefining healthy longevity with a personalised, data-driven approach to health. By leveraging digital innovation and advanced genomics, we are empowering individuals with tailored interventions that evolve over time. From early detection through IFHAS screening to AI-powered personalized care and the Sahatna health app, we are transforming healthcare into a proactive, preventative model.'Public sessions at the forum provided a glimpse into the ambitious vision driving this initiative. High-impact panels and keynote addresses explored the transformative potential of AI and digital health in healthy longevity medicine, advancements in biological age measurement, and the critical role of preventive and precision medicine. Crucially, discussions centred on how to translate these advancements into tangible benefits for the people of Abu Dhabi and beyond.A key theme resonated throughout the forum: moving beyond simply treating disease to proactively promoting health and wellbeing throughout the lifespan.Discussions revolved around basing healthy longevity medicine on the hallmarks of aging – addressing the root causes of age-related decline rather than waiting for the first disease to appear. This aligns perfectly with the Healthy Longevity Vision 2030, a bold commitment to give to the world more than we take from the world.
The Healthy Longevity Innovation Forum signals Abu Dhabi's unwavering commitment to becoming a global leader in healthy longevity research and innovation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
an hour ago
- Al Etihad
Renowned orthopaedic experts bring advanced care to Abu Dhabi in August
11 Aug 2025 22:33 SAMIHAH ZAMAN (ABU DHABI)Patients looking for world-class orthopaedic care close to home can benefit from a duo of doctors headed to Abu Dhabi as part of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi's (DoH) Visiting Physicians Munjed Al Muderis, a US-based consultant in orthopaedic surgery and Singapore-based Dr. Aymeric Lim, senior consultant of hand and reconstructive microsurgery, are seeing patients at two healthcare facilities in the capital, the DoH has announced. 'The DoH welcomes top-tier doctors from around the world to the Emirate during August, offering exceptions healthcare services through the Visiting Physicians Programme,' the authority announced. Dr. Munjed Al Muderis (L) and Dr. Aymeric Lim (R) Al Muderis practises at the St Mary Hosptial, Paley Institute at West Palm Beach, one of the largest centres in orthopaedics and limb lengthening in the United States. He specialises in limb lengthening, the treatment of diabetic feet, osseointegration for amputees, limb reconstruction, joint replacement, bone tumour treatment and paediatric orthopaedics. According to the DoH, he will see patients at the Burjeel Medical City between August 11 and part of the National University Hospital in Singapore, has 30 years of experience in micro hand surgeries, nerve surgery, tendon transfer, and the treatment of patients with severe crush or nerve injuries in the forearm. He will offer treatment services at the Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City between August 11 and DoH has urged patients and their families to directly contact the respective hospitals in order to book appointments. The authority's Visiting Physicians Programme – launched in 2021 with the aim of providing world-class care in Abu Dhabi – had enabled the treatment of over 3,200 patients in the emirate as of December 2024. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Filipino Times
19 NCR DOH Hospitals Open Fast Lanes for Leptospirosis Cases
The Department of Health (DOH) announced that 19 of its hospitals in the National Capital Region have opened dedicated 'fast lanes' for leptospirosis patients to ensure quicker diagnosis and treatment. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through water contaminated by the urine of infected animals, often after exposure to floodwaters. Patients visiting these fast lanes will be assessed for possible admission and evaluated for the appropriate use of the antibiotic doxycycline. The list of hospitals includes major facilities in Manila, Caloocan, Las Piñas, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Pasig, Quezon City, and Valenzuela. Among them are San Lazaro Hospital, East Avenue Medical Center, Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, and Philippine Children's Medical Center. The DOH urged anyone who has been submerged in floodwaters or mud to seek medical consultation immediately. From June 8 to August 7, the agency recorded 2,396 leptospirosis cases nationwide.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Philippines records over 2,300 leptospirosis cases since start of rainy season
Over 2,000 leptospirosis cases have been reported in the Philippines, according to the country's Department of Health (DOH). According to the DOH recorded a total of 2,396 leptospirosis cases nationwide from June 8 to August 7. Health officials in the country have earlier warned of a possible surge in infections after persistent heavy rains caused by the southwest monsoon and a series of tropical cyclones in recent weeks. Leptospirosis is an infection that can be transmitted to humans through floodwaters contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rats. It can become life-threatening if left untreated. In response to the rising cases, 19 DOH hospitals in Metro Manila have set up dedicated 'fast lanes' to speed up diagnosis and treatment. These facilities include major hospitals in Manila, Caloocan, Las Piñas, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Pasig, Quezon City, and Valenzuela. In an advisory on social media, the DOH said the following hospitals had set up 'fast lanes' for quicker treatment of leptospirosis: Manila Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital Philippine Orthopedic Centre San Lazaro Hospital Tondo Medical Centre Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Centre Caloocan City Dr Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium Las Piñas City Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Centre Malabon City San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital Mandaluyong City National Centre for Mental Health Marikina City Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Centre Muntinlupa City Research Institute for Tropical Medicine Pasig City Rizal Medical Centre Quezon City East Avenue Medical Centre Quirino Memorial Medical Centre National Children's Hospital Lung Centre of the Philippines National Kidney and Transplant Institute Philippine Children's Medical Centre Valenzuela City Valenzuela Medical Centre The DOH emphasised that these fast lanes allow medical staff to quickly assess patients, determine hospitalisation needs, and prescribe appropriate treatment such as doxycycline — an antibiotic effective against leptospirosis. Last week alone, 569 new cases were recorded amid three consecutive tropical cyclones that hit the country in late July. The agency urged those who have been exposed to floodwaters or mud to seek immediate medical attention, especially if they experience symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle pain, or red eyes.
