Sidra inks research, education, children's health agreement with Great Ormond Street Hospital
Doha
Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust (GOSH), one of the world's leading paediatric hospitals.
The agreement focuses on collaboration across key areas of clinical service, research, and education in children's health.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, chief executive officer of Sidra Medicine, and Matthew Shaw, chief executive officer of GOSH, in the presence of Duncan Hill, the British Deputy Ambassador to Qatar.
The partnership outlines a multi-year framework aimed at advancing treatment pathways for rare paediatric diseases, including the development and application of gene therapies. It will also enhance joint capabilities in clinical trial design and implementation, helping to drive progress in personalised paediatric medicine.
Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, CEO of Sidra Medicine, said: 'Our MoU with Great Ormond Street Hospital reflects our forward-looking vision to integrate global expertise into localised care models. With GOSH, we are building a knowledge bridge that will enhance clinical practice and drive the next wave of paediatric innovation with measurable impact on patient care.'
The alliance will create a coordinated referral system to facilitate timely access to advanced laboratory testing, ensuring specialized care for children with complex conditions, including genetic disorders and rare diseases. This streamlined approach will also improve diagnostic efficiency and support the creation of personalized treatment plans.
Matthew Shaw, CEO of GOSH, said: 'What we are building together with Sidra Medicine will strengthen paediatric health systems for the future by leveraging expertise in clinical care, research, data and innovation, and education and training. By combining our expertise, we are not only supporting current clinicians but also laying the foundation for a more connected, resilient, and equitable model of global child health.'
Under the agreement, both institutions will roll out education and skills exchange initiatives to support the next generation of healthcare professionals. This includes pathways for physicians, nurses, allied health staff, through international fellowships, observerships, and training programmes.
Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, chief medical officer at Sidra Medicine, said: 'Sidra Medicine's partnership with GOSH creates valuable opportunities for training, fellowships, and medical education, bringing together professionals from diverse backgrounds and specialties. Our joint efforts will foster innovation, strengthen clinical skills as well as our medical education programmes.
'This will help us develop a more knowledgeable and future-ready paediatric healthcare workforce, which will also ultimately improve how we provide paediatric care services.'
The MoU with GOSH also aligns with Sidra Medicine's Clinical Trials Programme, which focuses on the development of effective treatments for paediatric rare diseases.
Prof. Khalid Fakhro, chief research officer at Sidra Medicine, said: 'Sidra Medicine's unique genetic data on Arab populations, combined with GOSH's advanced secure data environment, world-class clinical and research expertise, creates a powerful opportunity to develop region-specific diagnostic tools and clinical trials. By partnering with GOSH, Sidra Medicine aims to accelerate access to state-of-the-art therapies and expertise necessary to improve outcomes for all our patients.'
By aligning clinical pathways, innovation, education, and research and through knowledge and skills exchange, Sidra Medicine and GOSH are laying the foundation for a future where children everywhere have access to more precise, effective, and inclusive healthcare solutions.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Qatar Tribune
14 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
Sidra Medicine with BeginNGS launches genome-based newborn screening research programme
Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation and Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine (RCIGM) have signed an agreement to collaborate on implementing RCIGM's genome-based newborn screening research programme, BeginNGS (pronounced 'beginnings'). Sidra Medicine is the first international site to join the BeginNGS Consortium, which will help the healthcare organisation to advance the detection of genetic diseases and enable timely interventions that lessen and prevent suffering among children. The agreement is part of Sidra Medicine's Research Strategy to implement translational genomic medicine for a wide range of rare and complex diseases, including monogenic disorders and type 1 diabetes. Prof Khalid Fakhro, chief research officer at Sidra Medicine, said: 'We are proud to join the BeginNGS Consortium, which will allow us to accelerate the implementation of best-in-class protocols to advance precision medicine from birth, Through this partnership, we will develop screening algorithms tailored to our population and shorten the path from diagnosis to intervention by picking up conditions as early as possible, thus giving children with rare and metabolic disorders in Qatar and the region the best possible start in life.' The partnership with BeginNGS will extend Sidra Medicine's efforts to establish the first large-scale newborn genome screening research initiative in the region. The initiative, known as NOOR-QATAR, led by Dr Ammira Al Shabeeb Akil, director of the Metabolic and Mendelian Translational Research Programme at Sidra Medicine, will also set a new standard for preventative medicine in genomics. Dr Ammira Akil, lead principal investigator at Sidra Medicine, said: 'Families often face a diagnostic odyssey for childhood genetic diseases, with children waiting an average five years for a confirmed diagnosis. The BeginNGS Consortium builds upon our successful launch of the NOOR-QATAR newborn screening programme, benefiting from the expertise of an exceptional consortium of partners targeting the potential to save lives by identifying rare diseases and assessing polygenic risk for conditions such as type 1 diabetes.' BeginNGS is designed to prevent or minimise the effects of hundreds of childhood genetic diseases by identifying babies at risk and recommending effective therapies before symptoms arise. BeginNGS currently screens for 511 severe childhood genetic diseases with effective interventions at multiple hospitals in the United States. Its vision is to implement BeginNGS for 1,000 diseases by 2030 in 10 countries. Dr Stephen Kingsmore, president & CEO of RCIGM, said: 'Expanding internationally is critical for our understanding of the incidence of rare diseases across different geographies and to identify appropriate, available treatments at or before the onset of symptoms. It is our shared vision for Sidra Medicine to be the first international site, to make the benefits of newborn therapies for severe childhood diseases, available to every citizen in Qatar.' (TNN)
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
The View Hospital launches minimally invasive procedure for glaucoma
Tribune News Network Doha The View Hospital, in affiliation with Cedars-Sinai, marked a new chapter in glaucoma care by performing a successful Qatar first iStent inject W implantation, a minimally invasive procedure that treats patients with open-angle glaucoma. The surgery was carried out by Prof. Ahmad Muneer Otri, consultant ophthalmologist, as part of the hospital's ongoing commitment to introducing world-class innovations that elevate patient outcomes in the region. The iStent inject W is one of the best proven options in Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgeries (MIGS). Designed for patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma, the tiny implant works by restoring the eye's natural fluid outflow, helping reduce intraocular pressure without the need for more invasive surgical procedures or lifelong medications. 'This moment goes beyond a single procedure,' said Prof. Otri, who has over a decade of experience with the iStent technology in the UK. 'It's about transforming the way we manage glaucoma in Qatar, offering our patients a safer, more effective option that prioritises long-term vision and quality of life.' In the case performed at The View Hospital, the patient recovered smoothly, achieving normalised eye pressure and full visual restoration without any complications and was discharged with no extended recovery time. Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Fatih Mehmet Gul, chief executive officer of The View Hospital, said: 'At The View Hospital, we are committed to delivering world-class medical care by adopting the best proven technologies, but more importantly, we ensure these innovations are effective, safe, and truly make a difference in our patients' lives.' The addition of Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgeries (MIGS) reflects a broader shift in Qatar's medical landscape, one where preventative and precision-driven care is becoming the new standard. For patients suffering from glaucoma, this means earlier interventions, fewer complications, and better quality of life. This achievement reinforces The View Hospital's growing reputation as a centre of excellence for advanced ophthalmic care, positioning itself at the forefront of Qatar's healthcare transformation.
ILoveQatar.net
11-08-2025
- ILoveQatar.net
Qatar expands scholarships for nursing and first aid, includes Doha-born residents and PR holders
As reported by Al Raya on 31 July 2025, Professor Saleh Mohammed Al-Muftah, Deputy Director of the Scholarships Department at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, revealed the expansion of the government scholarship plan for the new academic year. The updated plan includes specialisations such as nursing and first aid, as part of efforts to support more eligible groups, including those born in Doha, holders of Qatari documents, and permanent residency holders. As per the report on Al Raya, Professor Al-Muftah confirmed that individuals born in Doha are now eligible to join the internal government scholarship program in nursing at Qatar University and Doha University of Science and Technology. Holders of Qatari documents and permanent residency holders benefit from increased flexibility in scholarship programs. This includes the possibility of joining the "Tamooh" program for secondary school students in scientific tracks, as well as specialisations in pharmacy, nursing, and first aid. Professor Al-Muftah emphasised that this initiative is designed to meet the needs of the health sector, highlighting nursing as one of the priority specialisations in the current scholarship plan. Scholarship requirements and post-graduation employment He explained that the scholarship conditions for these categories require a minimum GPA of 80%, whether for students holding a high school diploma or enrolled in a foundation year, with the additional requirement of maintaining the necessary cumulative GPA in the chosen speciality. He added that upon signing the contract, students are directly linked to a beneficiary organisation, such as Hamad Medical Corporation or Sidra Hospital, where they will begin employment within one month of graduation. Students enrolled in these specialisations also receive a monthly stipend. New diplomas and bachelor's specialisations Among the new specialisations introduced this year under the government scholarship program are six diploma tracks: Biological Sciences Podiatry Dental Technician Anesthesia Technician Road Engineering Drawing Medical Records Coding and Encryption He noted a rise in applications from female students. A new specialisation, "Computer Teacher", has also been added, with several high-achieving students already applying. Applications are now being accepted for the STEM Bachelor's program at Doha University of Science and Technology. University admissions and high-demand tracks He also announced that admissions for U.S. universities have been completed, while applications for British universities are currently being reviewed. Admissions will be processed in August for Education City universities, Qatar University, Doha University of Science and Technology, and Lusail University. The most sought-after tracks so far include medicine, computer science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, with students receiving initial or final acceptances, including to Weill Cornell University in Education City. Developments in the 'Tamooh' program Regarding the "Tamooh" program, Professor Al-Muftah stated that it has undergone a qualitative shift by offering students from the Arts and Humanities track the chance to enrol in the College of Education at Lusail University, majoring in English Language and Health and Psychological Counselling. Science track students are also now able to enrol in the "STEM" program at Doha University of Science and Technology. He expects the number of male students to increase this year to more than 110, compared to 4 or 5 in previous years. Strategic partnerships and sector demand He further explained that the government scholarship plan is being developed in partnership with: Ministry of Education and Higher Education Civil Service Bureau and Government Development Ministry of Labour Private sector stakeholders This cooperation has resulted in requests from the private sector for scholarships in 408 specialisations. Top students granted special privileges Professor Al-Muftah also highlighted that the top ten Qatari students in both science and arts and humanities tracks, as well as students from specialised tracks, are eligible for special privileges this year. These include: Freedom to enrol in any accredited major Monthly financial reward based on specialisation This is the first time these privileges are being implemented in this form and aim to encourage excellence in priority disciplines. Master's and PhD scholarships Speaking on postgraduate opportunities, he stated that students are being sent to the top 200 universities worldwide based on track and specialisation classifications. These scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, prioritising high school graduates with the highest grades. The program includes academic degrees at the diploma, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. He explained that: Bachelor's degree scholarships require an 80% high school GPA Diploma scholarships require a 70% GPA Students must meet postgraduate admission standards Master's scholarships are limited to Qatari nationals working in the public sector. PhD scholarships are reserved for national cadres affiliated with academic or research institutions and require unconditional acceptance from an accredited university in an approved specialisation. English language proficiency English proficiency is also mandatory, with students needing to meet one of the following: 80% in the English subject in high school IELTS score of 6 TOEFL score of 550 Language program abroad (if studying in a non-English-speaking country) All candidates must fulfill the general scholarship conditions as well. Creative economy and media sector focus Professor Al-Muftah also discussed the Creative Economy track for external scholarships, supported by 45 entities in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour. This track includes nearly 20 specialisations, such as: Tourism and Hospitality Museum Studies Event Management Restoration (various materials) Film and Television Animation Financial Technology Entrepreneurship Graphic Design Music and Sound Engineering As part of this initiative, the Qatar Media Corporation has launched a specialised program with Doha University of Science and Technology to train students for careers in journalism, broadcasting, and media production. The track also includes key specialisations in sports. Source: Al Raya Cover image: Shutterstock
