Latest news with #DepartmentofHealth–AbuDhabi
Al Etihad
14-07-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi launches Integrated Postnatal Care Programme to enhance maternal and infant health
14 July 2025 16:04 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has launched the Integrated Postnatal Care Programme under the Women's and Children's Health Strategy. This initiative aims to advance maternal and child health outcomes by ensuring timely, high-quality and accessible postnatal programme highlights the importance of comprehensive postnatal care and reflects DoH's ongoing dedication to advancing the health and well-being of all community postnatal care programme will integrate home visit services, telemedicine, and outpatient care, ensuring that mothers receive continuous and personalised support throughout the postpartum telemedicine session will be offered within the initial days after discharge to monitor the health and wellbeing of mothers and their ensures early detection of potential concerns, provides expert guidance and addresses any immediate postnatal questions, offering peace of mind to mothers. Mothers can also schedule visits to their nearest hospital or primary care clinic at seven to 14 days and again six weeks further support mothers with complications during pregnancies, childbirth complications, or those caring for infants with special needs, the program includes two home visits by nurses or midwives. The first visit occurs within the initial days after discharge, and the second between seven and 14 days Excellency Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) said: 'The postpartum period is one of the most physically and emotionally challenging times in a woman's life – and yet, one of the most overlooked. With the launch of this programme, we prioritise mothers and newborns by providing a robust support system that extends beyond the hospital walls. "By integrating telemedicine, in-person follow-ups, and home-based care, we deliver proactive, personalised services that empower mothers and give every child a healthier start. This is more than just a healthcare programme – it's a commitment to ensuring that every mother and child receives the highest quality of care they deserve.' Abu Dhabi's healthcare ecosystem continues to set a global standard for accessibility, innovation and excellence.
CairoScene
11-07-2025
- Health
- CairoScene
Gulf's First Robotic Lung Transplant Performed in Abu Dhabi
Two patients with progressive conditions underwent successful robotic lung transplants at the hospital. Jul 11, 2025 In a historic breakthrough for regional healthcare, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has become the first medical institution in the Gulf to perform a robotic lung transplant—making it just the fifth centre worldwide to do so. The landmark procedure marks a major advancement in the region's surgical capabilities. Two patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and secondary pulmonary hypertension—both progressive conditions that severely scar the lungs—underwent successful robotic lung transplants at the hospital. Given the complexity of the cases, which included pulmonary hypertension placing additional strain on the heart and lungs, the surgical team employed Veno-Arterial ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation). This technique temporarily takes over the function of both the heart and lungs, ensuring patients' safety during the transplant. The surgeries were made possible through the vital contributions of organ donor families, with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi extending its gratitude to the HAYAT National Programme for Organ Donation and Transplantation, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), and the healthcare teams at donor hospitals. Since the relaunch of its lung transplant programme in 2022, the hospital has performed over 60 lung transplants—more than any other facility in the Gulf.
Al Etihad
08-07-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi leads high-level delegation to US, showcasing emirate's global leadership in healthcare innovation
8 July 2025 13:10 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has led a high-level delegation on a strategic mission to the US to strengthen partnerships and showcase Abu Dhabi's excellence in life sciences and precision visit reflected the emirate's global leadership in healthcare innovation and its commitment to international cooperation to advance scientific research, innovation, and ethical medical delegation visited key US cities including Boston, Washington DC, and Philadelphia, in parallel with Abu Dhabi's participation at BIO International Convention 2025, one of the world's foremost biotechnology visit spotlighted the emirate's achievements in AI, digital health, genomics, and clinical research, and showcased Abu Dhabi's Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) Life Science Cluster, while promoting long-term strategic partnerships with government entities, research institutions, and global Excellency Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, said: 'This mission demonstrated Abu Dhabi's ongoing efforts to cement its position as a global centre of excellence in health and life sciences. We are committed to fostering partnerships that advance healthcare innovation and enhance quality of life, both in the UAE and globally.'The delegation conducted more than 20 strategic meetings and visits with public and private sector leaders across the US, aimed at enhancing knowledge exchange and investment opportunities, and marked the signing of new agreements that will accelerate the adoption of advanced health mission facilitated joint actions between DoH and global organisations set to shape the future of healthcare. These alliances reinforce the Emirate's steadfast dedication to advancing health outcomes through impactful global collaborations, pioneering research and a robust infrastructure that fosters innovation, talent and investment. Key agreements and partnerships were formed with prestigious US-based peers and partners, including the University of California, San Francisco, the Innovative Genomics Institute, Sanofi, Boehringer Ingelheim, Abbott, Aetna International, GEMMABio and Children's National Hospital. These collaborations focus on establishing genome surgery centres, advancing vaccine development and manufacturing, integrating innovative research platforms and localising pharmaceutical production, while also expanding access to US healthcare networks, developing genomics and biotechnology research centres and launching advanced cell and gene therapy programmes for the side-lines of Abu Dhabi's participation at BIO International Convention in Boston, USA, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), a flagship hospital in the UAE for serious and complex care and a subsidiary of the PureHealth group, have successfully enabled expedited access to Tremfya®, a next-generation biologic medication for patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This strategic partnership marks the first availability of the treatment outside the United States, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a as a pioneering destination for healthcare innovation and advanced, patient-focused Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem, the delegation included key stakeholders such as Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala BIO, M42, Masdar City, KEZAD Group, PureHealth, StartAD, Khalifa University, New York University Abu Dhabi, and Etihad Dhabi continues to lead the region in genomics through the Emirati Genome Programme, which has successfully sequenced more than 800,000 samples, creating one of the most advanced national genomic databases. The emirate is also home to more than 90 licensed research centres and over 30 ongoing clinical trials in areas such as oncology, rare diseases, and chronic data platforms such as Malaffi, which securely store over 5 million patient records—enable AI-powered insights and real-world evidence, while national initiatives like the Golden Visa have enabled more than 2,000 long-term visas for researchers and healthcare professionals from around the world. This strategic visit reflected Abu Dhabi's broader vision for healthcare transformation—driven by innovation, investment, and a deep commitment to global collaboration.
Al Etihad
05-07-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi to partner with GEMMABio Therapeutics, advance gene therapies for children with spinal muscular atrophy
5 July 2025 19:52 ABU DHABI (WAM)The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, has announced its plans to partner with GEMMABio Therapeutics (GEMMABio), a pioneering global biotechnology company dedicated to advancing global access to gene therapies for rare diseases, in collaboration with M42, a global health champion powered by AI, technology and genomics, and PureHealth, the largest healthcare group in the Middle East. The announcement follows a high-level meeting, during the BIO International Convention 2025 in Boston, between senior leaders from GEMMABio and key stakeholders from Abu Dhabi's health and life sciences ecosystem. Through this strategic partnership, the entities will jointly establish dedicated manufacturing and research centres within Abu Dhabi's academic health institutions, enabling patients from across the MENA region to access cutting-edge clinical trials and, eventually, approved gene collaboration will kick off with a clinical trial evaluating a next-generation gene therapy product in children with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1), setting a precedent for expanding access to life-saving therapies Mohamed Alameri, Acting Director of Genome and Biobank Division at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said, 'Our partnership with GEMMABio marks a pivotal step in Abu Dhabi's journey to become a global leader in developing gene therapies for rare diseases leveraging the Emirati Genome Programme. At DoH, we are committed to reshaping innovation, early detection and personalised care by strengthening the Emirate's capacity to develop, test and scale innovative therapeutics. Through these efforts, we are advancing life sciences applications while offering real hope to patients and families across the region and beyond.'The collaboration will unite the shared vision and technology to further strengthen Abu Dhabi's gene therapy R&D ecosystem, and see the emirate serving as a regional hub for GEMMABio's translational and clinical research activities.A best-in-class gene therapy contract development and research manufacturing organisation will be established in Abu Dhabi as a joint venture between M42 and GEMMABio. Additionally, regional access to GEMMABio's commercialised gene products will be coordinated through Abu Dhabi's gene therapy research and treatment by the emirate's state-of-the-art infrastructure, forward-looking policies and the Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) Life Sciences Cluster, Abu Dhabi is offering streamlined licensing and co-commercialisation processes, alongside co-investment schemes and tax relief for biotech startups. Together, these enablers position Abu Dhabi as a leading global hub for life sciences Jim Wilson, Founder, President, and CEO of GEMMABio, said, 'This is a transformational partnership—one that will play a pivotal role in unlocking global access to life-saving treatments for patients with rare diseases. The stakeholders in Abu Dhabi are building a globally recognised gene therapy ecosystem whose impact on the future of life sciences will be both profound and far-reaching. Together, we are aligning scientific innovation with bold ambition to accelerate progress where it's needed most.'Dimitris Moulavasilis, Group Chief Executive Officer of M42, said, 'This partnership helps Abu Dhabi usher in another frontier in the future of health. With our integrated AI- and data-led ecosystem and advancements in precision, prevention, and prediction, this collaboration extends the impact of the Emirati Genome Programme into gene therapeutics targeting rare diseases."M42 is focused on developing genomic insights, fighting against rare diseases and saving lives. Our partnership with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and GEMMABio will accelerate this effort, ensuring people in the UAE and beyond get the gene therapies they need for longer, healthier lives.'This strategic partnership reinforces Abu Dhabi's recent strides in rare disease gene therapies and precision medicine. The emirate has significantly expanded its genomics capabilities through the Emirati Genome Programme, with over 800,000 genome samples sequenced, marking one of the world's most advanced national genomic Dhabi continues to pioneer the administration of cutting-edge gene therapies, expanding access to life-saving treatments that were previously unavailable in the region. With sustained investment in research, talent, and infrastructure, the emirate is reinforcing its position as a regional leader in life sciences and medical Saif Al Qubaisi, Group Chief Operating Officer of PureHealth, said, 'This collaboration is a powerful reflection of Abu Dhabi's growing influence as a global centre for health innovation. By joining forces with GEMMABio and our strategic partners, we are not only expanding access to advanced gene therapies, but also reinforcing the Emirate's long-term commitment to solving some of the world's most complex health challenges. PureHealth is proud to contribute through its integrated research capabilities and commitment to clinical excellence, aligned with the Department of Health's vision to deliver life-changing outcomes for patients across the region and beyond.'Led by DoH, a high-level delegation embarked on a strategic mission to the US from June 15 to 21, 2025. This visit focused on knowledge exchange, investment opportunities, and the signing of new agreements aimed at accelerating the adoption of advanced health solutions. Representing Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem, the delegation included key stakeholders such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala BIO, M42, Masdar City, KEZAD, PureHealth, and Etihad Cargo, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Khalifa University, and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), and startAD.
Al Etihad
04-07-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
DoH, UCSF, IGI explore establishing world's first-of-their kind centres for Genome surgery
4 July 2025 18:19 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi, has announced a landmark partnership with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) to explore the establishment of the world's first-of-their-kind centres for genome surgery in Abu Dhabi and during a strategic visit to the United States, the collaboration seeks to accelerate the Emirate's efforts to lead in genomic medicine and advance personalised genetic therapy, transforming the future of healthcare delivery for the global community. Genome surgery is an experimental medical technique aimed at modifying or replacing faulty genes within cells to treat or prevent diseases. This is achieved through personalised genetic therapies or by using advanced technologies such as CRISPR, which can be tailored specifically to each patient based on their unique genetic new centres would enable the diagnosis and correction of severe genetic conditions as early as possible to improve outcomes. Leveraging CRISPR-based technologies, the Centres would offer customised, genome-guided interventions that have the potential to transform patient outcomes and redefine the future of Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, commented, 'This collaboration reflects Abu Dhabi's determination to pioneer real-world applications of advanced science. Partnering with UCSF and IGI, one of the world's most respected institutions in gene therapy, would accelerate our ability to integrate genome-guided care into our healthcare system, creating an unprecedented opportunity to correct genetic conditions early in life, prevent chronic disease progression and reduce long-term healthcare costs'.By combining Abu Dhabi's state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure and genomic data capabilities with UCSF's global leadership in pediatric and fetal therapy and IGI's cutting-edge research in gene editing, the partnership would drive the development and delivery of innovative, real-world solutions for patients with early-onset, severe, rare and inherited Tippi MacKenzie, Director of the UCSF Broad Stem Cell Centre, at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), said, 'This is an extraordinary time to be in medicine, when we have the opportunity to develop life-saving therapies for patients with severe genetic conditions. "We are excited by the possibility of developing mirrored programmes that coalesce multidisciplinary expertise and link the myriad steps between diagnosing a genetic disease and developing and implementing a safe genome surgery strategy.'The collaboration would also prioritise building national expertise by training a new generation of Emirati professionals in genomic surgery and clinical innovation. By intervening early in life-threatening or debilitating conditions, the initiative would build capacity to support families, reduce dependence on lifelong treatments, and ease pressure on the healthcare system, cementing Abu Dhabi's position as a global destination for advanced genomic care and life sciences Fyodor Urnov, Professor of Molecular Therapeutics at the University of California, Berkeley, and Director of the IGI-Danaher Beacon for CRISPR Cures, said, 'This year marks a landmark achievement for science and medicine of a CRISPR gene-editing therapeutic designed and administered on-demand to an infant with a severe inborn error of metabolism in record time. "The mission of the Innovative Genomics Institute as defined by its founder, Jennifer Doudna, winner of the 2020 Nobel Prize for CRISPR gene editing, is to make it the standard of medical care, no matter where such a child is born. The IGI's deep partnership with Danaher that made an enabling contribution to the on-demand gene edit earlier this year provides an outstanding technological and manufacturing foundation for scaling such therapeutic approaches. "We are honoured to partner with world-leading clinical expertise at UCSF to explore how we may ultimately expand CRISPR on demand to children living with severe genetic diseases in the UAE.'This exploratory partnership aligns with Abu Dhabi's broader vision to embed genomics into public health and drive a shift toward personalised and preventive care. Central to this effort is the Emirati Genome Programme, which has sequenced over 800,000 genomes to date, to create one of the most diverse national databases programme has enabled key initiatives such as the national pharmacogenomics reporting system (PGx), with over 160,000 reports now available to help tailor treatment plans based on individual genetic profiles. Additional milestones include the integration of genetic testing into the Premarital Screening Programme, the launch of the Newborn Genetic Screening Programme, and the development of the Emirati Reference Genome platform. These efforts are supported by the upskilling of over 100 Emirati physicians in genomic medicine and counselling through advanced training initiatives, strengthening local expertise in this critical a significant leap forward, Abu Dhabi introduced CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing therapy in the UAE for the first time through CASGEVY, a breakthrough treatment for sickle cell disease. Alongside this achievement, the Emirate's Personalised Precision Medicine Programme for oncology, which has delivered tailored care to more than 250 cancer patients. Together, these initiatives underscore Abu Dhabi's commitment to advancing real-world genomic solutions that improve health outcomes and reduce the long-term burden of by DoH, a high-level delegation has embarked on a strategic mission to the United States from June 15 to 21, delegation conducted over 20 strategic meetings and visits with public and private sector leaders across the US, aimed at knowledge exchange, investment opportunities and the signing of new agreements that accelerate the adoption of advanced health solutions. Representing Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem, the delegation includes key stakeholders such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala BIO, M42, Masdar City, KEZAD, PureHealth, and Etihad Cargo, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Khalifa University, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and startAD.
