Latest news with #Itani
CBC
01-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Family's experience with genetic testing inspires winning project in medical innovation challenge
Alyson Cronkhite knew soon after giving birth that something was wrong with her son. Though he was born at a healthy weight, seven pounds 13 ounces, his weight soon dropped drastically. He also did not sit up, walk, or talk at expected times. As medical staff tested the little boy for a possible genetic disease, results ultimately had to be sent to Finland for diagnosis, because her home province of New Brunswick does not have the ability to do it. Now Cronkhite, a medical technologist, is part of a team that is working on possible solutions — and her experience helped inform a project that recently received some important funding support through a local innovation challenge. Her story helped inspire Dr. Doha Itani of Saint John to create a project called Establishing Genetic Service in N.B., which won the $500,000 David Elias CHS Health Care Innovation Award on April 24. Cronkhite said that the family was worried about her son immediately after he was born. Her son underwent extensive medical tests "right from the start" — such as MRIs, ECGs and EEGs — but these all came back normal. Nobody in New Brunswick could tell them what was causing the issues. After sending test results to Finland, Cronkhite learned that her son is one of just four people in the world with a disease that is so rare, it does not have a name and is referred to only as a "global developmental delay." Right now, the family has to travel out of province several times a year to meet a health-care provider. Itani said the focus is developing the ability to do tests for serious genetic or hereditary diseases at home. Doing this "will dramatically cut current wait times, leading to greater access to diagnostic testing and screening for preventative, life-saving care right here in New Brunswick," the leaders said in a statement. Itani said that all of the functional genes in someone's DNA are referred to as "whole exome." In a statement, she likened the project to "copying the entire book… but looking for misprints in only the chapter that is relevant." The overall goal of the project is to improve access to care in New Brunswick so that patients do not need to leave the province to receive it, Itani said. She also said that New Brunswick's population is now large enough to add the testing that people need. The Medical Innovators' Challenge was a Dragon's Den -style event organized by the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation. Another project, titled Meet the Kids Where They Are, was awarded the $100,000 Community Impact Award. Meet the Kids Where They Are will "expand to add a school and health liaison role in three Saint John schools," Alex Davis, a consultant working with the hospital foundation, said. "This will help support children facing social and health challenges by providing timely health care, early interventions and community resources." According to the foundation's news release, the award "was created to celebrate solutions that extend health care access beyond hospital walls." Meet the Kids Where They Are is led by Dr. Sarah Gander, a social pediatrician.
Zawya
21-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
'The future of food is sustainable, smart, and transformative': IFFCO Group's Rizwan Ahmed at Gulfood 2025
RELATED TOPICS UAE RELATED COMPANIES IFFCO Tiffany & Co. Highlights: IFFCO Group celebrated three decades at Gulfood with a dynamic showcase, featuring an extensive array of products, from carbon-neutral oils to cutting-edge alternative proteins IFFCO Group executives led discussions at the Food500 Summit on food trends and opportunities Dubai, UAE: IFFCO Group, the multinational powerhouse headquartered in the UAE, continued to push the boundaries of innovation in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector at Gulfood 2025. Marking three decades of participation at one of the world's premier F&B events, the company showcased a diverse range of products, unveiled cutting-edge advancements in food science, and engaged in industry-shaping discussions to reinforce its leadership in the evolving food landscape. In addition to a significant presence on the exhibition floor, IFFCO Group executives took centre stage at the Food500 Summit, which brought together business leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators to address key issues including international trade, legislation, environmental aspirations, health and wellbeing and the socioeconomic transformations impacting global food security. In a panel titled 'Trends and Opportunities in the F&B Space', Mohammed Itani, CEO of Oils & Fats, IFFCO Group (GCC and Levant), emphasised the growing consumer demand for ethically sourced, low-carbon-footprint food products. "Consumers today are more conscious than ever, demanding food that is not only healthier but also ethically sourced and environmentally responsible. At IFFCO Group, we are committed to driving innovation – whether through plant-based alternatives, sustainable packaging, or reduced-carbon food production – to meet evolving consumer expectations and build a more sustainable food industry," said Itani. He also highlighted a significant shift in GCC dining habits, noting a 61% surge in weekly dine-outs in Dubai alone. 'The shift in the GCC's dining culture, combined with the explosive growth of food delivery, is reshaping how consumers experience food – driving demand for convenience, premium dining, and innovative food solutions,' he added. IFFCO Group's stand drew in thousands of visitors, offering an interactive journey through its product offerings across Impulse food, Oils & Fats, Culinary, Agri Business, and Beauty. The company also organised live product demonstrations and tastings of its high-quality, innovative food solutions. Rizwan Ahmed, Executive Director of IFFCO Group said, 'The future of food is sustainable, smart, and transformative and Gulfood's landmark 30th edition is the ultimate platform for us to showcase this vision to the world. The excitement and engagement we have witnessed at our stand reflect the growing demand for high-quality, responsible, and forward-thinking food solutions. We remain committed to delivering impactful food innovation, while driving dialogues with decision-makers to shape the future of food in the UAE and beyond.' IFFCO Group showcased its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and quality through the expansive line-up of products on display. Highlights included carbon-neutral olive oils under the Rahma brand, alternative proteins from Thryve, and a diverse range of premium food solutions designed for bakeries and restaurants. About IFFCO Group: Established in 1975, IFFCO is a leading multinational FMCG group headquartered in the UAE. Its leading FMCG brands, including London Dairy, Tiffany, Noor, Rahma, Al Baker, Hayat and Savannah, and a portfolio of industry solutions and services enrich the lives of millions of consumers and customers globally. The company has 95 operations in 50 Countries, supported by around 15,000 employees, and its 80+ brands are available in over 100 countries.
