HMC and Sickkids setting child health research agenda in Middle East

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Sickkids International (SKI), Toronto, Canada have set an agenda to focus on “collaborative research” to improve the health and wellbeing of children in Qatar and the region.

The collaboration, started in 2004, has seen one child Health Research Day, held earlier this year, bringing together key executives and multidisciplinary healthcare professionals from both organizations, who are involved in pediatric healthcare, research and education initiatives.

Experts from HMC and SKI scientists shared the latest insights on such topics as the importance of prevention of childhood injuries in motor vehicle accidents as well as birth defects, pain, lung health and obesity – all pressing issues for Qatar and the region.

“In keeping with Qatar’s National Vision, HMC is committed and we are making tremendous strides in child health research. We acknowledge that well-trained and the continuing education of staff are vital tools in child healthcare as well as key factors of best practices and successful outcomes. Our thriving partnership with Sick Kids – an international and highly distinguished authority on child healthcare, helps us to ensure the development of specialist services that address families’ needs,” said Dr. Abdulla Al Kaabi, Project Director, Children’s Hospital Project, HMC.

Renowned scientists from SKI have visited Doha to provide solid expertise and support to HMC to highlight existing research and to develop and build on the systems and training required to carry out, promote and expand child health research.

“Sick Kids’ partnership with HMC further establishes the need and importance of building healthcare research in Qatar.  Being able to generate local data from Qatar is essential to guide us to the best decision on how to treat patients. Using this information, we can contribute to the development of local treatment guidelines, thereby providing patients with better healthcare,” said Dr Allan Coates, Director of Research SickKids International-Qatar. “We are delighted to be working with HMC to help advance child research in Qatar,” he added.

Ongoing work includes development for physician scientists to have a portion of their working days dedicated exclusively to research, formulating standards for research processes and policies, and development strategies for parents and children to provide input into the research process.