The Healthcare Future Summit wrapped up at the Dubai World Trade Centre presenting a lineup of major international events, including the Dubai Otology, Neurotology, and Skull Base Surgery Conference & Exhibition. 

 

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the event focused on the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing across global health sectors, the summit underscored the UAE’s growing role as a leader in healthcare innovation and development.

 

The Healthcare Future Summit, recognised as a landmark event, aims to drive public health improvement, particularly in vaccination and infectious disease prevention. Bringing together healthcare leaders, researchers, policymakers, and industry innovators from around the world, the summit tackled recent advancements in vaccine technology and immunisation practices.

 

Latest advances

Dr Ramadan Al Blooshi, Advisor to the Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority and Director of the Public Health Protection Department and Chairman of the Scientific Committee for the Summit, stated:  "The summit successfully attracted over 5,000 healthcare leaders, researchers, policymakers, and industry innovators from around the world, where discussions focused on the latest advancements in vaccine technology, immunisation practices, and a range of pressing global health issues related to infectious diseases."

 

Dr Al Blooshi explained that the Healthcare Future Summit was launched this year to explore the best approaches for enhancing public health and developing vaccination strategies. In light of this and with the significant turnout, the summit succeeded in forming a future vision for global infectious disease prevention systems and identifying necessary measures to address potential epidemics.

 

He expressed Dubai Health Authority’s appreciation for the scientific papers, innovative ideas, and renewed insights presented during the summit, which enriched the event and provided a realistic view of the challenges and Healthcare Future.

 

A prominent topic on the agenda was innovation’s role in expanding adult vaccination programs. Attendees emphasised the importance of prioritising vaccines for diseases affecting older populations, such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and shingles, as well as influenza and pneumonia vaccines, which pose substantial risks for seniors. Discussions centered around developing new vaccines to protect vulnerable aging populations effectively. The shingles vaccine, highlighted for its role in shielding adults from the virus’s painful and potentially disabling effects, was especially noted as essential for those over 50.

 

Dr Farida Al Hosani, Adjunct Associate Professor UAEU and Chair of the World Health Organisation's (WHO) PIP Advisory Group, commented: "Vaccination doesn’t stop at childhood; it is equally important throughout adulthood. Adult vaccines save lives, prevent complications from chronic illnesses, and contribute to a healthier, more productive society. Embracing adult vaccination is a proactive choice for better health.”

 

Opportunities and complex challenges

She added: “At the forefront of healthcare innovation, we face both incredible opportunities and complex challenges, particularly in preventive care. One of the simplest yet most effective tools we have is the flu vaccine. Ensuring high flu vaccination rates among adults can significantly reduce hospital admissions, protect those most at risk, and prevent outbreaks that place unnecessary strain on our healthcare systems. As we advance in medical technology and innovation, we must also prioritise accessible preventive measures, like vaccination, that create immediate and lasting impact on public health.”

 

The creation of a comprehensive adult vaccination schedule emerged as a consistent and fundamental theme throughout the summit. Broad implementation of such a schedule would act as a strategic framework, ensuring adults receive vaccinations at the appropriate time and manner as they age, much like existing childhood immunisation schedules. 

 

Participants highlighted that a unified adult vaccination schedule could advance public health by reducing vaccine-preventable diseases, cutting healthcare costs, and enhancing quality of life across communities.

 

Additionally, the Healthcare Future Summit addressed proactive vaccination strategies as essential in managing the global challenge of an aging population. By advancing discussions around vaccine technology and implementing routine adult immunisation programs, the summit paves the way for public health policies aimed at significantly lowering the infectious disease burden among adults worldwide.

 

School Health Conference 2024

The School Health Conference concluded with over 400 attendees representing 200 UAE schools, addressing school immunisation challenges to foster health awareness among students and parents. This inaugural conference is designed to promote children’s health and well-being in schools through collaborative, educational, and innovative practices. 

 

Organised by the Dubai Health Authority, the event covered essential topics, including student health, mental health, nutrition, preventive care, and emergency preparedness in schools. The goal is to equip schools with knowledge and tools to create a healthy, safe, and supportive environment for students, offering insights into current health challenges affecting school-aged children and providing teachers, healthcare providers, and decision-makers with up-to-date tools and strategies in school health and safety.

 

Dr Wafi Dawood, Chief Executive Officer of Strategy and Planning Sector at the Knowledge and Human Authority (KHDA) emphasised the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles and enhancing student wellbeing throughout their educational journey. 

 

He highlighted the success of the Dubai Fitness Challenge and its role in encouraging daily physical activity for students and families. Dawood stated that student wellbeing is a core part of the Dubai Education 2033 (E33) Strategy and its initiatives for the coming years, which focus on a learner-centered educational journey from birth to post-graduation and lifelong learning.

 

Preventive healthcare strategies

Preventive healthcare strategies and early intervention for common student issues took centre stage, focusing on nutrition, physical fitness, mental health care, psychological challenges, stress management, and emotional resilience. Highlights included updates on vaccination practices, hygiene protocols, monitoring common illnesses, and training for emergency protocols and crisis management. The conference also examined the effects of technology and social media on student health and advanced health strategies for students with chronic conditions or special needs.

 

The Healthcare Future Summit offers a unique opportunity for participation in a comprehensive healthcare gathering. More than 206 esteemed doctors and specialists worldwide share their expertise, presenting new research across 184 scientific sessions that foster knowledge exchange and innovation in healthcare. Additionally, over 112 exhibiting brands joined the summit, further bolstering connections within the health sector.--TradeArabia News Service