In a move to combat breast cancer and advance healthcare initiatives, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has forged a strategic collaboration with Abu Dhabi Health Data Services (ADHDS) and AstraZeneca. During the Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week (ADGHW), this collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The core focus of this collaboration is the development of the UAE’s inaugural Breast Cancer Quality Improvement Programme (QiP) and Research Platform. By leveraging innovative research methodologies and clinical analyses, the initiative aims to significantly enhance breast cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies.
The signing ceremony, attended by key stakeholders including H.E. Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – DoH, Michel Demare, Chair of the Board at AstraZeneca, and Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of M42, marked a significant milestone in the healthcare landscape of the UAE.
H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, emphasized the importance of this initiative in raising public awareness and ensuring comprehensive healthcare programs. She highlighted the commitment of DoH towards prevention, early detection, and advanced treatments, with a focus on collaborative efforts with strategic partners. In her statement she said, “Launching the Breast Cancer Quality Improvement Programme and Research Platform at Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week, further solidifies the Department’s ongoing efforts to raise public awareness on the most pressing healthcare topics and ensure the population’s health and longevity within the Emirate and beyond. This MoU reflects our dedication to implementing comprehensive programmes focused on prevention, early detection, and advanced treatments. Through collaborating with our strategic partners, AstraZeneca and Abu Dhabi Health Data Services, we aim to alleviate the impact of breast cancer and make good health and quality care a universal standard.”
Kareem Shahin, CEO of Abu Dhabi Health Data Services, expressed enthusiasm about the transformative potential of the Breast Cancer Research Platform. He said, “We are excited to join forces with AstraZeneca under the leadership of the Department of Health-Abu Dhabi to kick-off this important project that aims to transform breast cancer care globally. The Breast Cancer Research Platform will enable the development of personalised care through innovation in the pursuit of better patient outcomes.”
Sameh ElFangary, AstraZeneca Cluster President, GCC and Pakistan, underscored the significance of science-driven solutions in addressing the global challenge of breast cancer.
“We are proud to work with Abu Dhabi Health Data Services to unlock what the power of science can do. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women worldwide and as the burden of disease continues to mount, identifying and treating cancer early remains key to improving patient outcomes. Our ambition, alongside ADHDS is to collaboratively redefine treatment pathways to someday eliminate cancer as a cause of death,” Sameh said.
Breast cancer remains a significant health concern worldwide, including in the UAE. This collaboration aims to harness clinical research and leverage the UAE’s healthcare infrastructure to address existing challenges in breast cancer care and research.
The initiative is poised to benefit from the extensive capabilities of Malaffi, the region’s first Health Information Exchange (HIE) platform. By facilitating clinical research, Malaffi will play a pivotal role in generating insights and improving treatment outcomes.
The collaboration underscores the urgency for concerted efforts and resource allocation to address the growing burden of breast cancer. By enhancing breast cancer care and research, the initiative aims to make significant strides in combating this pressing healthcare challenge.
The Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week serves as a platform for accelerating collaboration, innovation, and investment in the healthcare sector. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the event brings together key stakeholders to drive progress in healthcare and life sciences.
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi is actively collaborating with strategic partners to realize its vision of better health. With the support of partners like M42, PureHealth, Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft, and others, the Department aims to foster a culture of innovation and excellence in healthcare delivery.