The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), an initiative of Qatar Foundation, and Sultan Qaboos University in Oman have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at exploring future cooperation opportunities in research and healthcare policy.
In the presence of Dr Mona Fahad al-Said of Oman, assistant vice-chancellor for international co-operation, Sultan Qaboos University, the MoU was signed by Sultana Afdhal, CEO of WISH, and Dr Amer bin Ali al-Rawas, vice-president for Academic Affairs and Community Service at Sultan Qaboos University.
Dr al-Said applauded the efforts of WISH and highlighted the importance of this agreement, saying: “It sends a message that both institutions are determined to join hands for the betterment of health, not only in the region but worldwide.” She also stated that: “Both institutions will work on many other fronts to harness the collaboration on several areas in academia, research, and health.”
In signing the MoU, WISH and Sultan Qaboos University agreed to operate staff exchange initiatives as well as sharing scientific and technical information, and to co-organise seminars, conferences, workshops, and training programmes in Qatar and Oman. Both organisations will also promote joint research activities in the fields of biomedical sciences, mental health, diabetes, cancer, patient safety, Islamic ethics, maternal and neonatal health, and environmental health.
"WISH seeks agreements that help realise our vision of a healthier world by strengthening global co-operation through concerted efforts with various partners and stakeholders,” said Afdhal.
“Such partnerships represent an additional step that will help us further future research co-operation. And I am particularly pleased to be building a relationship based around research and policy with such a strong partner from our region.”
The MoU aligns with WISH’s strategy of establishing strong ties with major stakeholders across the healthcare industry, both locally and internationally. In Qatar, WISH has worked with organisations like Qatar Autism Society and Child Development Centre to develop and implement innovative educational programmes to support children with special needs and autism.
Internationally, WISH has forged partnerships with key organisations that share its dedication to developing the health and wellbeing of societies.
