Genome pilot project a success: Sheikha Moza

Qatar is preparing to develop regulations to govern research in genomics and personalised medicine as the pilot phase of the country’s groundbreaking initiative to map the genetic code of citizens has been completed, said H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF) opening the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH 2016) yesterday.

The opening session was also attended by H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of QF, Princess Lalla Salma, chairperson of Lalla Salma Foundation for Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Princess Ghida bint Talal, chairperson of the board of trustees of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF), HE Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health and other dignitaries.

Sheikha Moza said that the first phase of the Qatar Genome Project was launched in September 2015 as part of a comprehensive national programme to map the genetic code of citizens for better diagnoses and treatment of various diseases, first of its kind in the region.

"Building on the launch of Qatar's Bio bank in 2011, at the inaugural WISH summit I launched the Qatar Genome Project, which seeks to genetically sequence the local population, in order to eventually move beyond the traditional ideas of clinical care and into applying customised care. When medical practitioners understand a person's biological map, it will enable them to better diagnose and to treat disease individually, or as I call it, Customized Medicine,” she said.

"During this pilot phase, we sequenced 3,000 genomes. In addition, the Qatar genome map was established to help identify the different gene variations and disorders impacting the local population. Moreover, the Qatar Genome Project, Qatar BioBank, and the Ministry of Public Health are working together to draft the regulations that will govern research in genome sciences and personalized medicine.  "These will constitute a national and overarching framework for all health-related research institutes in Qatar.

"The research institutes are also working on building a network of specialised researchers who can analyse the pool of data from the Qatar genome project,” she added.  Sheikha Moza also emphasized the importance of protecting confidentiality of patient information on moral and religious grounds.

During the two-day summit WISH discusses nine important areas related health care such as Accountable Care, Autism, Behavioural Insights, Cardiovascular Disease, Genomics in the Gulf Region and Islamic Ethics, Health Professional Education, Healthy Populations, Investing in Health, and Precision Medicine.

Sheikha Moza said that Qatar is determined to benefit from WISH’s global and regional expertise by integrating its recommendations and research into the country’s healthcare system.

"Since the launch of WISH in 2013, our vision is to have a modern health care system capable of tackling potential challenges through a proactive process,” she said.  "Turning this vision into reality requires that we continue to strive to improve the complimentary pillars of education and health and this is supported by scientific research, innovation, sustainable development, and human development,” she added.  Following the opening session Sheikha Moza and dignitaries toured WISH 2016 Innovation Showcases which represent some of the world’s most exciting healthcare innovations.

At WISH 2016, during two days more than 1, 400 high-level policymakers, academics and professionals from 100 countries discuss of healthcare innovation and best practices.

“You are the leaders of health reform and you recognize the need for health innovation have never been greater. WISH is a unique platform that brings together ministers, industry leaders, policy makers academics , share our ideas, celebrate our success and confront the common difficulties,” said Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham, Executive Chair of WISH.

Professor Dame Sally Davies delivered a keynote speech on ‘Review on Antimicrobial Resistance: Tackling Drug Resistance Infections Globally.’