WISH Summit 2024 to Tackle Global Health Issues in Doha
Doha, Qatar – The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), organized by the Qatar Foundation, is set to hold its seventh edition—WISH7—on November 13 and 14, 2024. Over two days, more than 3,000 attendees, including health policymakers, innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and healthcare professionals, will gather at the Qatar National Convention Centre. They aim to discuss and find innovative solutions for urgent health challenges facing the world today.
WISH has partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) since its inception, emphasizing their joint dedication to enhancing global health policies. This partnership focuses on addressing key health concerns that need immediate attention and includes three collaborative research projects led by WHO. These studies will produce evidence-based reports for thorough discussions at the summit.
The topics of these WHO-led studies highlight important areas of focus for WISH7, including:
- Health issues affecting vulnerable and minority communities.
- The impact of armed conflict on health.
- Innovations and changes needed at the systemic level.
- Involvement and interventions led by communities.
Key Issues Highlighted by WHO
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Health in Armed Conflict: Since 2018, the WHO has recorded over 7,400 attacks on healthcare facilities in war zones, with no accountability for these actions. Both WHO and WISH are advocating for the formation of a global alliance to push for stronger diplomatic measures and the appointment of a UN special rapporteur responsible for monitoring these incidents. Ensuring safety in healthcare during conflicts is crucial.
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Women’s Cancer Care: The Eastern Mediterranean Region faces a significant public health crisis with breast and cervical cancer. In 2022, there were about 130,000 new cases of breast cancer and 17,000 new cervical cancer cases. WHO emphasizes the need for investments in proactive measures like HPV vaccinations and early detection programs. A strong approach could potentially save thousands of lives while delivering high economic returns on investment.
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Palliative Care: Recent research discusses innovative models of palliative care that have proven effective. These case studies serve as examples of best practices, showcasing the importance of education, cultural adaptation, and policy development in improving palliative care services across the globe.
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Tuberculosis (TB): New strategies aimed at eliminating TB among refugees and migrants will also be explored.
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Community Engagement: The importance of building relationships in health initiatives will be a focal point in discussions.
- Employment for Women in Health: The summit will address the crucial roles women play in healthcare employment, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
Experience at the WHO Pavilion
Visitors at the WHO pavilion will have the chance to engage with various global health initiatives presented through five focused areas:
- HQ Corner: Showcasing S.A.R.A.H, WHO’s Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health.
- Polio Corner: Featuring interactive virtual reality experiences.
- Emergency Corner: Discussing emergency health responses.
- EMRO Corner: Highlighting health initiatives in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
- Health4Life Fund: Presenting sustainable health solutions.
Additionally, the pavilion will feature an exhibition of student artwork from the Eastern Mediterranean, addressing the dangers of tobacco use, along with videos illustrating WHO’s efforts in various regions, including Africa.
Key speakers at the summit will include the WHO Director-General and regional directors from the Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, and Africa.
This year’s summit promises to be a vital platform for driving innovations in global health, addressing critical challenges, and fostering collaboration among health leaders worldwide.
