Qatar Foundation’s WISH Summit 2024 addresses global health challenges in partnership with WHO

12 November 2024, Doha, Qatar - The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), an initiative of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, will host its seventh edition of the WISH Summit (WISH7) on 13 and 14 November 2024. Over 2 days, more than 3000 health policy-makers, innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and practitioners will meet at the Qatar National Convention Centre to explore innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing health challenges.

The WISH-WHO partnership, established at the launch of the WISH initiative, reinforces our joint commitment to improving global health policy and practice through focusing on critical global health issues that require urgent attention.

Central to the partnership are 3 WHO-led collaborative research projects, generating evidence-based reports for in-depth discussion to be presented at WISH7.

The policy papers and research by WHO centre around WISH7's key themes:

the health of vulnerable and minority populations;

health and armed conflict;

system-level innovation and change; and

community-led engagement and intervention.

Over the past year, WHO has provided significant input to reports and policy papers including:

Protecting health in armed conflict

WHO has documented over 7400 attacks on health care facilities in conflict zones since 2018, yet no one has been held accountable. WHO and WISH are calling for a global alliance to strengthen diplomatic pressure and advocate for the appointment of a UN special rapporteur to monitor and report on health care attacks. A global effort to prevent attacks and hold perpetrators accountable is crucial to safeguarding health care in conflict zones.

Women's cancer

Breast and cervical cancer are a major public health issue in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. In 2022, the Region saw approximately 130 000 new breast cancer cases and 17 000 new cervical cancer cases, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. The economic burden is expected to reach US$ 379 billion by 2040. WHO urges investments in cost-effective interventions such as HPV vaccination and early detection programmes to reduce cancer incidence and mortality. A robust approach to treatment and prevention could save lives and deliver a high return on investment, yielding between US$ 2 to US$ 6 for every dollar spent.

Palliative care

The research report on palliative care includes multiple case studies that highlight innovative and transformative models of palliative care. They serve as exemplars for what targeted intervention can achieve in palliative care delivery, education and training, outcome measurement, cultural adaptation, needs assessment and policy development.

The report also details persistent - and in some cases worsening - inequities in access to and the quality of palliative care services globally.

Innovative solutions for tuberculosis (TB)explores novel approaches to eliminating TB among refugees and migrants.

Relationality in community engagementshowcases the importance of relationality in community engagement in health initiatives.

Women's employment in healthexplores the role of women in health care employment, with a focus on the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

WHO pavilion at WISH

In addition, visitors to the WHO pavilion can engage with global health initiatives across 5 dedicated corners:

1. HQ corner - showcasing S.A.R.A.H, WHO's Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health

2. Polio corner - featuring interactive virtual reality experiences.

3. Emergency corner - explore emergency health responses

4. EMRO corner - highlighting health initiatives in the Eastern Mediterranean Region including RD's strategic operational plan and the three flagship initiatives

5. Health4Life Fund - sustainable health solutions for all

An Art works of school studentsaddressing the threats posed by tobacco use will feature children's artwork from across the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Videos showcasing WHO's work in different regions, including the African Region, will also be displayed during the 2-day exhibition.

WHO Director General, WHO Regional Directors for the Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, and African Regions are among the Key speakers.

Related links

Research reports

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