First meeting of the year held in the presence of participating members from leading health and academic institutions

Abu Dhabi, UAE - 12 May 2022 – Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, the region’s first dedicated centre protecting the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of Abu Dhabi’s population by raising public and preventative healthcare awareness, hosted this year’s first Abu Dhabi COVID-19 Research Committee core meeting. Held in the presence of participating members from leading health and academic institutions, the meeting addressed this year’s plans and progress towards stronger research outcomes related to SARS-CoV-2.

The first core meeting of the year which was chaired by H.E Dr Farida Al Hosani, Executive Director of Infectious Diseases at Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and Official Spokesperson for the UAE Health Sector reviewed and oversaw the research progress of each subcommittee, as well as facilitated discussions around research priorities and potential international collaborations.

Commenting on the meeting, H.E. Dr Farida Al Hosani, said: “The UAE has been at the forefront in its response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, and has embraced the value of collaboration and research to contain the impact of infectious diseases and ensure preparedness for any potential public health challenges. I am honored to be part of the Abu Dhabi Research committee of COVID-19 along with exceptional colleagues who are all playing part in advancing the UAE’s research capabilities and supporting a vibrant and healthy future for our nation.” 
The Committee seeks to facilitate and promote collaboration between healthcare professionals and academia to accelerate COVID-19 research and drive effective policy and public health responses. It is composed of four subcommittees focusing on Epidemiology, Therapeutic Trials, Diagnostic and the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Members of the committee include experts from the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Khalifa University, New York University Abu Dhabi, UAE University, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, National Reference Laboratory and the Dubai Health Authority.