The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH Summit 7), organised by Qatar Foundation, kicked off with a compelling emphasis on humanising healthcare, particularly in relation to conflict, equity, and resilience. The opening event, held at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), was graced by distinguished attendees, including Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, along with leading health officials and industry experts.
This year’s theme, Humanising Health: Conflict, Equity, and Resilience, addresses global health challenges, particularly for communities facing extreme hardship. Former Minister of Public Health H E Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari highlighted Qatar’s dedication to advancing healthcare solutions through shared responsibility and international collaboration.
In a poignant moment, Dr. Christos Christou, President of Médecins Sans Frontières, spoke about the urgent need to protect healthcare facilities and workers in conflict zones, citing severe shortages in Gaza.
“We need to ensure hospitals are safe, respected places,” he stressed, calling for tangible action beyond commitments.
A film shown at the summit told the moving story of 11-year-old Dareen Al Bayaa, a Palestinian girl from Gaza, who survived a devastating attack that claimed the lives of 47 family members. She and her younger brother are now receiving medical care in Doha.
On its first day, the summit examined reports and discussed various health crises, including protecting healthcare in conflict, tackling antimicrobial resistance, and AI ethics in healthcare. Topics like women’s cancer, palliative care, and the humanitarian crisis in Sudan were also explored. The summit concludes today, with a focus on mental health, obesity, and the launch of the new CARDIO4Cities initiative.
