In a significant bid to enhance global health collaborations, Ahmed bin Ali Al-Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention of the UAE, led a delegation to some of the foremost healthcare, research, and academic institutions in Boston and New York. The initiative aims to foster quality partnerships and expand collaborative pathways in future medicine, particularly focusing on genomics, early disease detection, artificial intelligence, digital health, rare diseases, and specialised care. The delegation also sought to develop health competencies and capabilities.
Exploring Healthcare Partnerships
This visit occurred alongside the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, featuring representatives from the Emirates Health Services and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. The meetings and discussions with esteemed health and research institutions concentrated on translating opportunities for collaboration and experience exchange into actionable pathways in research, training, innovation, and advanced healthcare.
Commitment to International Health Collaboration
Al-Sayegh emphasised that the UAE continues to widen its international health partnerships, enhancing knowledge and expertise sharing while accelerating the application of scientific and technological advancements to develop more preventive, prepared, and proactive health systems. This commitment supports capacity building and elevates the quality of care and health outcomes, aligning with the forward-thinking vision of the leadership that places human health and quality of life at the heart of sustainable development.
Strategic Engagement with US Institutions
The Minister described the United States as a crucial partner for the UAE in health, research, and innovation. He envisioned building on this partnership through quality collaborations that connect Emirati health and research institutions with leading American centres. This would facilitate the development of joint research and training programmes, expedite the utilisation of advanced medical knowledge and technologies, and transform research and innovation outcomes into practical applications that enhance prevention, early detection, quality care, and health results.
Key Discussions in Boston
In Boston, the delegation engaged with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to explore a pathway for early cancer detection using genomic analysis, which includes risk assessment, genetic counselling, follow-up, and referrals to treatment services. Additionally, they discussed with Boston Children’s Hospital the potential to expand cooperation in diagnosing and treating rare and complex diseases in children, aiming to enhance centres of excellence and develop innovative training and research programmes.
At Mass General Brigham, focus was placed on digital health, artificial intelligence, and opportunities for research, innovation, and training. The meeting allowed Al-Sayegh to outline priorities such as sustaining health service financing, developing a unified public health system, and enhancing emergency preparedness and response.
Exploring Innovations in New York
While in New York, discussions with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital revolved around physician exchange, training, research, and innovation, with insights gained regarding paediatric heart diseases, organ transplantation, and gene therapy. The visit also included a stop at Mount Sinai Hospital, where the delegation explored cancer services and proton therapy facilities, looking to establish research collaborations and develop centres of excellence in immunotherapy.
Strengthening Training and Leadership Development
During a meeting organised by the Emirati-American Business Council, Al-Sayegh, along with Saeed Al-Hajri, Minister of State and Chairman of the Emirates Drug Foundation, showcased opportunities to expand cooperation in the health sector. The delegation met with representatives from Philadelphia’s Children’s Hospital, Cedars-Sinai, Ben Medicine, and Johnson & Johnson. Al-Sayegh called for developing a leadership training programme in collaboration with Johns Hopkins to invest in the capabilities and leadership necessary to keep pace with rapid changes in the healthcare sector.
Future-focused Collaborations
Furthermore, the Emirates Health Services team discussed collaboration areas with the Northwell Health system, particularly in neuroscience, cardiology, and related medical devices, as well as in digital health and artificial intelligence. They also visited NYU Langone Health to assess hospital facilities and centres of excellence, aiming to sustain collaboration through visiting physician programmes. Initiatives from the visit are set to transform collaborative areas into action plans that clearly define priorities, responsibilities, and execution timelines.