The Department of Public Health at the College of Health Sciences at Qatar University (QU) in collaboration with the Qatar Foundation for Social Work (QFSW), organised an introductory seminar highlighting the role of social centres and their relationship to public health in Qatar.
The event featured introductory sessions and presentations that showcased the joint efforts between various social centres and their significance in promoting public health and achieving sustainable development.
Dr Hanan Abdul Rahim, dean of the College of Health Sciences at QU, emphasised that the event serves as an essential bridge connecting academia with practical application.
Dr Abdul Rahim noted that the College of Health Sciences launched the Bachelor of Public Health programme in 2012, making it the first of its kind in Qatar. This was followed by the launch of the master’s programme in 2015.
Both programmes offer theoretical and practical courses of the highest academic quality.
Dr Abdul Rahim also highlighted that Qatar’s national strategy underscores the importance of building partnerships across various sectors and promoting a culture of shared societal responsibility to ensure health equity and sustainability. Effective partnerships with social development organisations are a key component of this mission, as this collaborative approach ensures that health interventions align with social realities, bridging the gap between clinical care and social support systems. Noor al-Mohannadi, director of communications at QFSW, remarked: “Since its establishment, the Qatar Foundation for Social Work has been committed to providing comprehensive social services based on the values of social responsibility and sustainable development.
This seminar sheds light on the vital roles played by our affiliated centres in areas such as family stability, orphan care, child and women protection, youth empowerment, care and rehabilitation for persons with disabilities, elder care, and support for behavioural health.”
Dr Karam Turk-Adawi, head of the Public Health Department at QU, stated: “The World Health Organisation has emphasised the importance of social determinants of health, and the role of social institutions in addressing these determinants is central to achieving health equity and eliminating health disparities in society.
The Public Health programme at QU is dedicated to preparing highly qualified graduates who are future leaders capable of tackling complex health challenges.”
Panellists at the seminar
