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From hospitals to canvases, Banan Soliman is reshaping wellbeing in Qatar, blending public health, art, and leadership to help people reconnect with themselves and thrive in uncertain times.Soliman is not one to stay in a box.A public health leader and accomplished artist, she has spent over two decades moving seamlessly between government corridors and creative studios, guided by one question: “How can I make a real difference in people’s lives?”Her role in Qatar’s health sector has seen her co-ordinate national operations during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the FIFA World Cup 2022, ensuring hospitals and health systems were ready under immense pressure.“Leadership is not about control or only managing systems,” she told *Gulf Times. “It’s about having clarity under pressure and helping teams stay focused when uncertainty is high.”Soliman recalled the human side of these crises.“During Covid-19, many teams were anxious about their safety, and it affected performance and even their immunity,” she recounted. “My role was to bring focus and empathy into the system. Leadership meant not only co-ordination and efficiency, but also protecting trust and psychological safety.”“Even at peak demand, we stay committed to patient experience, because how people are treated is just as important as what systems deliver,” she added.Alongside public service, Soliman has built a parallel life as an artist.Her works, rooted in Arabic calligraphy and contemporary abstraction, have been exhibited worldwide and commissioned by Formula 1 champions, FIFA athletes, and cultural icons.Her calligraphy series, “Light Upon Light”, merges Qur’anic verses with contemporary design.“Each artwork reminds people of their own inner strength and divine connection,” she said. “Art became the bridge between science and the spiritual dimension – it restores us, regulates the nervous system, and speaks to the soul.”Her commitment to service extends into her creative practice.In Germany, she curated charity exhibitions supporting Syrian children’s hospitals.In Qatar, she organised fundraising art events for Palestine, with proceeds directed to the Red Crescent Society.“Beauty gains meaning when it moves energy into action,” Soliman explained. “Creating with intention feels lighter, more alive. And giving heals all sides – the artist, the buyer, and the cause being supported.”She is now expanding her work in Qatar through retreats blending art, public health insights, and even kitesurfing.“Thriving comes naturally when what you do matches who you are. It’s less about productivity, more about inner balance,” she said. “Qatar’s landscape, where desert meets sea, offers the perfect space to pause, realign, and remember who you are.”For Soliman, success is measured not in titles or exhibitions, but in impact.“Whether designing a policy, a building, or a painting, my goal is the same: to create environments where people feel supported to live with balance and flourish,” she told *Gulf Times.From leading health operations to painting calligraphy, Banan Soliman shows that true leadership, creativity, and wellbeing are inseparable.Her journey is a reminder that passion is a compass, and the real measure of success is helping people feel more at home within themselves. 

More than 51,000 secondary school students will receive booster jabs against three potentially fatal diseases as health authorities launch their 2026 immunisation drive across Qatar's schools. The Ministry of Public Health is coordinating with education officials and healthcare providers to administer the Tdap vaccine — protecting against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough—to all ninth and tenth-graders in 278 schools nationwide.  Consent forms have been sent home to parents as vaccination teams begin visiting both government and private institutions to reach the 51,772 students enrolled in the programme. Dr Hamad Eid al-Romaihi, who heads the Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control Department, said the annual campaign has delivered consistently strong results since beginning 15 years ago. "Over the past fifteen years, the National Vaccination Programme has succeeded in attaining high and sustainable coverage rates, thanks to the efforts of healthcare professionals, the support of partners, and the co-operation of the community," he told QNA.  The campaign supports Qatar's National Health Strategy running through 2030, which places population health improvement at its core. Alongside the jabs themselves, health officials are running educational sessions for families to address vaccine hesitancy and dispel myths about immunisation safety.  Authorities are urging parents not to miss the opportunity to protect their teenagers, noting the booster represents a crucial component of Qatar's approved childhood vaccination schedule.  The Tdap dose is particularly important for adolescents as immunity from earlier childhood jabs begins to wane. Preparing for the rollout, the ministry assembled 240 doctors and nurses last Saturday for training on current best practices in vaccine delivery and managing common reactions.  Healthcare workers received updated guidance on addressing mild side effects including slight fever and injection site soreness, with instructions for parents on home care. The session also covered logistical planning to ensure smooth operations across the diverse school network.  The three diseases targeted by the vaccine can cause serious harm. Tetanus attacks the nervous system and can be fatal. Diphtheria creates a thick coating in the throat that blocks airways and damages the heart. Pertussis—whooping cough—poses grave risks particularly to infants who contract it from older siblings and adults.  Health officials say maintaining high vaccination rates among teenagers not only protects them directly but also shields vulnerable younger children who rely on community immunity until they complete their own immunisation series.

Qatar Charity (QC) has delivered a significant consignment of medical equipment to Chad’s Ministry of Public Health, reinforcing efforts to improve healthcare and social services for the country’s most vulnerable communities.The aid, funded by generous donors in Qatar, includes 1,200 blood pressure monitors and 600 wheelchairs. The handover ceremony took place at the Pharmaceutical Procurement Centre (Centrale Pharmaceutique d’Achat) in N’Djamena, attended by Dr Abdelmajid Abdelrahim, Minister of Public Health; Zara Mahamat Issa, Minister of Social Welfare; and Lt Gen Issakha Maloua Djamous, Minister of National Defence and Veterans, alongside representatives from the Embassy of Qatar and QC’s Chad office.The initiative underscores QC’s commitment to strengthening Chad’s health institutions, fostering effective partnerships that drive human development, improve service quality, and support national efforts to build a modern, inclusive healthcare system for all. Abdelrahim expressed deep appreciation to QC for its role in supporting the health sector and advancing humanitarian development. He noted that the medical equipment addresses urgent needs across several health and social institutions. He also called the initiative a “valuable and symbolic step” that strengthens the health system and improves services nationwide.Abdoulhamid Mohamed, country director of QC’s Chad office, expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Ministry of Public Health to facilitate the organisation’s humanitarian and development efforts. 

The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has recently organised a training workshop for around 90 health service providers from the Primary Health Care Corporation working in government schools, to strengthen their readiness to manage asthma cases within the school environment and equip them with the skills required to apply internationally recognised best health practices.MOPH's Director of the Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Programmes Department Sheikh Dr. Mohamed bin Hamad Al-Thani stressed the importance of the Asthma-Friendly Schools Programme in enhancing student health and ensuring a safe educational environment for students with asthma.He pointed out that the integration of efforts between the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Primary Health Care Corporation and Hamad Medical Corporation constitutes a foundation for strengthening the quality of healthcare services provided in schools.He noted that MOPH has achieved, over recent years, remarkable national accomplishments in raising awareness of asthma through large-scale activities organised on World Asthma Day, including media campaigns targeting the public, awareness workshops for the school community, and training programmes for school health staff.These efforts contribute to promoting an accurate understanding of asthma, enabling students, their families and teachers to manage the condition safely and effectively, and reducing asthma attacks within the school environment, positively reflecting on students’ health and academic progress.The Director of the Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Programmes Department also praised the major role of the Primary Health Care Corporation in implementing the Asthma-Friendly Schools Programme by providing school health staff, offering continuous training, following up students with asthma, and connecting them to essential health services.Hamad Medical Corporation also participates in the programme through its clinical expertise and advanced specialities by developing the national guidelines for asthma management, providing specialised technical training to healthcare personnel, supporting rapid intervention mechanisms for emergency cases, and enhancing the preparedness of the health system to deal with asthma complications.In her remarks during the workshop, Supervisor of the Asthma-Friendly Schools Programme, Dr. Maya Al Shaiba stated that implementing the programme across all government schools reflects Qatar’s commitment to providing a supportive and safe school environment for students with asthma. She also praised the efforts of school health staff and their significant role in improving the quality of services provided to students.The "Asthma-Friendly Schools" Programme is one of the national initiatives aimed at reducing absenteeism among students with asthma, strengthening health preparedness within schools, supporting students in managing their health condition, raising health awareness among students and their families, and reinforcing the partnership between families, schools, and the health sector. 

The Ministry of Public Health carried out a wide-scale inspection campaign covering a number of restaurants, cafeterias, and sites designated by companies to provide food to workers at their residential locations in the Industrial Area. The objective was to ensure compliance with health standards and requirements during food handling, and to strengthen food safety and protect consumer health in the State of Qatar.During the campaign, inspections were carried out at 479 establishments, including restaurants and cafeterias, in addition to 191 sites designated by companies to prepare and serve food in worker accommodations for about 95,000 workers in the Industrial Area. Each food establishment and site underwent at least three inspection visits to monitor the implementation of corrective measures and to raise the level of compliance.A total of 1,813 food samples were collected (1,239 samples from restaurants and cafeterias and 573 samples from worker housing sites). They were analyzed at the Ministry of Public Health’s food safety laboratories. The results showed that all samples met health requirements.The total number of visits carried out by inspectors from the Food Safety Department of the Ministry of Public Health during the four-month campaign exceeded 1,650 inspection visits to cafeterias and restaurants. The regulatory efforts resulted in a notable improvement in performance, as more than 82 percent of these establishments advanced by at least one grade in the classification system compared to their initial inspection visit.Statistics from the electronic food safety system Wathiq also showed that 44 percent of the sites designated by companies to prepare and serve food to workers at their accommodations received an Excellent rating, within an overall ratio of 85 percent of sites rated Average and above, compared to the initial inspection visit for these sites.The Ministry of Public Health continues working to complete coverage of the remaining worker accommodations, restaurants, and cafeterias, increase inspection visits, and organize training workshops for food handlers to raise awareness of health requirements and general hygiene standards.The Food Safety Department of the Ministry of Public Health continues to implement the food establishment classification program as part of the ministry’s strategy to protect public health. This is achieved through continuous cooperation between the relevant authorities and food establishment owners, which is a fundamental pillar in establishing an advanced and sustainable food system that meets the highest standards of food safety.

His Excellency Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud inaugurated Thursday the 6th International Primary Health Care Conference (IPHCC), organized by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) over three days, with wide participation estimated at about one thousand experts, doctors and specialists from several countries, making it one of the most prominent scientific gatherings in the region, and an important platform for the exchange of experiences and knowledge.The conference will showcase a wide range of advanced topics in primary healthcare through panel discussions and workshops led by a select group of international speakers and experts. It will also provide researchers with an opportunity to present their research and the findings of recent studies that can be applied to improving primary healthcare services both within Qatar and internationally.On the sidelines of the conference, which targets doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technicians and other healthcare professionals, medical students and those interested in developing their scientific and practical skills, a specialized exhibition will be held showcasing the latest medical innovations and health technologies offered by local and international institutions.In her opening remarks, Managing Director of the PHCC Dr. Mariam Abdul Malik affirmed that holding the IPHCC 2025 under the theme "Inspiring Tomorrow: The Power of Collaboration in Primary Health Care," embodies Qatar's firm commitment to developing the health sector, based on a national vision that places human beings at the heart of development. She pointed out that primary health care in Qatar has become an advanced model at the regional and international levels, thanks to the strategic investment in human health and the building of an integrated system that provides high-quality preventive, curative and rehabilitative services in a safe and competitive environment.She emphasized that everyone in Qatar enjoys an advanced health system, noting that what has been achieved in terms of healthcare services is clearly reflected in the satisfaction of community members and visitors to health centers, while the results of surveys measuring the percentage of visitors' satisfaction with receiving the diverse and comprehensive services show that it has reached 80 percent.She stressed that these indicators are nothing but a manifestation of the impact of joint efforts in improving primary health care, saying that the conference gathering is not just a scientific event, but a platform that stimulates creativity, inspires health work teams to share knowledge and experiences, and anticipates innovative solutions that contribute to establishing a more prepared, flexible and sustainable health system, for a healthier and more prosperous tomorrow for the nation and society.She praised the tireless efforts and continuous attention of the state to the health sector, to promote human health as the true wealth of the nation. She noted that primary health care in Qatar has become a model to be emulated regionally and globally, thanks to the great support that this sector enjoys, and the keenness to empower people and provide an integrated health system that meets the preventive, curative and rehabilitative needs of all residents, in a safe, high-quality environment. She noted that the work of the conference reflects the spirit of partnership between the PHCC and the Ministry of Public Health, and comes in support of the National Health Strategy 2024-2030, which focuses on promoting prevention, paying attention to mental health, improving the experience of patients, and developing sustainable services that keep pace with the state's aspirations.The PHCC's Managing Director indicated that the conference constitutes a vital scientific space to discuss key themes, including emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, innovation in medical education, promoting integration between disciplines, and developing digital solutions to improve the patient experience. Concluding her remarks, she voiced her appreciation for the efforts of the conference team, the partners in success from national and international institutions, and the official sponsors, stressing that this cooperation reflects a shared national commitment to developing primary health care in Qatar.HE the Minister of Public Health toured the exhibition accompanying the conference, in which distinguished healthcare professionals, including local and international companies, providers of medical services, supplies and devices, are participating to showcase their latest innovations in the healthcare sector, along with various educational and technological entities, which contributes to enriching the scientific experience of the participants and opening up broader horizons for cooperation and exchange of experiences. 

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) participated in the forty-eighth session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, which was recently held in Rome, the Italian capital, with representatives from member states and international organisations concerned with establishing global food standards.MoPH participated in strengthening international efforts to establish unified scientific standards and references for food safety and quality, and to promote fair trade in food products, in line with the State's commitments to international bodies, especially the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization.During the meetings, a decision was made to adopt a standard for fresh dates as an international standard and to introduce a standard for pasteurised camel milk as a new work item on the Codex Alimentarius agenda.This represents support for the regional proposal led by the Codex Committee for the Near East, which includes the State of Qatar within its regional framework.The meetings also included participation in the review of the code of practice for the prevention and reduction of aflatoxin contamination in peanuts, the setting of maximum limits for lead in spices and herbs, and the updating of standards for food additives and chemical contaminants.MoPH's Food Safety Consultant Dr. Muna Al Olan affirmed that the Ministry's participation in the meetings is part of national efforts to enhance Qatar's presence in international forums concerned with food safety, and to contribute to the formulation of global decisions and standards that help raise the level of protection for local consumers and develop the national food safety system in line with the latest international practices and standards.She also praised the active role of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in unifying international efforts to ensure food safety and achieving the highest levels of transparency and trust between countries, stressing the Ministry's keenness to maintain close cooperation with international and regional partners in this field.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has issued a circular requiring pharmaceutical companies to print essential information about human medicinal products in Braille on their outer packaging. Implementation will be introduced gradually and will become compulsory for all pharmaceutical products available to the public from November 2027.The requirement stipulates that the name of the medicine, its active ingredient and strength must be printed in Braille in both Arabic and English.The MoPH has also issued the Guideline on the Braille Requirements for Labelling Information of Medicinal Products for Human Use, which defines the technical and regulatory standards for implementation.Dr Ghanim Ali Al Mannai, Assistant Undersecretary for Healthcare Regulatory Affairs at the MoPH, affirmed that this measure forms part of the Ministry's efforts to enhance medication awareness across all segments of society, and to facilitate safe access to and use of pharmaceutical products by people who are blind or visually impaired. He noted that this aligns with the priorities of the National Health Strategy (NHS), which seeks to improve population health and wellbeing, deliver excellence in healthcare services and patient experience, and promote quality, key enablers and sustainability.Dr Al Mannai added that the Ministry also aims to ensure the safe use of medicines and to improve access to information about medical products for people with visual impairments.He further explained that the Pharmacy and Drug Control Department at the MoPH will monitor implementation at all stages of pharmaceutical product registration, including new registrations, renewals, and modification requests. Compliance will also be verified during inspection and regulatory visits carried out by the Department's teams to pharmacies and drug warehouses.

His Excellency the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud inaugurated the second edition of Qatar’s International Healthcare and Medical Exhibition and Conference (Qatar Medicare). Qatar Medicare brings together 100 local and international companies under one roof, 64 local and 36 international exhibitors.Organised by IFP Qatar in collaboration with Qatar Chamber (QC) and held under the patronage of the Ministry of Public Health, the event continues until Thursday, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC).Chair of the Health Committee at Qatar Chamber Ibtihaj al-Ahmadani said: “The Qatar Chamber is committed to achieving self-sufficiency in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. Qatar Medicare reflects the strong public-private collaboration driving Qatar’s healthcare landscape.”According to estimates by Fitch Solutions, a subsidiary of Fitch Ratings, Qatar’s healthcare sector is projected to experience accelerated growth, with total health expenditure expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 14% by 2029, reaching $11.5bn (QR41.86bn).This expansion is set to position Qatar as the third-largest healthcare market in the GCC and the tenth-largest in the Mena region.Commercial and Operations Director at IFP Qatar Hayat Bayan commented: “Qatar Medicare includes daily one-on-one meetings between exhibitors, visitors, and major hospitals from both the public and private sectors, in addition to panel discussions and workshops featuring more than 55 speakers, 25 presentations, five dialogue sessions, four workshops, training sessions, and an Open Stage segment that allows professionals two minutes each to share their work and expertise. The event will conclude with the Qatar Medicare 2025 Healthcare Excellence Awards, honouring 15 categories of outstanding healthcare institutions and individuals.”Dr Hadi Mohamad Abu Rasheed, Scientific Advisor at Qatar Cancer Society and member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the International Cancer Patients Alliance, emphasised: “The QCS is participating as a Silver Sponsor to enhance its awareness efforts on cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of public education.”“It will also explore the latest technologies and potential partnerships to improve and innovate healthcare practices, contributing to raising community awareness and improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their families,” he said.

The Ministry of Public Health has launched the Qatar Dietary Guidelines for Mother and Child (0-5 years), as part of its ongoing efforts to promote the health and quality of life of mothers and children.The guidelines aim to support the health of mothers and their children through scientifically based recommendations covering the stages before pregnancy, during pregnancy, after childbirth, and throughout the early years of a child's life.The guidelines were developed with the participation of a group of experts and specialists in nutrition and health.The guidelines consist of seven chapters that cover a wide range of topics, including diet, lifestyle, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and other important subjects. Each chapter is designed to empower individuals to adopt healthy habits and make informed decisions.These guidelines serve as an educational and informative tool that helps raise public health awareness across the community, thereby contributing to improving maternal and child health and ensuring healthy child development. They also act as a scientific resource for healthcare providers and a reference point for the development of future health policies and programmes.Director of the Health Promotion Department at the MoPH Dr Salah Alyafei said: "Qatar Dietary Guidelines for Mother and Child (0-5 years) play a vital role in fostering a healthy society by establishing strong health foundations for individuals from an early age."He added that the MoPH developed the guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence and internationally recommended best practices, while considering the cultural and social context of Qatari society.He noted that proper nutrition during pregnancy and throughout the first five years of a child's life is among the most important factors directly influencing a child's health. It also plays a vital role in preventing chronic diseases in the future and ensuring better health for both current and future generations. (QNA)

More than 100 experts and specialists from the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), along with national ministries and agencies, took part in a five-day workshop recently organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) office in Qatar, in collaboration with the MoPH. The workshop focused on the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS).The National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) provides a comprehensive framework to ensure Qatar’s preparedness to prevent, detect and respond to health threats, ranging from outbreaks of infectious diseases to chemical, biological and radiological hazards. The workshop brought together representatives from government bodies, healthcare providers, academia, civil society and partner organisations with the aim of strengthening Qatar’s capacity to prepare for and respond to health emergencies.Participants actively engaged in discussions and technical activities with experts from the WHO Health Emergencies Programme at both the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and WHO headquarters. The sessions focused on assessing current capacities, identifying key priority gaps and developing a comprehensive national plan for health security.Director of the Health Emergency Department at MoPH, Dr Soha Albayat, stated: “The workshop reflects Qatar’s commitment to the International Health Regulations and to ensuring the highest standards of health security and well being. It represents a key step in the development of the National Action Plan for Health Security.”For her part, WHO Representative in Qatar, Dr Rayana Bou Haka, also emphasised the importance of the workshop, saying: “Health security is one of the top priorities of the WHO partnership with Qatar. This workshop marks an important milestone in our joint efforts to develop and enhance Qatar’s advanced preparedness and response capacities.”Through this workshop, Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national health security while contributing to regional and international efforts to protect communities from emerging threats.The workshop concluded with an agreed set of actions to strengthen inter-sectoral co-ordination, build technical and operational capacities, and ensure the sustainability of long-term efforts to enhance health security across all sectors.The outcomes of the workshop will guide the next phase of implementing the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS), in alignment with Qatar’s National Health Strategy (NHS) and the WHO’s priorities for emergency preparedness and response.

The State of Qatar participated in the Fourth High-Level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being, held in New York under the theme: "Equity and Integration: Transforming Lives and Livelihoods through Leadership and Action on Non-Communicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being."The delegation of the State of Qatar was headed by HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud.In his address, HE Al Mahmoud emphasised the importance of joint international efforts to confront the growing challenges of NCDs, strengthen mental health, and advance progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the target of reducing premature deaths from NCDs by one third.He noted that Qatar's National Health Strategy 2024-2030 prioritises the reduction of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being, with a clear target of reducing NCD-related mortality by 36%.Drawing on the findings of the 2023 National STEPS Survey, HE Al Mahmoud highlighted the launch of nationwide campaigns on diabetes, obesity, and heart health, alongside innovative initiatives such as awareness programs linking oral health to the prevention of chronic diseases. He also underlined Qatar's continued investment in training healthcare professionals in collaboration with leading universities and institutions and the introduction of new care models, including AI-based applications and integrated treatments for mental health."Innovation lies at the heart of our vision," he said. "We employ AI-driven analytics to monitor diseases and advance precision medicine, through projects in personalised healthcare carried out in partnership between the Ministry of Public Health, the Qatar Precision Health Institute, and Sidra Medicine."He further stressed Qatar's collaboration with international partners, including the World Health Organisation, the Gulf Cooperation Council Health Council, and the Gulf Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.Qatar, HE Al Mahmoud added, has also expanded mental health services and rehabilitation centres, and looks forward to hosting the Sixth Global Ministerial Summit on Mental Health.He affirmed: "The progress achieved by the State of Qatar reflects its firm conviction that health is a fundamental pillar of human and social development. We reaffirm our commitment to continue these efforts and to work hand in hand with our international partners for a healthier, fairer, and more prosperous future for all."The meeting reaffirmed the importance of strengthening global and national commitments to address the challenges of NCDs and mental health through enhanced cross-sectoral cooperation, health system transformation, sustainable financing, tackling social, economic, commercial, and environmental determinants of risk and inequality, and accelerating a comprehensive, equitable, and high-quality response worldwide.