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Ooredoo has announced WHOOP as the Official Wearable Partner for the 2026 and 2027 Doha Marathon by Ooredoo.The agreement was signed by Sabah Rabiah al-Kuwari, vice-chairman of the Doha Marathon Organising Committee, and Stephan Muller, director of WHOOP – GCC.The two-year collaboration brings together Ooredoo’s commitment to community health, fitness, and sports innovation through world-class technology. As the Official Wearable Partner, WHOOP will play a central role in enhancing athlete performance, training insights, and overall race experience for participants of the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo.Al-Kuwari said, “This partnership represents a significant step forward in how we support our running community. WHOOP has advanced performance insights, from recovery to sleep data to real-time strain and live tracking, and will provide participants, from first-time runners to elite athletes, with a deeper understanding of their bodies throughout the marathon journey.”Muller said, “WHOOP empowers members of all levels to better understand their bodies and unlock deeper insights into recovery, sleep, and strain.” 

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.

The sixth International Primary Health Care Conference (IPHCC) started Thursday in the presence of His Excellency Mansoor bin Ebrahim al-Mahmoud at the Ritz Carlton Doha exploring the latest advancements and innovations in primary health care. A large number of dignitaries and officials as well as international experts and speakers took part in the opening session of the conference. The three day conference organised by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) with the theme ‘Inspiring Tomorrow; The Power of Collaboration in Primary Health Care’ is exploring many of the current topics and the advancements of technology in primary health care sector. About 1,000 experts, speakers, doctors, speakers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, educators, students, and stakeholders from across the globe are sharing their knowledge and best practices in primary health care over the course of the conference. Speaking at the opening session, Dr Mariam Abdul Malik, managing director of the PHCC said that the conference is an embodiment of Qatar’s firm commitment to developing the health sector. “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 explained. Dr Abdul Malik highlighted that everyone in Qatar enjoys an advanced health system and what has been achieved in terms of healthcare services is clearly reflected in the satisfaction of community members and visitors to health centres, with visitors' satisfaction level reaching above 80% in the recent surveys. “This conference is not just a scientific event, but a platform that stimulates creativity, inspires health work teams to share knowledge and experiences, and explore 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 added. Speaking at the opening session, Prof Lord Ara Darzi, co-director, Imperial College London and the executive chair of the World Innovation Summit for Health highlighted the huge advancements made by Qatar in healthcare and praised the country for its vision. He said: “ Primary care is the bedrock, the unshakeable foundation upon which all resilient health systems are built. It is the centre of trust, continuity, and human connection that cannot be outsourced or automated. This is not about episodic interventions. It is about generational care.” After the opening session, the Minister of Public Health along with other dignitaries toured the exhibition accompanying the conference. A lot of healthcare professionals, including local and international companies, providers of medical services, supplies and devices, are participating in the exhibition to showcase their latest innovations in the healthcare sector, along with various educational and technological entities. The conference showcases 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. 

Qatar is a symbol of ambition, innovation and human progress, noted, Prof Lord Ara Darzi, co-director, Imperial College London and the executive chair of the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) highlighting the advancements made by the country in healthcare. “Qatar doesn’t just plan, it builds, transforming vision into verifiable reality. This nation is a model for the world, demonstrating what is possible when visionary leadership aligns with unwavering purpose,” said, Lord Darzi at the opening session of the sixth International Primary Health Care Conference organised by the Primary Health Care Corporation. He said that health systems globally are under extraordinary pressure as life expectancy has improved and with it a surge in chronic disease. “WHO estimates a global health workforce shortfall of over 11mn professionals by 2030. These challenges are universal, but so are the opportunities. Advances in artificial intelligence, genomics, and digital health have the power to shift care from hospital corridors to our homes and communities,” explained Lord Darzi. He pointed out that the question is no longer whether we can transform, but how quickly. “Qatar, with its visionary leadership and agility, is poised to lead in that way. The case for change is urgent. The old model of reactive care is clinically, economically, and morally unsustainable,” he remarked. According to him, primary care must evolve from being the front door of the health system to becoming its central nervous system. He emphasised: “Primary care is the bedrock, the unshakeable foundation upon which all resilient health systems are built. It is the centre of trust, continuity, and human connection that cannot be outsourced or automated. This is not about episodic interventions. It is about generational care.” “For Qatar, this shift aligns perfectly with the National Health Strategy and Vision 2030. PHCC is already showing the world how it can be done. Building on this vision, we can identify seven innovation pathways that empower this foundation,” he continued. Lord Darzi noted the seven pathways are: Genetic intelligence; the digital health ecosystem; personalised medicine; continuous health monitoring; population genomics; intelligent healthcare systems and precision robotics. “This is an extension of the care continuum, coordinated by primary care teams to ensure seamless preparation and faster data-driven recovery at home. These innovations stand on the bedrock established already by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation,” he highlighted. “Our collective duty now is to translate these powerful assets, which Qatar has invested in over a decade and more, into tangible health value for all,” added Lord Darzi. 

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. 

A vehicle used by the late Pope Francis during a visit to Bethlehem more than a decade ago has been transformed into a mobile health clinic that Christian leaders hope will soon be used to provide care to Palestinian children in Gaza.The initiative was blessed by Francis before he died in April and was entrusted to the Catholic organisation Caritas, which oversaw the project to convert the vehicle unveiled Tuesday."We're pleased that we have here a serious contribution towards the healthcare of children in Gaza," Caritas Secretary-General Alistair Dutton told a press conference in Bethlehem.Francis had used the vehicle, a converted Mitsubishi pick-up that was donated by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, during his visit to Bethlehem in 2014.The open platform at the back of the vehicle, where the Pope once stood as he travelled through Bethlehem, has now been enclosed and converted into the children's treatment area."This vehicle stands as a testimony that the world has not forgotten the children of Gaza," said Cardinal Anders Arborelius of Stockholm, who had approached Francis before his death about Caritas' idea of converting the former popemobile into a mobile paediatric clinic.Caritas Sweden Secretary-General Peter Brune said that the mobile clinic was capable of treating around 200 children a day.But it was unclear when the vehicle would enter Gaza, where a ceasefire still formally holds despite frequent Israeli airstrikes on the territory battered by two years of war."As soon as we possibly can," Dutton said, declining to comment further. Cogat, the Israeli government agency responsible for co-ordinating the entry of aid into the enclave, declined to comment when asked about the request.Father Ibrahim Faltas said he hoped the vehicle would be moved to Gaza in the "near future", telling Reuters the popemobile-turned-clinic was ready to help children in Gaza.The United Nations children's agency Unicef said on Friday that at least 67 children have been killed in what it called conflict-related incidents since the ceasefire went into effect.The Israeli military has said that it was targeting fighters who have posed a threat to its soldiers occupying half of Gaza.Francis frequently spoke out about the war in Gaza and in January called the humanitarian situation there "shameful".He was also known to speak by phone with Gaza's small Christian community every evening during the war. "We know how much Pope Francis loved the people of the Holy Land, the people of Bethlehem and especially the people of Gaza," said Father Faltas, representative of the Franciscan Friars to the State of Palestine.

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US have discovered a method that could restore vision to people suffering from amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, by reactivating the retina to its original state, allowing it to grow and heal itself.The study indicates that temporarily disabling the affected retina through anesthesia led to the recovery of the affected eye. After comparing the treated sample to a control group, the percentage of nerve signals coming from the treated eye increased to match the input from the healthy eye, indicating that the treatment effectively reactivated the affected eye.The results, published in the journal Cell Reports, show that temporarily anesthetizing the retina can restore the visual system to its original state and treat amblyopia, a condition that occurs when vision in one or both eyes does not develop properly during childhood, as the brain learns to ignore one eye.It is possible to disable the lazy eye, which performs few functions, and bring it back to life while preserving vision in the healthy eye, study author Mark Bears said.Previous studies indicate that available treatments only work in early childhood, when neural connections are still forming, making this new discovery an important step towards treating adults suffering from this condition.

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 State of Qatar participated in the 17th meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee for the Council of Arab Health Ministers, in preparation for the 63rd regular session of the Council of Arab Health Ministers and its Executive Office, scheduled to be held during the period of Dec. 17-18.Qatar's delegation was headed by First Secretary at the Permanent Delegation of Qatar to the League of Arab States Ali Hussein Al Jarhab.The meeting agenda included several important health topics, foremost among them supporting the health sector in the State of Palestine, the successful and pioneering experiences of the Arab member states in the health fields, the follow up on developments regarding Arab strategies concerned with benefiting from the Arab health competencies of migrants in support of the health sectors in the Arab region 2026-2030, developing primary health care and family medicine 2026-2030, and making public health services available in the context of asylum and displacement in the Arab region.The meeting also addressed reports from various bodies of the Council of Arab Ministers of Health, namely: the Arab Authority for Blood Transfusion Services, the Arab Board of Health Specializations, and the Arab Center for Authorship and Translation of Health Science. It also followed up on the resolution issued by the Arab League Summit regarding investment in health human resources, and the resolution issued by the Arab League's Economic and Social Council regarding promoting the right to family planning in Arab countries, and analyzing the challenges and opportunities associated with declining fertility rates.The meeting addressed the unified statement of the Council of Arab Health Ministers before the 79th session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva in May 2026, which is scheduled to be delivered by the Minister of Health of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in addition to the first Arab Ministerial Forum for Health and Environment, the establishment of a regional Arab center for applied epidemiology, the follow-up on the work of the Arab Coordination Mechanism for Disaster Risk Reduction, the unification of Arab efforts to combat drugs, in addition to discussing financial matters related to the Arab Health Development Fund.The committee is scheduled to submit its recommendations on the topics on its agenda to the Executive Office, and then to the 63rd regular session of the Health Ministers' Council, to take the necessary decisions regarding them.

The three-storey Child Health Department of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana's capital Accra is a place with hushed corridors, laboured breathing and parents clutching on to hope. But on Friday, the gloom gave way to shrieks of joy as children with drips taped to their arms sat upright for the first time in days.Others, too weak to stand, managed faint but determined smiles. Nurses paused mid-rounds, phones raised in the cancer ward. Even exhausted mothers lit up. The reason was nearly six feet seven inches (2.03-metre) tall, dressed in the iconic blue-and-red Superman suit and cape. In real life Leonardo Muylaert is a lawyer specialised in civil rights who needs reading glasses to work. Muylaert — known worldwide as the "Brazilian Superman" — was rounding up his one-week maiden visit to Ghana, his first trip to Africa, and the cancer ward erupted into life. Everywhere he walked, children reached for his hands. Parents scrambled for selfies.Medical staff crowded the hallways. "He moved from bed to bed, giving each child attention," a nurse whispered. "For some of them, this is the first time we've seen them smile in weeks." For 35-year-old Regina Awuku, whose five-year-old son is battling leukaemia, the moment was miraculous. "My son was so happy to see Superman. This means a lot to us," she said. "You saw my son lying quietly on the bed, but he had the energy to wake up as soon as he saw him.""I chose Ghana to visit for my birthday," Muylaert, who studied in the US on a basketball scholarship, said. "I feel I identify with the culture, with the heritage, with the happiness."'BROUGHT SUCH POSITIVE CHANGE'His sudden fame began in 2022 at the Comic-Con convention in Sao Paulo when a stranger surreptitiously shot a cell phone video of him, amazed at his resemblance to Superman film star Christopher Reeve. "Am I seeing Clark Kent?" asked the star-struck comic book fan, in a clip that soon racked up thousands of views on TikTok — unbeknownst to Muylaert, who did not even have a social media account at the time. Weeks later, Muylaert learned through friends that he had become an online sensation. "It was funny and crazy to read that so many people think I look like Superman," he told AFP then.That's when an idea took root in the back of his mind, he said: get a Superman suit and try the alter ego on for size. He ordered an old-fashioned costume online, and started travelling around Brazil as Superman. Muylaert visits hospitals, schools and charities, poses for pictures with commuters on random street corners, and generally tries to be what he calls a symbol of kindness and hope — all free of charge. He now visits vulnerable people worldwide. In Accra, after leaving the hospital, he went to a prosthetics workshop on the city's outskirts, where amputee children screamed "Superman! Superman!" as he joined their football match.For Akua Sarpong, founder of Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana, the impact was immediate. "It has been a fun-filled day," she said. "I have seen so many children smiling and happy, even children undergoing treatment sitting up that I haven't seen in a long time. He has brought such positive change." Muylaert said the visit reinforced his belief in small acts of kindness. "Everybody can be a hero... you don't need a cape," he said. "The smile on their faces changes the world." As he prepared to fly back to Brazil, he said "the idea is to spread happiness all over.". "Maybe we won't change the whole world, but as long as we inspire one person, that person inspires the other."

The Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) launched Thursday the 3rd edition of its annual scientific conference, which will last for three days, under the title "Musculoskeletal/Neurological Disorders and Pain Management in Primary Health Care".The opening day of the conference was attended by His Excellency Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud, His Excellency Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programs Department at the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Hamad al-Thani, His Excellency QRCS Secretary-General Faisal Mohamed al-Emadi, QRCS members of the Board of Directors and Secretary-General Assistants.In his opening remarks, His Excellency QRCS President Yousef bin Ali al-Khater said that the conference brings together a group of experts and specialists from various health institutions in the country, who meet together under one roof for three days to discuss and debate the most important topics and issues in the medical field and exchange experiences and information that contribute to improving the level of medical service provided to the public and responding to the latest developments in medical work and its changing challenges.He added that the conference's status is becoming more established year after year as an annual scientific forum that brings together the best professionals in Qatar who carry the noble message of medicine and dedicate themselves day and night to serving humanity and preserving the health and well-being of society. He noted that in each edition of the conference, success is established, interest expands, and the added value that the conference represents for the medical sector and all those working in it is confirmed.He also highlighted the success of QRCS in obtaining accreditation as an educational organization for continuing professional development for five years, after fulfilling all the standards and conditions applied by the MoPH's Department of Health Specialties - Accreditation and Medical Education Department. He noted that this achievement not only represents another milestone in the long history of QRCS, but also a living embodiment of the strategic partnership with the MoPH, through the QRCS's management and operation of workers' health centers for fifteen years.He expressed his pride in the QRCS having the second largest ambulance fleet in the country, in addition to an integrated center for training, research and development. In turn, Director of Training, Research, and Development Center at QRCS and Chairman of the Conference Ghanem Salman al-Sulaiti said that this year’s conference focuses on the topic of "Musculoskeletal/Neurological Disorders and Pain Management in Primary Health Care" because the increasing burden of musculoskeletal and neurological diseases requires a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.He indicated that approximately 242mn people worldwide suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, and that around 200mn women worldwide suffer from osteoporosis. He also pointed out that multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease are common neurological diseases affecting millions of people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.He noted that the conference discusses the latest developments in the field of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders and pain management, and reviews best practices and the latest research in this field. The conference enjoys a strategic partnership with the MoPH, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), in addition to Servier Medical Company as a representative of the private sector.The conference agenda is divided into four components: pre-conference workshops, the main conference track, a parallel track for pharmacists, and a parallel track for physiotherapy and rehabilitation practitioners. The agenda comprises 61 sessions presented by 58 speakers and moderated by 35 facilitators from various healthcare providers across the country.

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.