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The 17th season of Qatar Foundation's Stars of Science initiative is showcasing forward-looking inventions that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to address some of the world's most pressing health and technology challenges. Among this year's standout innovations are wearable diagnostic tools, adaptive rehabilitation devices, and AI-powered systems that embrace a predictive approach to healthcare. Jordanian innovator Khaldoun Megdady has developed a 3D coronary artery simulation platform that allows cardiac surgeons to map and rehearse procedures in advance, reducing uncertainty and surgical risks. Algerian contestant Ryad Haji Habib is tackling immune response complications in treatment by using scorpion venom peptides to simulate potential reactions, ensuring better therapeutic outcomes. Fellow Algerian contestant Laid Dardabou addresses the global issue of vitamin D deficiency with a wearable device that monitors vitamin D levels in real time — a potential game changer for early intervention, particularly as over a billion people worldwide are affected. Other innovations include a smart AI-based system for electric vehicle battery monitoring, developed by Mohamed Alshaikh Saleh, which predicts faults before they occur. Contestant Razan Salem Bahabri is working on a gamified neurorehabilitation tool, while Mohamed Kahna is developing an augmented reality surgical system to support real-time decision-making during operations. This season's emphasis on predictive and preventive innovation highlights a growing shift in the region toward proactive, AI-integrated healthcare and technology solutions. Since launching in 2009, Stars of Science has aired over 313 episodes, supported 175 alumni from 18 Arab countries, and contributed to the launch of more than 55 startups across key sectors. Qatar Foundation and Qatar Science & Technology Park continue to back the program, empowering young innovators to shape a healthier, smarter, and more sustainable future.

Micro Health Laboratories Qatar has achieved the College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation, the most prestigious and globally recognised benchmark for quality, accuracy, and excellence in laboratory medicine and pathology.The milestone marks a defining moment in the laboratory’s journey — the culmination of two years of rigorous preparation, continuous quality improvement, and a comprehensive standardisation process that aligns with the highest international standards. Every stage of the laboratory’s operations was meticulously evaluated, ensuring that every report issued reflects absolute precision, reliability, and scientific integrity.With the recognition, Micro Health Laboratories stands as Qatar’s largest and only comprehensive precision diagnostic centre in the private sector, encompassing all major departments of laboratory medicine and pathology, including genetics and genomics.

The second day of the Aspetar World Conference on Precision Athlete Health and Performance brought together leading international and regional experts to showcase the latest innovations and advancements in sports medicine and athlete care.The day’s sessions and discussions focused on strengthening injury prevention standards, evidence-based diagnostics, and comprehensive health approaches tailored to athletes.Keynote sessions delivered by world-renowned specialists drew strong engagement and interaction from attendees. Dr. Marco Cardinale presented strategies to safeguard young athletes from injury, while Roula Kotsifaki introduced new protocols to enhance anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury treatment. Dr. Marcelo Bordalo explored the integration of artificial intelligence and advanced medical imaging technologies in managing athlete injuries, and Dr. Khalid Al Khelafi together with Dr. Andrea Mosler shared the latest insights on cartilage injury management. Dr. Roald Bahr outlined the International Olympic Committee’s most recent strategies to protect the health of elite athletes.Specialised sessions provided participants with in-depth knowledge on topics including innovations in sensorimotor rehabilitation programs, mental health and sleep and their impact on sports performance, cardiac conditions in athletes, sports nutrition, national sports medicine programs, regenerative medicine techniques, nursing development in the sports sector, and emergency and first-aid protocols in athlete care.Accompanying discussions and recommendations emphasised adopting AI-driven diagnostics and data analytics to improve injury assessment and management, prioritizing early screening and tailored training oversight for young athletes to prevent chronic injuries, and integrating mental health and sleep management as essential components in sports medicine practice. Speakers also highlighted the vital leadership role of nurses and healthcare teams as the first line of defence in athlete care.A hallmark of Aspetar’s approach, reinforcing its unique position in the global sports medicine landscape, is its commitment to addressing all surrounding aspects of athlete health, including psychological and nursing care. Nutrition-related discussions covered evidence-based nutritional strategies for performance enhancement and recovery, as well as cutting-edge regenerative medical techniques.The conference will conclude Saturday, on its third and final day, while scientific workshops will continue Sunday and Monday. These events underscore Aspetar’s dedication to excellence and international collaboration in sports medicine and its drive to embed innovation into athlete care. The insights and recommendations emerging from Day Two promise to have a lasting impact on athlete health, safety, and performance worldwide.

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 Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) is celebrating customer service week under the slogan ‘Your Service, Our Responsibility’, until October 9. The initiative focuses on raising staff awareness and enhancing their skills in serving patients by collecting feedback and comments, which serve as motivation for continuous improvement. Hayyak service plays a crucial role within PHCC as it significantly improves the patient experience and satisfaction. It achieves this through in-person visits and engagement with healthcare providers, offering information, answering questions, addressing patient needs, and listening to suggestions to ensure ongoing improvement. In cases of issues or complaints, Hayyak also provides immediate and effective responses to resolve them, reinforcing PHCC’s commitment to continuous improvement and success in delivering essential primary health care. PHCC currently operates 31 health centres across Qatar. In the third quarter (Q3) of 2025, PHCC received a total of 1,261 comments, which were addressed collaboratively by health centres and Hayyak staff. Al Kaaban Health Centre recorded the lowest percentage of complaints among all centres during this quarter.The top three subjects of complaints and comments received during Q3-2025 were: Access, appointment, admission, transfer, and discharge, competence/quality of work, attitude and behaviour.

Philippine officials, led by Health Undersecretary Dr Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral asserted the country’s commitment to integrating mental health into national policies and services during the 6th Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit in Doha, the embassy has said.The two-day summit, held from September 30-October 1, is a key international platform designed to foster collaboration, share best practices, and integrate mental health as a core component of overall health and human rights – a focus consistent with key UN instruments, including the UN Human Rights Council Resolution on Mental Health and Human Rights.During a panel discussion focusing on the implications of the UN High-Level Meeting of Non-Communicable Diseases, Dr Palermo-Maestral detailed the Philippines’ comprehensive national framework and the strategies being employed to address rising mental health needs.She highlighted the country’s concerted efforts in embedding mental health promotion within existing community-based primary health care processes. Key initiatives include securing sustainable financing for mental health programmes and advancing data research and innovation.She added that a whole of government approach is used to address the increasing incidence of depression and similar problems among vulnerable individuals, including minors. Several government agencies collaborate to operate health promotion bureaus, establish peer support groups, and maintain easily accessible crisis hotlines for children and youth.Philippine ambassador Mardomel Celo D Melicor stressed the necessity of facilitating access to mental health services for Filipinos residing abroad. He cited the particular vulnerability of Overseas Filipino Workers who “live and work overseas, far from their basic social support groups”.“In Qatar, we are continually engaging with local authorities and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the welfare of our kababayan, including their mental health, is given utmost priority,” he said.

Lebanon's Minister of Public Health Dr. Rakan Nassereddine highlighted the depth of the distinguished relations between the State of Qatar and Lebanon, praising Qatar's leadership in the health sector. In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), the Lebanese Health Minister affirmed that the relations between the two countries date back many years and are based on a shared commitment to supporting and developing them in various fields. He praised the significant development witnessed by the State of Qatar across various sectors, particularly in the health field, noting that Qatar represents an advanced model to be emulated in integrated healthcare systems both regionally and internationally. He stressed Qatar's steadfast support for Lebanon and its continued assistance, especially in the health sector, highlighting the ongoing cooperation with the Qatar Fund for Development in the reconstruction of Karantina Hospital. He explained that Qatar's support for the Lebanese health sector has been present throughout various stages — starting from the COVID-19 pandemic, through the Beirut Port explosion, and up to the recent Israeli aggression against Lebanon--affirming that this continuous support reflects the depth of the fraternal relations between the two countries. The Minister also referred to his recent visit to Doha to participate in the 6th Global Ministerial Summit on Mental Health, noting the meetings he held with several officials from Qatar Charity, the Qatar Cancer Society, the Qatar Fund for Development, and the Qatar Red Crescent, during which ways of enhancing bilateral cooperation in the health and humanitarian fields were discussed. Dr. Nassereddine expressed his gratitude to the State of Qatar for its continued support to Lebanon, affirming his country's readiness to strengthen health cooperation and exchange expertise, particularly in crisis response and in dealing with injuries resulting from disasters and wars. He emphasized the importance of Arab partnerships, including with Qatar, to support Lebanon's health sector, which suffers from limited resources but at the same time boasts highly qualified and skilled professionals. He revealed an improvement in healthcare coverage for patients under the supervision of the Lebanese Ministry of Health, through the expansion of medication protocols — especially for cancer treatment — along with the gradual inclusion of kidney transplants and heart valve procedures, in addition to enhancing mental health support, particularly for chronic cases. The Minister of Public Health, pointed out that the ministry's 2024 budget amounted to around $445 million, while the 2025 budget is approximately $480 million, noting that more than $200 million of this amount is allocated to hospital care.

Qatar participated Saturday in the 88th meeting of the Gulf Health Council of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) and the 11th meeting of the GCC Health Ministers Committee in Kuwait.Qatar delegation was headed by HE the Minister of Public Health, Mansoor bin Ebrahim al-Mahmoud.The two meetings reviewed topics related to joint Gulf health co-operation and action.The 88th meeting of the Gulf Health Council focused on significant issues, including an update of the unified Gulf Health Strategy 2026-2030.The 11th meeting of the GCC Health Ministers Committee addressed several key topics, notably the GSS Strategy for Combating Drugs 2025-2026, health insurance, the outcomes of unifying the classification and registration procedures for health specialities, healthy cities, and the Gulf Virtual Health Platform.Speaking during the 11th meeting of the Committee of GCC Health Ministers, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi affirmed that the Gulf health system has achieved great development in recent years by upgrading its health systems, qualifying national cadres to be at the highest levels of efficiency, elevating their capabilities for disease prevention and control, as well as expanding the scope of initiatives aimed at improving the quality of medical services, thereby surpassing the regional and global averages in the health index.Albudaiwi affirmed that the GCC countries are moving with confident steps towards completing the process of Gulf health integration by unifying common health standards and protocols and building strategic partnerships with international organisations and leading countries in the health field.“The GCC countries are working in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the project to accredit the Healthy Cities Programme, which seeks to achieve the highest level of health and well-being in sustainable and socially effective cities,” he pointed out.Albudaiwi underscored that health represents the fundamental pillar of comprehensive development and the most important investment in the future of man and society, saying: “The GCC countries have been keen to transform this belief into a tangible reality that is reflected in the lives of Gulf citizens and residents.”The GCC secretary-general mentioned that there are many gains achieved by the GCC countries in the health field, including that more than 204,000 Gulf citizens benefited from government medical services in the GCC countries outside their home countries during 2023, in implementation of the principle of equal treatment among citizens of the GCC countries.“The total number of hospitals in the GCC countries has exceeded 863, with an average annual growth of 1.5%, and the number of health centres and complexes has exceeded 3,400 health facilities, with an average annual growth of 2.5%,” Albudaiwi added.He added: “The General Secretariat, in co-ordination with the Ministries of Health and relevant authorities, also implemented the experimental indicative classification programme for 783 male and female doctors from GCC countries working outside their countries during 2025, in support of national competencies and to strengthen an integrated Gulf health system. The statistics of these gains are living proof of the depth of health integration among the GCC countries and of our common determination to build a solid health sector that guarantees a better life for our citizens.”

The Sixth Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit concluded Wednesday in Doha, following two days of sessions held under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani.The summit witnessed high-level participation from ministers, representatives of states, and international and regional organisations concerned with mental health, in addition to experts and specialists from across the globe.The Ministerial Summit adopted a number of key priorities aimed at supporting governments in translating commitments into national action plans that deliver tangible improvements in mental health care for their populations.These priorities align with the summit’s main theme, ‘Transforming Mental Health through Investment, Innovation and Digital Solutions’.HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim al-Mahmoud stated, “The deliberations of the Ministerial Summit affirmed the shared commitment to improving mental health at national, regional and global levels.“The outcomes of this Ministerial Summit and the key priorities it identified will help to strengthen investment in mental health, innovation and digital solutions, equity and inclusivity, as well as cooperation and knowledge exchange. This will contribute to addressing major global challenges in mental health and achieving sustainable improvements in mental health services for all.”The Ministerial Summit featured a rich programme of sessions and events, including two panel discussions and six workshops, in addition to several side activities. Officials, policymakers and specialists discussed pressing mental health issues to develop strategies at a global level. The summit hosted 64 speakers, both local and international.At the closing session of the Ministerial Summit, it was announced that the Republic of Rwanda will host the next Summit during the coming year.The Ministerial Summit aims to address mental health as an integral part of public health, social justice and human rights, in line with the UN Human Rights Council Resolution on Mental Health and Human Rights, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Mental health is a fundamental human right, HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud has stressed, and it must remain at the heart of the public policy and collective action.“As a result of the complex interplay of genetic predispositions, social and environmental factors, economic hardship, humanitarian emergencies and the long-term effects of conflict, the need for effective and accessible mental health services is increasing worldwide,” he said. “This reflects our conviction that mental health is a fundamental human right, and it must remain at the heart of our public policy and collective action.”HE al-Mahmoud said this after inaugurating the two-day Sixth Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit, held for the first time in the Middle East, at the opening session of the summit.Held under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, the ceremony was attended by ministers, representatives of states, international and regional organisations concerned with mental health, as well as global experts and specialists.HE al-Mahmoud stressed the importance of the summit, saying that it is an opportunity “to work together to advance mental health in all regions of the world, through a shared vision of a healthier and more inclusive future”.“Qatar, under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, places great importance on public health as part of its commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of the population,” he stated. “We are intensifying efforts to safeguard the population’s physical and mental health and have launched dedicated strategies and national frameworks to promote good mental well-being among the population, including the development of an integrated system that ensures access to appropriate care at the right time and in the right place.”The minister noted that, as part of the “Health in All Policies” approach, Qatar has worked to integrate mental health across all sectors and society as a whole.“We have also aligned our national efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 on good health and well-being,” he said.“At the international level, and through our country’s active role in promoting security and stability worldwide, Qatar is committed to working with its international partners to prevent international crises, to address them when they arise, and to mitigate their impact,” HE al-Mahmoud continued. “Our country also supports long-term development policies to serve the population, with particular focus on those most in need of care.”“The summit will strengthen our shared journey and mark a significant step forward that builds on the achievements of previous summits,” the minister stressed. “These summits have fostered international co-operation, forged effective partnerships, and underscored the urgent need to increase investment in mental health as a foundation of public health, social justice and sustainable development.”In a recorded address, United Nations deputy secretary-general Amina Mohammed stated that the reality of mental health at the global level highlights the need for decisive action to improve mental health for all and to make it a fundamental pillar of universal health coverage.She emphasised the importance of investment, innovation and digital solutions, while affirming that mental health is a universal human right and a shared responsibility.In a recorded message, World Health Organisation (WHO) director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus affirmed that the issues under discussion at the summit reflect many of the key challenges facing global mental health, including harnessing digital technology while preventing its negative impacts, and financing and scaling up effective mental health interventions, particularly during emergencies and humanitarian crises.The WHO chief emphasised that the summit provides an important platform for moving these commitments forward by advancing concrete solutions, identifying investment priorities and enhancing international collaboration, adding: “There is no health without mental health.”The Ministerial Mental Health Summit features a rich programme of sessions and events, including two panel discussions, six workshops and several accompanying activities.Officials, policymakers and specialists will discuss pressing mental health issues in order to develop strategies at the global level.The summit brings together 64 local and international speakers.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) confirmed that children in the Gaza Strip need more life-saving nutrition and health services in light of the ongoing Israeli occupation aggression on the Strip. UNICEF explained in a statement that one in five children in the Gaza Strip is born prematurely or has a low birth weight. UNICEF also noted that it provided essential hygiene supplies to hospitals and health centers in Gaza City this week, but emphasized that Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip need access to more life-saving nutrition and health services. The UN renewed its call for immediate, large-scale aid to reach children, infants, and families in the Gaza Strip. It also renewed its call for a ceasefire in the territory, which Israel has imposed a systematic starvation on for months and a stifling blockade for nearly two years.

The home healthcare services by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) is continuing its impressive service while providing multiple services across Qatar.Dr Durriya Mubarak al-Qahtani, director of Integrated Care and Continuity Care at PHCC, told local Arabic daily Arrayah that the services currently cover 1,490 patients, who receive regular medical assistance from the home healthcare team. The service is provided by an integrated medical team. The team includes a family medicine consultant, a physical therapist, a nutritionist and nursing staff.“The service is one of the pioneering services PHCC has provided since 2014. This is in line with the National Health Strategy,” she said noting that it is witnessing significant development with a growing demand due to the increasing proportion of elderly people.The home health care service, according to her, plays a significant role in promoting a healthy lifestyle for elderly people at home and is currently available in 24 health centres across Qatar. The target group of this service is citizens and residents of the Gulf Co-operation Council countries aged 50 or older as well as home-bound patients who are unable to go to health centres due to their medical condition to obtain some of the health services that can be provided at home due to their chronic diseases.The PHCC official said a plan is currently being discussed to expand the scope of the service to include younger age groups.“The service was previously directed at patients aged 60 and older and then the needs of patients were met to include those aged 50 and older. Now, there is a move to further reduce this age to include younger age groups who suffer from chronic diseases that prevent them from easily accessing health centres,” she said.The physiotherapy services are provided by qualified and experienced physiotherapists as part of home care services. Age-related conditions are assessed and a treatment plan is developed according to each patient’s individual needs.The home care physiotherapy services aim to improve and maintain movement and physical activity through muscle strengthening exercises, deep breathing exercises, balance exercises and stretching exercises. They also focus on promoting independence through fall prevention guidelines and providing patients with simple tools to assist with physiotherapy. “The patients and their families are provided with brochures related to their health condition as well as electronic booklets that they can review on their mobile phones. Developing an appropriate treatment plan at home,” she said.