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Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has stressed that with the new academic year, family preparations should not be limited to books and school uniforms, but must also include attention to children’s oral health.Dr Najat Alyafei, manager of Oral Health Promotion and Prevention, PHCC noted that oral health has a direct impact on a child’s comfort and academic performance, pointing out that even minor issues such as tooth decay or gum inflammation can lead to school absences and negatively affect learning outcomes.She added that the 'Asnani' School Oral Health Programme serves as a national initiative to safeguard the oral health of children in government schools and has been designed to meet the needs of different age groups through two main components. The first is dedicated to kindergarten students, who, according to scheduled plans, are taken to health centres equipped with specialised dental care rooms. During these visits, children engage in interactive activities designed to raise awareness and teach proper oral care habits in an enjoyable and age-appropriate way. They then undergo dental check-ups in designated clinics, where fluoride is applied as a preventive measure against tooth decay.The second component targets primary school students. Nine dental teams visit government schools according to approved schedules, delivering age-appropriate awareness lectures, conducting dental examinations, and applying fluoride treatments. Dr Alyafei emphasised that the implementation of these activities requires parental consent, obtained through forms distributed to students in their schools.She further explained that the role of the Asnani Programme is not limited to student check-ups. The dental teams also deliver the ‘Oral Health Ambassadors’ lecture to school teaching and administrative staff during their visits, aiming to spread awareness and promote healthy practices within the school community. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that adolescents in preparatory and secondary schools continue to maintain regular oral hygiene, visit dental clinics routinely, and avoid delays in seeking treatment. Dr Alyafei noted with concern that programme teams encountered a significant number of students who had never used a toothbrush, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen awareness efforts from an early age.She concluded by reaffirming that early attention to oral health ensures that children enjoy healthy smiles and consistent school attendance, while giving them greater confidence to begin the academic year fully prepared and focused. She called on parents to ensure their children participate in the Asnani Programme by signing the consent forms.

In a significant step to further strengthen Qatar’s position in healthcare innovation, the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (DLMP) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has officially launched Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) testing. This groundbreaking initiative represents a major advance in genetic diagnostics, enabling patients in Qatar to receive faster, more accurate diagnoses and highly personalised treatment plans tailored to each individual’s genetic profile. This new testing technology will benefit patients with genetic disorders, both adults and children, as well as those with certain types of cancer. Previously, blood samples for these patients had to be sent abroad for testing, a process that often required significant time before results could be obtained. WES is a cutting-edge genetic test that focuses on the exome, the regions of DNA responsible for coding proteins. Since most disease-causing mutations are found in these regions, WES provides powerful insights into unexplained illnesses, inherited conditions, and genetic risks affecting families. To conduct the test, a blood sample is collected, DNA is extracted, and advanced sequencing technology is used to analyse the exome. Sophisticated computer software then interprets the data, highlighting possible genetic causes of disease. Chair of DLMP at HMC, Dr Einas Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, stated: "This initiative underscores our commitment to integrating genomic medicine into patient care. By harnessing advanced sequencing technologies, we aim to provide more precise and timely diagnoses." She added: "This will transform the management of genetic conditions in Qatar and empower physicians to deliver truly personalised care tailored to each patient’s unique genetic profile." "The launch of WES at HMC fulfils a long-held vision to bring genomic medicine into routine clinical care in Qatar. We are no longer dependent on external laboratories; today we can deliver advanced diagnostics right here in-house," she added. Al-Kuwari stressed: "This achievement is not only scientific but a message of hope for families living with genetic conditions. It symbolises Qatar’s determination to stand at the forefront of precision medicine, building a healthcare system that is both world-class and compassionate." "And this is only the beginning. We will continue to advance until every patient in Qatar has access to the most innovative care possible,” added al-Kuwari. Under the leadership of Dr Moza Khalifa al-Kuwari, and supported by a highly skilled team of national specialised laboratory staff, the Molecular Genetics Laboratory within DLMP’s Diagnostic Genomic Division (DGD) spearheads the introduction of WES testing. The process has been validated according to international standards, including those of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). To ensure seamless integration, DLMP has invested in robust data infrastructure, including secure high-capacity servers, advanced computing power, and state-of-the-art cybersecurity, to safeguard sensitive information and enable rapid data analysis. The introduction of this advanced service will also help reduce the need to send patient samples abroad for genetic testing. Established in 2001, the Molecular Genetics Laboratory is among the region’s most advanced facilities, performing approximately 30,000 genetic tests annually and supporting national screening programmes, including premarital and newborn screening. Accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) since 2014, the laboratory continues to uphold the highest international standards. With the introduction of WES, HMC consolidates its leadership in genomic medicine, delivering cutting-edge care for patients while strengthening Qatar’s healthcare infrastructure.

The Qatar Press Center (QPC), in co-operation with the Media Development Department of the Qatar Media Corporation (QMC), concluded the “Political Analysis for Media Professionals” course, which was held from August 31-September 3 at the Center’s headquarters.The course was attended by a select group of media professionals and journalists from various local media outlets. The course was presented by Professor Abdullah al-Shaiji, Professor of Political Science at Kuwait University, who shared his extensive academic and practical experience in interpreting the regional and international political landscape and analysing current issues in an in-depth and objective perspective. At the conclusion of the course, Abdullah bin Haji al-Sulaiti, vice-chairman of the Board of Directors of the QPC, distributed certificates to the participants. He also presented a certificate of thanks and appreciation to the lecturer, Professor Abdullah al-Shaiji, in recognition of his efforts and contributions to the success of the training programme. Sadiq Mohammed al-Ammari, director general of the QPC, expressed his happiness with the fruitful co-operation with the QMC in organising the fourth part of the political analysis course. He emphasised that this partnership comes within the framework of the Center’s commitment to providing the media arena with quality programmes that enhance skills and keep pace with current developments. The director general emphasised that the course attracted an elite group of media professionals and journalists from various media institutions, praising their interaction, which gave a practical dimension to the training experience. The director general emphasised that co-operation with the QMC will expand in the coming period to include the launch of more specialised courses and workshops aimed at providing media professionals with the knowledge and skills that keep pace with the rapid changes in the media and political landscape. Professor Abdullah al-Shaiji said: “This course is an opportunity to qualify young Qataris and provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills in the fields of media and political analysis.”He added: “The course aims to enhance the capacity of young Qataris to gather and analyse accurate information and understand Qatari achievements at all levels. This is particularly true given Qatar’s influential soft power, its significant achievements in development and charitable work, and its pivotal role in bringing viewpoints closer at the Gulf, Arab, and global levels.” He praised the efforts of the QMC and QPC in building qualified media cadres capable of conveying Qatar’s accurate image, correcting negative stereotypes, and defending national achievements with evidence, figures, and statistics, thus contributing to strengthening Qatar’s position regionally and internationally.

The Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) received a media delegation from the Republic of Uzbekistan, headed by Mamdamni Safarov, vice-chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Television and Radio Company of Uzbekistan and director of Uzbekistan 24 Television and Radio, to enhance media co-operation and exchange of expertise between the two countries.The delegation was received by Ali Saleh al-Sada, director of Qatar TV, and Mohammed Nasser al-Mohannadi, director of Qatar Radio, and was briefed on the Corporation's various facilities.The tour included the radio building and Qatar TV studios, as well as the technical departments that form the backbone of media work in the country.During the tour, QMC officials briefed the delegation on the nature of daily media work, the mechanisms for producing programmes and news bulletins, and the latest technologies used in broadcasting, radio and television, including modern control systems and production studios equipped with the latest global equipment.The QMC reviewed its efforts to develop media content to meet the aspirations of viewers and listeners, and its role in conveying a true image of Qatari society and its openness to different cultures.This visit comes within the framework of the QMC's efforts to build bridges of international co-operation, highlight the media renaissance taking place in Qatar, and exchange ideas on the best contemporary media practices.The visit is expected to contribute to opening new horizons for bilateral co-operation, enhancing joint media presence.