Innovators and policy makers gather in Doha to address global healthcare challenges

DOHA, QATAR - The inaugural World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) is set to take place on 10 and 11 December 2013 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) in Doha. 

Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, WISH will convene more than 600 policymakers, industry experts and leading practitioners from over 50 countries, to explore innovative approaches and solutions to the most pressing global healthcare challenges. The Right Honorable Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham, Director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London, is the Executive Chair of WISH. 

Chaired by world-leading experts, the Summit's forums will seek to stimulate discussion and encourage  the uptake of  innovative approaches for dealing with eight healthcare challenges including obesity, mental health, road traffic injuries, accountable care, antimicrobial resistance, end-of-life, patient engagement, and big data & healthcare. In addition to the eight forums, there will be a panel discussion on day one on the health ethics of end-of-life care.

WISH will also launch the groundbreaking Global Diffusion of Health Innovation report, which assesses how the national healthcare systems of Qatar, India, Brazil, England, the United States, Australia, Spain and South Africa contribute to global change.

Distinguished keynote speakers include Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Chairperson of Myanmar's National League for Democracy; Boris Johnson, Mayor of London; John Dineen, President and CEO of GE Healthcare; Simon Stevens, President of the Global Health Division at United Health Group; and Sarah Brown, Executive Chair, Global Business Coalition for Education.

WISH is sponsored by Sidra Medical and Research Center, Qatar National Bank and Qatar Petroleum at the Diamond Level. For more information visit:www.wish-qatar.org

About WISH

The inaugural World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), due to be held in Doha, Qatar on 10-11 December 2013, will bring together heads of state, senior ministers and government officials, academics and thinkers, as well as the most influential business leaders and practitioners, to stimulate practical, sustainable and innovative solutions to tackle global health challenges.

The purpose of WISH is to encourage collaboration and innovation in health policy, health systems and health care delivery, in order to close the gap between what we know and what we do in the fields of healthcare and medicine.

WISH is aligned with the mission and vision of Qatar Foundation and Qatar National Vision 2030, and serves to highlight Qatar's growing role as an emerging center for healthcare innovation. As the nation undergoes radical healthcare reform, Qatar Foundation has embarked upon several promising research-health initiatives, including partnerships with Weill-Cornell Medical College, Biobank Qatar, Qatar Robotic Surgery Centre Qatar Cardiovascular Research Centre, Virgin Health Bank, and Sidra Medical and Research Center.

For more information on WISH, please visit: www.wish-qatar.org

Qatar Foundation: Unlocking Human Potential

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development is a private, non-profit organisation that is supporting Qatar on its journey from a carbon economy to a knowledge economy by 'unlocking human potential'.  QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir, and is chaired by his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. 

QF carries out its mission through three strategic pillars: education, research, and community development.  QF's education pillar brings world class universities to Qatar to help create an education sector in which young people can develop the skills required for a knowledge economy.  Its science and research pillar builds Qatar's innovation and technology capacity by developing and commercialising projects in the key sciences.  Finally, its community development pillar helps foster a progressive society while protecting and enhancing Qatar's cultural heritage,  as well as addressing immediate social needs. For a complete list of QF's initiatives and projects, visit: www.qf.org.qa or contact: [email protected]