WISH to hold second annual summit in February 2015

Source: The Peninsula

DOHA: The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), a global initiative by Qatar Foundation (QF) will hold its second annual summit in February 2015 and feature forums to address health issues faced across the world.

WISH inspires and diffuses healthcare innovation and best practice through a global network of top policymakers, academics and industry leaders.

It remains closely aligned to the vision of H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson, QF.

In preparation for the Summit, WISH announced the creation of six new research forums to address some of the most challenging global health issues of our time.

Chaired by internationally renowned experts, the forums will produce interdisciplinary, evidence-based reports on topics, including communicating complex health messages, delivering affordable cancer care, dementia, diabetes, patient safety, and well-being of children and young people.

Engineer Saad Al Muhannadi, President, QF, said: “QF is proud to have established WISH which aims to ensure outcomes with impact in healthcare innovation in Qatar, regionally, and globally.

“The inaugural summit in 2013 established a dynamic framework for creating a global community of healthcare leaders to find innovative solutions to the most important global health challenges.”

“Building on this success, evidenced by the quality and influence of its published reports, the delivery of enhanced healthcare around the world is driving the wheels of innovation further.

“International collaboration of WISH stakeholders will achieve sustainable and tangible improvements to global healthcare policies and systems.”

Professor Lord Darzi of Denham, Executive Chair, WISH, and Director, Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College of London, said: “Innovation is the answer to achieving better health for all of us, and the commitment to make this a reality at WISH 2013 was inspiring to witness.

“We need to understand what drives implementation of innovation throughout global health systems, so WISH will continue to grow in ambition, impact and reach over the coming years.”

The inaugural WISH summit in December last year brought together more than 1,000 delegates from 67 countries to discuss and debate practical, lasting and innovative solutions to global healthcare challenges.

The Peninsula