World leaders set to tackle global healthcare challenges at World Innovation Summit for Health

WISH will also unveil a Global Innovation Diffusion Study, the first of its kind, to assess eight countries in terms of how their systems contribute toward transformative change – whether through innovation in technology, processes or business models.

Chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, the Summit will bring together more than 500 global health innovators including heads of state, ministers, senior government officials, academics and influential business leaders. Over two days, these key figures will discuss practical, sustainable and innovative ways to address some of the huge health challenges currently faced worldwide.

Her Highness Sheikha Moza announced WISH during last year’s Global Health Policy Summit in London’s Guildhall, which was organised by Qatar Foundation and Imperial College London’s Institute of Global Health Innovation.

Her Highness said, “Healthy populations and good healthcare are priorities for every nation. Yet healthcare providers around the world are faced with critical challenges: delivering quality and affordable healthcare; financing the discovery of the best prevention techniques and interventions; and integrating this knowledge into public health and social policies. WISH will champion radical innovation in health in order to implement positive changes across the globe.”

The Summit’s forums, chaired by world-leading experts, will seek to stimulate discussion and encourage the uptake of innovative approaches for dealing with some of the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges including obesity, mental health, road traffic injuries, accountable care, antimicrobial resistance, end-of-life, patient engagement, and big data & healthcare. Drawing on the most exciting innovations in these fields from around the world, the forums will identify practical options for policymakers which have the potential to positively impact upon these pressing challenges and improve healthcare for all.

Professor Lord Darzi of Denham, Chairman for the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London and Executive Chair of WISH, said, “Innovation plays a pivotal role in addressing global health challenges. If we can make it easier for countries to look after their people in innovative and accessible ways then we will all benefit, regardless of where we live or what kind of lifestyle we have. This is not limited to traditional providers of healthcare – the best changes happen when other sectors contribute as well. By bringing together global policy makers, academics, scientists, researchers, NGOs, and business leaders, WISH will stimulate discussion and application of the most practical and innovative ideas that can be implemented around the globe.”

WISH supports the aims and ambitions of Qatar Foundation and Qatar National Vision 2030, and reinforces Qatar’s pioneering role as an emerging centre for medical innovation. As the nation stands at the forefront of healthcare reform, Qatar Foundation has successfully launched a number of valuable and unprecedented initiatives – from biomedical research to maternal health and clinical care.

Engineer Saad Al Muhannadi, President of Qatar Foundation, says: “Qatar Foundation has a clear commitment to help develop Qatar into a global centre for excellence in healthcare and medical innovation. Through WISH, Qatar Foundation seeks to produce concrete, permanent solutions in healthcare advocacy, policy, research and delivery – all critical to having a positive impact on the global healthcare sector.”

Qatar Foundation is doing its utmost to advance this mission through education and research. It is leading medical programmes to target treatments for prevalent diseases in Qatar and across the region, with the goal of sharing solutions worldwide. The Foundation also seeks to work with a growing alliance of professionals who are committed to identifying the most promising healthcare innovations and developing them into practical solutions for policymakers.

WISH will be held at the Qatar National Convention Centre and is an invitation only event. For more information visit: www.wish-qatar.org