The impact of precision health on people’s lives is already being seen in Qatar, and is reducing the number of deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases, experts have highlighted at the official launch of Qatar Foundation’s Qatar Precision Health Institute.

The institute is building on a decade of groundbreaking work carried out by Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Qatar Biobank (QBB) and Qatar Genome Programme (QGP) in the field of precision healthcare in Qatar, and will spearhead efforts to make the nation a regional and global leader in the implementation of genomic medicine and precision health.

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, formally launched Qatar Precision Health Institute, an umbrella institute bringing together existing strengths in the field of health sciences and genomics within Qatar Biobank and Qatar Genome Programme ­to help accelerate the country’s adoption of personalized healthcare.

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser spoke at the formal launch event and lauded Qatar’s leading role in the region:

“I am proud that Qatar was the first country in the region to establish a population-based genome program, and has played a pioneering role in ensuring that Arab genomes are included in global genomic databases,” she said.

“Qatar’s efforts have led to faster and more accurate diagnoses of multiple diseases for people from the region. QPHI is building on those successes and taking our knowledge forward to implement clinical solutions that will lead to a healthier future not only for our citizens but for people around the world.”

Her Highness spoke about the pivotal role played by Qatar Foundation in the various national efforts that collaborate to create an innovative, integrated, and interconnected system in the healthcare sector, including Sidra Medicine’s modern facilities for genome sequencing and the advanced biobank operated in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation and the Ministry of Health, as well as the contribution of the College of Islamic Studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in important dialogue on Islamic ethics in genomics and precision medicine.

Her Highness also emphasized the importance of raising public awareness on the benefits of recent breakthroughs in precision health. She said:

“In the past, a one-size-fits-all approach was commonly adopted in treating cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and other diseases. But research shows that patients’ genetic make-up, environment, and lifestyle factors, can affect the intensity of their condition and the way they respond to various treatments. Understanding this allows us to create new, precise preventative methods.”

At the formal launch event, a panel discussion explored how genomic data from samples collected by QPHI’s Qatar Biobank has revealed prominent mutations that cause heart diseases in Qatari citizens, and how access to this information is helping healthcare professionals treat patients who are suffering from cardiovascular diseases in an effective and targeted way.

Dr. Wadha Al Muftah, Senior Director of QPHI’s Qatar Genome Programme, chaired the session and spoke about how, over the past decade, Qatar’s efforts in sequencing Arabi genomes have put the country on the global precision health map. “We’ve now surpassed 40,000 whole genomes being sequenced, and we’ve launched dozens of cutting-edge initiatives that allowed us to take our spot within the ‘Champions League’ of major global precision health projects,” she said.

Discussions during the session focused on Qatar's unique and leading position in the field of precision healthcare, and the key role that QPHI will play in genomics and clinical applications.

Dr. Fatima Qafoud, Director of QPHI’s Qatar Biobank, spoke about the findings derived from vital genomic data that the biobank has collected over the years by Qatar Biobank, saying that several Qatari participants were identified as carriers of genetic mutations associated with heart diseases which could result in conditions such as strokes and irregular heart rhythms.

Emphasizing the importance of preventive measures grounded in precision medicine, Qafoud said that regular patient monitoring can effectively mitigate deaths caused by these ailments. “In our ongoing battle against heart disease, Qatar Biobank remains committed to engaging with participants and furnishing them with essential support,” she said. “This includes guiding them to specialized cardiac care centers for necessary medical follow-ups and the implementation of tailored preventive strategies."

Panel member Dr. Reem Al-Sulaiman, Deputy Chair of Medical Genetics at Hamad Medical Corporation, explored the significance of precision health in uncovering genetic mutations linked to cancer. She highlighted the findings of studies conducted at Hamad Medical Corporation which unveiled genetic mutations associated with diseases such as breast cancer, and emphasized that, through personalized preventive programs, early intervention and enhanced healthcare could be extended to those at risk of developing such conditions.

“Precision health plays a pivotal role in delivering comprehensive and forward-thinking healthcare solutions,” she said. “It strengthens our efforts in combating cancer while improving treatment outcomes and recovery prospects, thereby advancing overall health and wellbeing for all.”

Speakers in the panel discussion also included Dr. Kholoud Al Shafai, staff scientist at Qatar Foundation’s (QF’s) Sidra Medicine, and Dr. Lotfi Chouchane,

Professor of Genetic Medicine at QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar.

Source: Press Release
Cover image credit: @mozabintnasser (Instagram)

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