Abu Dhabi Health Department Partners With CHOP To Enhance Paediatric Oncology And Gene Therapy Research

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to advance research in paediatric oncology and gene therapy. The MoU was signed during a recent visit to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at DoH, and Madeline Bell, President and CEO of CHOP.

Leveraging Abu Dhabi’s evolving healthcare and life-science infrastructure, the partnership aims to enhance research and programme development in rare diseases, paediatric oncology, and gene therapy. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 275,000 children and adolescents were diagnosed with cancer worldwide in 2022, with more than 105,000 succumbing to the disease.

Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei stated: "Building on our commitment to fostering international collaborations, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) continues to spearhead innovative treatments and breakthrough solutions in Abu Dhabi and beyond, alongside our global strategic partners. DoH is delighted to be working hand in hand with our esteemed partner, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), to further push the envelope within the Emirate’s pediatric healthcare landscape."

The partnership will involve the exchange of faculty, researchers, and students in both short-term and long-term programmes to foster knowledge sharing in advanced paediatric care practices. Additionally, online learning opportunities, conferences, seminars, and workshops will be established. Real-World Evidence (RWE) will be utilised to improve healthcare and expand research resources in the Emirate.

Madeline Bell commented: "CHOP is dedicated to improving health outcomes for children around the world and ensuring that all children have access to the care they need – including cell and gene therapies. Our partnership with DoH will help us advance pediatric research and make breakthroughs that will benefit children in Abu Dhabi and across the globe."

A high-profile Abu Dhabi delegation led by Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of DoH, visited the United States from May 29th to June 5th, 2024. The visit aimed to showcase partnership opportunities within the Emirate and explore collaborations with leading organisations in Research and Development (R&D), manufacturing, and innovation.

This collaboration underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to advancing healthcare through international partnerships. By focusing on paediatric oncology and gene therapy, both DoH and CHOP aim to make significant strides in improving health outcomes for children globally.

With inputs from WAM