Declaration On Longevity And Precision Medicine Unveiled At Abu Dhabi Global Health Week To Transform Healthcare Delivery

A significant 'Declaration on Longevity and Precision Medicine' was introduced during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW). This initiative, the first of its kind, aims to revolutionise healthcare delivery and research globally. Developed with international health organisations, academic institutions, and industry leaders, it sets principles to advance precision medicine and longevity science.

Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), emphasised the importance of healthy populations. He stated, "Healthy populations lead to healthy communities, stronger social cohesion, and fuels economic growth. This declaration unites global leaders to harness emerging technologies responsibly and deliver the benefits of precision medicine to all. Because health knows no boundaries, we are working together towards actionable and long-term solutions."

The declaration seeks to promote personalised care and extend healthy lifespans by addressing the healthspan-lifespan gap, which is nearly a decade worldwide. The World Health Organisation predicts that by 2050, the global population aged 60 and older will double to 2.1 billion. Meanwhile, the precision medicine market is projected to grow from $81 billion in 2023 to over $175 billion by 2030.

UAE's Role in Longevity Science

The UAE is positioning itself as a leader in longevity science through regulatory frameworks and investments in precision medicine. Its longevity market is expected to grow from $19 billion in 2020 to $32 billion by 2026. Initiatives like the world’s first licensed Healthy Longevity Medicine Centre highlight this commitment.

Key Pillars of the Declaration

The declaration outlines six pillars: advancing research and innovation, enhancing collaboration and knowledge-sharing, investing in education and workforce development, advocating for supportive policy and regulation, upholding ethics and responsible practices, and engaging the public about longevity research's implications for health and society.

Commitment from Global Leaders

Signatories at ADGHW included M42, Masdar City, PureHealth, Illumina, NYU Abu Dhabi, University of Pennsylvania, Aldar, Children’s National Hospital, Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery Dubai (BHAS), Children Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD). PwC Middle East played a strategic role in highlighting this declaration's global significance.

Lina Shadid from PwC Middle East remarked on its impact: "The declaration on longevity and precision medicine provides a global blueprint for integrating AI, genomics, and precision healthcare into mainstream medical practice and within the health ecosystem." She noted its potential to accelerate life-changing medical innovations worldwide.

This initiative reflects Abu Dhabi’s dedication to shaping future healthcare through knowledge-sharing and technology integration. By bringing together global experts under DoH's leadership, it marks a new era prioritising personalised care that enhances quality of life globally.

With inputs from WAM