Fetal Medicine Foundation Congress In Abu Dhabi Showcases Latest Innovations And Research In Maternal Health

The International Fetal Medicine Foundation Congress recently made its debut in the Middle East, hosted in Abu Dhabi. This significant event brought together leading experts in fetal medicine, including Professor Kypros Nicolaides, known as the 'Father of Fetal Medicine'. The congress was attended by 500 delegates from 14 countries and featured discussions on innovative therapies and complex fetal procedures.

The congress, organised by Burjeel Holdings, included 22 presentations. Topics covered early screening for fetal malformations, pre-eclampsia screening, fetal growth issues, artificial placenta, and fetal surgery. These discussions aimed to enhance practices and improve outcomes for mothers and unborn children in the region.

Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, emphasised the importance of hosting such events in Abu Dhabi. "We are proud to host such significant events in Abu Dhabi," she stated. The conference highlighted key developments in fetal medicine and guided medical institutions towards adopting advanced practices and technology.

Professor Nicolaides praised Burjeel Holdings for introducing complex in-utero surgeries to the MENA region. He stressed the importance of training healthcare professionals to improve maternal health outcomes globally. "I am fortunate to have a group of exceptional friends who are global leaders," he said, highlighting the need for widespread training.

The congress served as a platform for knowledge sharing among healthcare professionals. It explored ways to ensure adequate training for fetal medicine doctors in the region. Dr. Mandeep Singh from Burjeel Medical City expressed their goal to transform fetal medicine in the Middle East by introducing the latest innovations.

Future Prospects

The second edition of this congress is scheduled for November 8-9, 2025, again in Abu Dhabi. This ongoing initiative aims to continue fostering collaboration and learning among experts worldwide, advancing care for expectant mothers and their unborn children.

Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, along with other senior leaders like Dr. Fayeza Saif Alyafei and Dr. Ghuwaya Al Neyadi, honoured Professor Nicolaides during the event. Their participation underscored the UAE's commitment to becoming a leader in fetal medicine through international collaboration.

Professor Nicolaides highlighted that every minute a woman dies due to pregnancy complications drives his efforts to train more people globally. He believes that from the UAE, they can reach wider populations in Africa and neighbouring regions to provide essential training and improve healthcare access.

This congress marked a pivotal step towards advancing fetal medicine practices in the Middle East. By bringing together global experts, it created opportunities for collaboration and learning from leading figures in the field, ultimately benefiting vulnerable patients—expectant mothers and their unborn children.

With inputs from WAM