Q Life Magazine Q Magazine December 2018 | Page 41
Innovate & Inspire |
And what are its international objectives? What is your favourite aspect of your job?
The vision for WISH is to help make Qatar a beacon
for healthcare innovation by bringing together global
healthcare experts to share and discuss solutions to
healthcare challenges in Qatar. Our summits not only
convene expertise to Qatar, but give international
delegates the opportunity to learn about the innovation
that is flourishing here. We are increasing our footprint
on the global stage by finding new partners – for example
the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. Engaging with members of the local community in
seemingly simple things. For example, arranging for
children with autism to go swimming and horse-riding
during the summer period when they have nowhere to
go, is incredibly rewarding.
How and why is WISH best equipped to lead
the global community in medical research and
knowledge sharing?
Our team is small and agile, and our network is
extensive, so we can rapidly call upon experts from
around the world with specific knowledge wherever
necessary.
How has Qatar succeeded in creating an
environment conducive to innovation in
healthcare?
Qatar will thrive in the field of healthcare innovation
because there’s an appetite for improving health and
well-being, whether from communities that benefit from
healthcare innovation or healthcare professionals.
What is your proudest achievement with WISH?
Can you explain?
That recommendations from our reports are being used
to better shape healthcare policy around the world. I am
also proud of the work we’ve done with international
partners, such as the Carter Centre, training journalists
on how to ethically report on mental health issues, or
the Liverpool FC Foundation, working to train football
coaches on how to better include young people with
autism in sport.
What would you like to achieve
at WISH in the next five years?
“Globally, I’d like for WISH
to become a platform that
is recognised as the premier
healthcare summit to have
innovation as a key feature, and
for it to become synonymous
with open discourse and fresh
ideas. Locally, I want WISH to
become a trusted research and
policy centre that works closely
with key stakeholders to shape and
influence healthcare.”
Sultana Afdhal, CEO of the World
Innovation Summit for Health
| Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, addressing the audience at the World
Innovation Summit for Health
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