ACCESS Health Expands Reach with the Opening of MENA Regional Office
ACCESS Health International is proud to announce the inauguration of its latest regional office in Dubai which will cater to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This strategic move marks the organization’s fourth regional office, following successful establishments in India, Singapore, and the United States.
The MENA region, serving as a crucial bridge between continents, plays an important role in addressing global health challenges and influencing healthcare delivery worldwide. With a population exceeding 500 million, diverse in ethnicity, culture, and language, MENA presents a unique research opportunity to address health disparities and promote equity. The new office will focus on tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs), infectious diseases, and mental health concerns through robust research, intervention development, and advocacy efforts. In response to ongoing conflicts and instability in certain sub-regions, the local presence of ACCESS Health in MENA becomes essential for effective response and healthcare access.
The MENA office aims to make a tangible impact through research initiatives, advisory services, policy recommendations, and collaborations that empower regional health organizations and improve health outcomes in the region. Some if its major initiatives will include the piloting of telehealth, mobile health, and AI-powered solutions to improve access and patient engagement, particularly in remote areas. Collaborations with governments, NGOs, and communities will be at the forefront of ACCESS Health’s strategy while advocating for policy changes in the region.
The ACCESS Health MENA office is not just a regional extension but a vital catalyst for global health systems strengthening efforts. Leading the charge in the MENA region is renowned public health expert and former Minister of Health in Egypt, Dr. Hala Zaid, who will serve as the Regional Director.
To officially mark the launch, a grand event titled “Celebrate Change and Partnership: ACCESS Health International – MENA Region Grand Opening and Official Launch of the New Office” took place on Monday, 29th January 2024, at Conrad Dubai Hotel, Dubai, UAE. The event featured esteemed guests of honor, Prof. Manahel Thabet, President of The Economic Forum for Sustainable Development, and Alderman Timothy Hailes JP FKC, Alderman for the Ward of Bassishaw, City of London.
Furthermore, the event witnessed the launch of the MENA chapter of the Global Learning Collaborative for Health Systems Resilience, a global network run by ACCESS Health as the secretariat. This marks a significant step towards fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in the pursuit of resilient health systems worldwide.
Prominent guests at the launch event included Dr Ahmed El-Sobky, Chairman of Egypt Healthcare Authority; Dr Ahmed Ezz El-Din, Group CEO of Cleopatra Hospitals Group; Dr Ahmed Mounir, Health Expert; Mr Akram Bouchenaki, CEO of Abdul Latif Jameel Health; H.E. Awad Mohamed Bin Sheikh Mujren, a prominent Emirati businessman; Dr Emad Shash, Director of Shefa El Orman Hospital; H.E. Fahad Al Gergawi, CEO of Dubai Investment Development Agency; Mr Hany Hanser, Regional Director at Abbott; Prof Manahel Thabet, Founder and President of Consortium Consultancy; Mr Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Executive Director of Dubai Science Park; Dr Mohamed Abo El-Naga, General Manager of HVD Egypt and North Africa; Dr Mohamed Hablas, Regional Director at Saudi German Health; Prof Mohamed Hany Mohamed Hussein, Professor of Paediatric Oncology at National Cancer Institute, Cairo University; H.E. Dr Naeema El-Qasseer, WHO Representative in Egypt; Dr Nacer Mami, Regional Lead, Clinical Network at MIT Jameel Clinic for Machine Learning in Health; Mr Neeraj Mishra, Group CEO of Alameda Healthcare; Mr Qutaiba Al Manaseer, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs, Middle East & Africa at AstraZeneca; Mr Sherif Kamel, CEO of Alliance Business Centers Network (ABCN); Mr Timothy Russell Hailes, Director and Counsel at Blockthree Holdings Limited / Five Islands Capital.