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Qatar Tribune
03-06-2025
- General
- Qatar Tribune
Sheikha Moza opens HSCT ward at Sidra Medicine
Tribune News Network Doha HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, officially inaugurated the new paediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) ward at Sidra Medicine, a Qatar Foundation entity. The new ward is dedicated to treating children with blood disorders, immune system diseases, and genetic conditions. During the visit, Sheikha Mozatoured the facility, engaged with clinical teams, and received an overview of the HSCT programme's role in advancing care and stem cell and gene therapies for children in Qatar and the region. Sheikha Moza was accompanied by Minister of Public Health HE Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud, members of Sidra Medicine's Board of Directors and senior leadership, including Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, Chief Executive Officer and Prof Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer. The HSCT ward is a core part of Sidra Medicine's HSCT Programme, using curative therapies to provide life-saving care and treatment for children with a range of blood diseases and cancers. This includes malignant and non-malignant conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, immune deficiencies, and metabolic disorders. HSCT also known as bone marrow transplant, replaces diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells from the patient (autologous) or a donor (allogeneic). Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, CEO of Sidra Medicine, said: 'The opening of our new pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Ward, the first of its kind in the country, marks a major step in expanding access to life-saving care for children in Qatar and the region. As the HSCT program grows, it will play a vital role in reducing the need for outbound referrals and in positioning Qatar as a center of excellence for pediatric cell and gene therapies. This is about building sustainable, high-quality care close to home for our patients and their families.' Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer at Sidra Medicine, said: 'The launch of the HSCT Ward reflects our commitment to supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030. It strengthens the foundation of a knowledge-based economy by building national expertise in precision and regenerative medicine. Our goal is to ensure that every child in Qatar can access the best possible treatment, close to home and grounded in clinical excellence.' Managed by the Hematology and Oncology Division at Sidra Medicine, the new ward is designed exclusively for pediatric patients under the age of 18. It is divided into two main sections - one section for children undergoing HSCT and the other for patients with complex hematology-oncology diagnoses such as cancer, that require intensive chemotherapy and inpatient care. With an initial capacity of 20 beds, the new pediatric HSCT ward integrates cutting-edge infrastructure, including high-level isolation facilities that meet international infection control standards. It is scheduled to receive patients for autologous transplants in late June of 2025 with preparations underway to care for inpatient children who will undergo allogeneic transplants, at a later stage. Dr Ayman Saleh, Division Chief of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology & Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant at Sidra Medicine said: 'Our HSCT program brings together key specialties to deliver advanced and curative care for children with complex conditions. With four autologous procedures successfully completed and plans underway to offer allogeneic transplants in the near future, we are building a strong foundation for pediatric cellular therapy in Qatar. This service is a testament to the pioneering and family-centered care and cure approach that we offer to all our patients.' In addition to treating patients with various blood diseases and cancers, the HSCT program at Sidra Medicine is the core part of its precision medicine strategy to facilitate genomic research programs for pediatric autoimmune disorders, genetic and rare diseases. Sidra Medicine's HSCT program is further enhanced by a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-qualified laboratory team operating under the Advanced Cell Therapy Core (ACTC). The ACTC manages the processing and cryopreservation of hematopoietic stem cells and is currently working toward Sidra Medicine's qualification as a treatment center for Casgevy, a gene therapy for thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Dr Chiara Cugno, Director of the Advanced Cell Therapy Core and GMP Facility at Sidra Medicine said: 'Our GMP-qualified laboratory is a key enabler in delivering safe and effective cellular therapies. By maintaining the highest standards in cell processing and cryopreservation, we are supporting precision treatments for children with cancer, blood, and immunologic disorders. It is an essential part of ensuring every child receives the most personalized care possible.' All HSCT program services will be open to both local and international patients, with more than 50 children currently awaiting transplantation in Qatar. Future phases for the HSCT program include scaling allogeneic transplant capacity and introducing CAR-T cell and gene therapies. The HSCT program includes a multidisciplinary team of specialized physicians, apheresis-trained staff, dedicated HSCT nurses, and allied health professionals. The Sidra Medicine care team also involves experts in immunology, infectious diseases, radiology, psychology, pharmacy, nutrition, child life, and social work. The integrated approach ensures comprehensive and patient-centered care throughout the transplant journey. Before a transplant, every child will go through a detailed evaluation at Sidra Medicine's outpatient clinic to ensure they are ready for the procedure. Once admitted, the children will undergo conditioning chemotherapy to prepare their bodies for the stem cell infusion. They will then be monitored very closely during the aplasia phase, when their immune system is at its weakest. Most patients will stay at the hospital for about 30 to 40 days. Following discharge, they will continue their care through regular follow-ups in an outpatient setting. In addition to medical and nursing care, Sidra Medicine offers support services for patients and families, including social work, clinical nurse specialists, and case management. While formal support groups are under development, ongoing engagement with families is embedded throughout the care process.
Qatar Tribune
03-06-2025
- General
- Qatar Tribune
Sheikha Moza inaugurates new paediatric HSCT ward at Sidra Medicine
DOHA: Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser has officially inaugurated the new paediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) ward at Sidra Medicine, a Qatar Foundation entity. The new ward is dedicated to treating children with blood disorders, immune system diseases, and genetic conditions. During the visit, Sheikha Moza toured the facility, engaged with clinical teams, and received an overview of the HSCT program's role in advancing care and stem cell and gene therapies for children in Qatar and the region. Her Highness was accompanied by Minister of Public Health HE Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud, members of Sidra Medicine's Board of Directors and senior leadership, including Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, Chief Executive Officer and Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer. The HSCT ward is a core part of Sidra Medicine's HSCT Program, using curative therapies to provide life-saving care and treatment for children with a range of blood diseases and cancers. This includes malignant and non-malignant conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, immune deficiencies, and metabolic disorders. HSCT also known as bone marrow transplant, replaces diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells from the patient (autologous) or a donor (allogeneic). Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, CEO of Sidra Medicine, said: "The opening of our new pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Ward, the first of its kind in the country, marks a major step in expanding access to life-saving care for children in Qatar and the region. As the HSCT program grows, it will play a vital role in reducing the need for outbound referrals and in positioning Qatar as a center of excellence for pediatric cell and gene therapies. This is about building sustainable, high-quality care close to home for our patients and their families." Prof Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer at Sidra Medicine, said: "The launch of the HSCT Ward reflects our commitment to supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030. It strengthens the foundation of a knowledge-based economy by building national expertise in precision and regenerative medicine. Our goal is to ensure that every child in Qatar can access the best possible treatment, close to home and grounded in clinical excellence." Managed by the Hematology and Oncology Division at Sidra Medicine, the new ward is designed exclusively for pediatric patients under the age of 18. It is divided into two main sections - one section for children undergoing HSCT and the other for patients with complex hematology-oncology diagnoses such as cancer, that require intensive chemotherapy and inpatient care. With an initial capacity of 20 beds, the new pediatric HSCT ward integrates cutting-edge infrastructure, including high-level isolation facilities that meet international infection control standards. It is scheduled to receive patients for autologous transplants in late June of 2025 with preparations underway to care for inpatient children who will undergo allogeneic transplants, at a later stage. Dr Ayman Saleh, Division Chief of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology & Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant at Sidra Medicine said: "Our HSCT program brings together key specialties to deliver advanced and curative care for children with complex conditions. With four autologous procedures successfully completed and plans underway to offer allogeneic transplants in the near future, we are building a strong foundation for pediatric cellular therapy in Qatar. This service is a testament to the pioneering and family-centered care and cure approach that we offer to all our patients." In addition to treating patients with various blood diseases and cancers, the HSCT program at Sidra Medicine is the core part of its precision medicine strategy to facilitate genomic research programs for pediatric autoimmune disorders, genetic and rare diseases. Sidra Medicine's HSCT program is further enhanced by a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-qualified laboratory team operating under the Advanced Cell Therapy Core (ACTC). The ACTC manages the processing and cryopreservation of hematopoietic stem cells and is currently working toward Sidra Medicine's qualification as a treatment center for Casgevy, a gene therapy for thalassemia and sickle cell disease.
ILoveQatar.net
03-06-2025
- Business
- ILoveQatar.net
H.H. Sheikha Moza inaugurates Sidra Medicine's new Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Ward
Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, officially inaugurated the new pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) ward at Sidra Medicine, a Qatar Foundation entity. The new ward is dedicated to treating children with blood disorders, immune system diseases, and genetic conditions. During the visit, Her Highness toured the facility, engaged with clinical teams, and received an overview of the HSCT program's role in advancing care and stem cell and gene therapies for children in Qatar and the region. Her Highness was accompanied by His Excellency Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud, the Minister of Public Health, members of Sidra Medicine's Board of Directors and senior leadership, including Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, Chief Executive Officer and Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer. The HSCT ward is a core part of Sidra Medicine's HSCT Program, using curative therapies to provide life-saving care and treatment for children with a range of blood diseases and cancers. This includes malignant and non-malignant conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, immune deficiencies, and metabolic disorders. HSCT also known as bone marrow transplant, replaces diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells from the patient (autologous) or a donor (allogeneic). Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, CEO of Sidra Medicine, said: 'The opening of our new pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Ward, the first of its kind in the country, marks a major step in expanding access to life-saving care for children in Qatar and the region. As the HSCT program grows, it will play a vital role in reducing the need for outbound referrals and in positioning Qatar as a center of excellence for pediatric cell and gene therapies. This is about building sustainable, high-quality care close to home for our patients and their families.' Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer at Sidra Medicine, said: 'The launch of the HSCT Ward reflects our commitment to supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030. It strengthens the foundation of a knowledge-based economy by building national expertise in precision and regenerative medicine. Our goal is to ensure that every child in Qatar can access the best possible treatment, close to home and grounded in clinical excellence.' Managed by the Hematology and Oncology Division at Sidra Medicine, the new ward is designed exclusively for pediatric patients under the age of 18. It is divided into two main sections - one section for children undergoing HSCT and the other for patients with complex hematology-oncology diagnoses such as cancer, that require intensive chemotherapy and inpatient care. With an initial capacity of 20 beds, the new pediatric HSCT ward integrates cutting-edge infrastructure, including high-level isolation facilities that meet international infection control standards. It is scheduled to receive patients for autologous transplants in late June of 2025 with preparations underway to care for inpatient children who will undergo allogeneic transplants, at a later stage. Dr. Ayman Saleh, Division Chief of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology & Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant at Sidra Medicine said: 'Our HSCT program brings together key specialties to deliver advanced and curative care for children with complex conditions. With four autologous procedures successfully completed and plans underway to offer allogeneic transplants in the near future, we are building a strong foundation for pediatric cellular therapy in Qatar. This service is a testament to the pioneering and family-centered care and cure approach that we offer to all our patients.' In addition to treating patients with various blood diseases and cancers, the HSCT program at Sidra Medicine is the core part of its precision medicine strategy to facilitate genomic research programs for pediatric autoimmune disorders, genetic and rare diseases. Sidra Medicine's HSCT program is further enhanced by a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-qualified laboratory team operating under the Advanced Cell Therapy Core (ACTC). The ACTC manages the processing and cryopreservation of hematopoietic stem cells and is currently working toward Sidra Medicine's qualification as a treatment center for Casgevy, a gene therapy for thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Dr. Chiara Cugno, Director of the Advanced Cell Therapy Core and GMP Facility at Sidra Medicine said: 'Our GMP-qualified laboratory is a key enabler in delivering safe and effective cellular therapies. By maintaining the highest standards in cell processing and cryopreservation, we are supporting precision treatments for children with cancer, blood, and immunologic disorders. It is an essential part of ensuring every child receives the most personalized care possible.' All HSCT program services will be open to both local and international patients, with more than 50 children currently awaiting transplantation in Qatar. Future phases for the HSCT program include scaling allogeneic transplant capacity and introducing CAR-T cell and gene therapies. The HSCT program includes a multidisciplinary team of specialized physicians, apheresis-trained staff, dedicated HSCT nurses, and allied health professionals. The Sidra Medicine care team also involves experts in immunology, infectious diseases, radiology, psychology, pharmacy, nutrition, child life, and social work. The integrated approach ensures comprehensive and patient-centered care throughout the transplant journey. Before a transplant, every child will go through a detailed evaluation at Sidra Medicine's outpatient clinic to ensure they are ready for the procedure. Once admitted, the children will undergo conditioning chemotherapy to prepare their bodies for the stem cell infusion. They will then be monitored very closely during the aplasia phase, when their immune system is at its weakest. Most patients will stay at the hospital for about 30 to 40 days. Following discharge, they will continue their care through regular follow-ups in an outpatient setting. In addition to medical and nursing care, Sidra Medicine offers support services for patients and families, including social work, clinical nurse specialists, and case management. While formal support groups are under development, ongoing engagement with families is embedded throughout the care process. For more details about Sidra Medicine's Hematology and Oncology services and its GMP facility, please visit:
Qatar Tribune
12-05-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Sheikha Moza attends final graduation ceremony of University of Calgary in Qatar
DOHA: Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser has attended the University of Calgary in Qatar's (UCQ) final graduation ceremony at the Qatar National Convention Centre, celebrating the latest batch of graduates and honouring the university's nearly two-decade legacy of supporting the country's healthcare sector. The ceremony was also attended by Minister of Education and Higher Education, HELolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, and a number of senior representatives from leading local institutions, including the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, Sidra Medicine, and Qatar Foundation, along with a number of ambassadors, graduates and their families, and members of the faculty and administration. Some 120 graduates received their degrees, joining the university's more than 1,100 alumni, who have played a pivotal role in shaping the nursing profession in Qatar. Since its founding in 2006, the university has been committed to providing high-quality education that combines international best practices with local requirements. It has offered distinguished academic programs, including bachelor's and master's programs in oncology, nursing leadership, clinical nursing, and the 'Fundamentals of Nursing' program. These programs have produced a skilled and diverse workforce, including more than 120 Qatari graduates, many of whom now hold key leadership positions in the healthcare sector. In her opening remarks, Professor Dr Hala Sultan Saif Al Essa, President and CEO of the University, said: "Here is a new class looking forward to the future. After years of hard work, perseverance, dedication, and dedication, it is the harvest day, as 120 graduates join more than 1,000 of their colleagues who have contributed, and continue to contribute, to strengthening the nursing and healthcare system in the State of Qatar." She added: "We were honoured to pioneer the introduction of the first accredited bachelor's degree in nursing in Qatar, along with master's programs in oncology, nursing leadership, and clinical nursing, along with a continuing professional development program. These initiatives have contributed to building highly skilled nursing professionals, forming the core of Qatar's modern healthcare sector." In turn, Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman of the University's Board of Trustees, said: "We are proud of our graduates who have passed through the doors of this university, and of the profound impact the university has had on developing the healthcare system, enhancing the resilience of the national economy, and supporting the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 by preparing qualified and distinguished cadres." The university's contributions were not limited to academic education; it was also a pioneer in the fields of scientific research and community service. It established strategic partnerships with prestigious institutions, such as Hamad Medical Corporation, Sidra Medicine, and the Primary Health Care Corporation, and provided its students with practical training opportunities that meet the needs of the evolving healthcare system. Through its participation in the Interprofessional Education Committee, the university has also contributed to fostering a culture of multidisciplinary collaboration in healthcare in Qatar. In addition, the university achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first institution in the Middle East to be accredited by the International Best Practices Organization (BPSO), underscoring its commitment to evidence-based care. In this context, Dr Janet Rankin, Acting Dean, said: 'While this ceremony marks the end of our institutional work in Qatar, it is far from the end of our journey. Our graduates are the living extension of the university's mission, embodying its values of excellence, service, and community. We will continue to see the university's impact in every healthcare facility and in every medical initiative led by one of our graduates.' In a speech delivered on this occasion, Hassan Kander, Director of Student Services and Registration at the University, emphasized that the students' journey was not just a matter of academic years, but rather a journey of hard work, determination, and professional and personal maturity. He said, "Every student here has a story of struggle woven with unwavering will, from their first steps in orientation to their standing today on the graduation podium. This moment is the culmination of their journey to becoming seasoned practitioners, dedicated to serving their communities. And here we are witnessing the fruits of their determination and the support that surrounded them throughout their journey." Alanoud Hamad Almarri, Excutive Director of Nursing-Work Force in Hamad Medical Corporation, took the stage to lead the graduates in reciting the Graduate Pledge, which expresses their commitment to serving their communities, advancing knowledge, and striving to uphold the values of honesty and integrity in every path they take. As the University of Calgary in Qatar prepares to close its doors, its mission remains in the achievements of its graduates and their ongoing contributions to advancing healthcare in Qatar and beyond.
Gulf Insider
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Insider
Omar Farooq's 'Ana Laha' Wins GCC Award From Qatar Foundation's Akhlaquna Initiative
Bahraini content creator Omar Farooq received the Akhlaquna Award for individual contributions from GCC countries, presented by the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, for his social awareness programme 'Ana Laha' (I am up for it). The programme has reached over 800 million views across two seasons and gained wide popularity in the Arab world. Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, presented the awards during a ceremony at Education City celebrating the moral values represented by the winners. The event also honoured 14 winners of the Akhlaquna Award for their inspiring and impactful community initiatives in Qatar and the GCC. Omar Farooq highlighted that the award is not just a personal achievement but a tribute to everyone in Bahrain who took part in the Ana Laha initiative and contributed to its success through their genuine, instinctive responses to the situations presented in the programme. He described the initiative as a real-life experience that reflected the strong moral and human values of Arab communities, proving that these principles are not mere slogans but deeply rooted values that show goodness remains present in society. Farooq emphasised the urgent need to revive ethical values in Arab communities, which is at the heart of the award's message. He noted that media stereotypes often fail to reflect the true moral fabric of the Arab world. The Individual Contributions category was recently introduced under the Akhlaquna Awards to recognise impactful initiatives that promote ethical values in society. It forms part of the Akhlaquna initiative launched by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, in 2017 to highlight the link between ethics and knowledge, and to emphasise the role of moral character and behaviour as a driver of social progress and development. Source Bahrain News Agency
