3rd Annual Arab Paediatric Medical Takes Place Today

Under the Patronage of the Ministry of Health, UAE, the 3rd annual Arab Paediatric Medical takes place, 25-27 February, at the JW Marriott Marquis in Dubai, in conjunction with the 2nd Arab Neonatal Medical Congress and the 1st Arab Paediatric Orthopaedic Congress. Dr Yasser Alnuaimi, Expert advisor, Hospital sector- Ministry of Health, delivered the opening speech of behalf of H.E. Dr. Yousef Al Serkal, Assistant Undersecretary for the Ministry’s Hospitals Sector - Ministry of Health.

The conferences, supported by the Executive Board of Health Ministers Council in the GCC States, Dubai Healthcare City, Saudi Association for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SASPGHAN), and Egyptian Neonatal Network, are organized by Maarefah Management.

On its first day, the Conference Chair, Dr. Yasser Nakhlawi, Consultant in Paediatrics and Professor of Paediatrics, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, UAE and Tulane University, USA, said: “Pediatric care is a subject that many of us in the healthcare profession are passionate about. Caring for the youngest members of our communities and supporting their families through what can be harrowing times tests our strengths as doctors, nurses and managers, and challenges us to find new and better ways of healing and caring.”

“The Arab Pediatric Congress is reputed for delivering the highest quality of Continuing Medical Education (CME) to medical professionals in the region. Over 3 years the congress has grown to be one of the most attended conference related to pediatrics in the region, this year we have attracted more than 500 delegates from around the globe, the conference programme brings a global appeal with local, regional and international speakers covering a broad spectrum of medical specialties and disciplines,” he added.

During her presentation, Dr. Fatma Al Jasmi, Associate Professor and Biochemical Geneticist, United Arab Emirates University, UAE, shed the light on the importance of a clear diagnosis as it is considered the essential basis for accurate genetic counseling. She also highlighted that the most common challenges faced include the limited medical information, the fact that essential investigation is not done, and wrong diagnosis, which is more dangerous than when diagnosis is uncertain. Dr. Al Jasmi highlighted that the national public health programme for pediatrics aims to identify the conditions for which early intervention can prevent mortality, morbidity, and disabilities.

The first day of the Congress hosted more than 15 experts who discussed the current medical challenges in paediatric and the latest developments to overcome them. In addition to that, the congress included a panel discussion focusing on protecting children’s’ health in an ever changing environment. The panel session included a lineup of speakers who spear head the industry such as Dr. Anton Tan, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist, Danat Al Emarat Women and Children's Hospital, UAE; Dr. Arif Khan, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist; Head of Children's Services, American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology.

The first day of the congress also witnessed the commencement of the 2nd Arab Neonatal Medical Congress which covered 15 presentations from regional and international experts. Dr. Fatma Sultan, Consultant and Head of Child Healthcare Unit, Dubai Health Authority (DHA), UAE; highlighted in her keynote the efforts of Dubai Healthcare Authority in developing the pediatric diagnosis services rendered in the region.Dr. Zakariya Al-Salam,Consultant Neonatologist, Head, Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology, Oasis Hospital, UAE, mentioned the role this conference’s edition plays in supporting and developing the healthcare services for pediatrics. He stressed out the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in providing the latest care in pediatrics services.
The second day of the congresses will offer 30 medical presentations discussing the most important topics in child healthcare, including managing inflammatory neurological disorders by Dr. Dr. Aman Sohal, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), UAE;  paediatric anxiety disorders: phenomenology and treatment by Dr. Boris Birmaher, Child and Adolescent Bipolar Spectrum Disorder Services, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, USA; managing neonatal hypertension by Dr. Iviano Ossuetta, Head of Department, Paediatrics and Neonatology, Danat Al Emarat Women and Children’s Hospital, UAE; overcoming challenges in the diagnosis and management of neonatal sepsis by Dr. Mahmoud Saleh ElHalik, Consultant Neonatologist, Head of Paediatric and NICU, Head of Health Informatics Unit and NRP Regional Trainer, Latifa Hospital, UAE; and more.

Finally, the first Arab Paediatric Orthopaedic Congress will also host more than 15 main speakers who will discuss the latest developments in musoskeletal disorders in children. The conference theme will focus on the practical management and latest evidence-based clinical data that will highlight the most advanced strategies in detection, prevention and management of common paediatric orthopaedic disorders. The conference will also cover Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip, Paediatric Spine and Celebral Palsy, Role of physiotherapy on neuromuscular diseases, and the Non-operative treatment of spinal deformities.