Sidra Medicine, a Qatar Foundation entity, will be hosting the inaugural Middle East and North Africa Human Microbiome Conference (MENA Microbiome) on September 28-29, 2024 at The Plaza Hotel in Doha in partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The conference aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and drive breakthroughs in microbiome research. The event, titled ‘From Biomarkers Discovery to Microbiota-based Therapeutics’, will focus on the latest developments in microbiome research and its impact on human health. The conference will explore the role of microbiota in various health conditions such as obesity, cancer, diabetes, infectious diseases, and pregnancy complications like preterm birth.
Dr. Souhaila Al Khodor, Director of Reproductive and Perinatal Health at Sidra Medicine and Co-Chair of MENA Microbiome, emphasized the significant role microbiomes play in our health and susceptibility to diseases. She mentioned that Sidra Medicine is at the forefront of groundbreaking research and therapeutics in the field of microbiomes. With over 600 delegates expected to attend the conference, MENA Microbiome will provide a platform for interdisciplinary discussions and accelerate advancements in microbiome research in the region. Dr. Annalisa Terranegra, Principal Investigator at Sidra Medicine and Co-Chair of MENA Microbiome, highlighted the importance of the conference in addressing specific health challenges faced by the region, particularly those affecting women and children.
The MENA Microbiome Conference will feature renowned experts from Europe, North America, the Middle East, and South East Asia. Opening remarks will be delivered by Dr. Rayana Bou Haka, World Health Organization Representative, and Dr. Muna Al Maslamani, Medical Director of Communicable Disease Center, Hamad Medical Corporation. Keynote speakers for the conference include Prof. Alessio Fasano from Harvard Medical School, USA, and Prof. Peer Bork from EMBL Heidelberg, Germany. Ruth Frey, Vice President of Global Strategy and Business Development at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, highlighted the strong collaboration between CHOP and Sidra Medicine, which aims to advance pediatric healthcare worldwide through knowledge transfer and research expertise.
During the conference, Dr. Al Khodor and Dr. Terranegra will present their latest microbiome research conducted at Sidra Medicine. Dr. Al Khodor will discuss “Multi-Omics of microbial and host factors for a better understanding of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease”, while Dr. Annalisa will present on “Precision nutrition approach to pediatric type 1 diabetes.” The conference will provide a platform for researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, and policymakers to bridge the gap between fundamental research and clinical application, ultimately leading to the development of personalized healthcare strategies tailored to the specific needs of patients in the region. MENA Microbiome aims to advance microbiome research and improve human health outcomes through collaboration and knowledge sharing.
