Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) has been designated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the Middle East’s first Collaborating Centre for Research and Capacity Building in Emerging Respiratory Viruses and Associated Infections, marking a significant milestone in ADPHC’s contribution to advancing global health initiatives and safeguarding the health of communities worldwide.
According to Emirates News Agency, the designation of ADPHC as a WHO Collaborating Centre recognises its impactful initiatives in various health fields, with a focus on combating infectious diseases and improving public health, and is effective until 2028. As a collaboration centre, ADPHC joins an international network dedicated to supporting WHO programmes at all levels, and will conduct critical research, provide advanced training, and offer technical support to strengthen global capacities in managing emerging respiratory viruses and associated infections.
Throughout the duration of the collaboration, ADPHC will deliver on projects and outputs defined annually, ensuring continuous progress and contributions to global health. This milestone underscores ADPHC’s role in enhancing global health security and improving responses to emerging health threats.
Dr. Rashed Obaid Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADPHC, expressed that respiratory diseases continue to affect people all over the world and can pose serious health risks especially to vulnerable groups. He stated that this designation by the world’s leading health authority is a testament to ADPHC’s commitment to public health and its proactive approach in addressing global health challenges. He emphasized the importance of the collaboration with WHO to advance contributions in combating emerging respiratory viruses through research, training, and strengthened cross-border networks.
Dr. Hanan Balkhy, Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean at WHO, highlighted the collaboration’s significance in addressing the threats posed by emerging respiratory viruses. She noted that ADPHC’s expertise and dedication will be invaluable in the mission to protect global health and anticipates impactful work through this partnership.
Dr. Faisal Al Ahbabi, Acting Executive Director of Infectious Diseases Sector at ADPHC, mentioned the excitement to contribute to global efforts in preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious diseases. He looks forward to working closely with WHO and partners to make a lasting impact, supporting efforts in public health research, capacity building, awareness raising, and advocating for policies that support global health security and equity.