Abu dhabi: The Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean have signed a partnership agreement to accelerate the elimination of preventable communicable diseases across the region. This collaboration aims to enhance integrated, sustainable approaches to disease elimination in a complex public health landscape, contributing to global efforts in fighting infectious diseases.

According to Emirates News Agency, the partnership will focus on combining technical support, catalytic financing, and country-led action. Dr. Farida Al Hosani, CEO of GLIDE, emphasized the importance of this partnership in advancing their mission to eliminate preventable infectious diseases. By merging GLIDE's research-driven approach and WHO's regional leadership, the collaboration will focus on integrated surveillance, the use of artificial intelligence, and strengthening health system resilience.

Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, highlighted the challenges faced in the region and the need for innovative, cross-border solutions. The agreement with GLIDE aims to accelerate the implementation of the multi-disease elimination framework, leveraging technology and enhanced diagnostics to empower countries in identifying and eliminating infectious threats.

The partnership seeks to enhance integrated disease surveillance systems and foster innovation through artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. It supports WHO's new initiative on multi-disease elimination, initially focusing on 14 high burden diseases. The agreement also emphasizes leadership and advocacy to strengthen poliovirus surveillance, aiding both endemic and polio-free countries in maintaining vigilance and technical capacity.

Reflecting a shared vision and commitment to public health, GLIDE and WHO plan to explore additional cooperation areas to advance regional health priorities and contribute to global health security.