Welcome Message
Dear Colleagues,
It gives us great pleasure to welcome you to the 1st Arab World conference on Public Health. This conference is built upon the hope that it will bring in all the Arab World together in prompting excellence in public health services. Our Department of Public Health and Safety under the Health Policy and Strategy Sector, of Dubai Health Authority has pioneered to take the initiative of organizing the 1st Arab World Conference on Public Health, being held in Dubai from April 4 to 6, 2013. The objective of the conference are to: • • • •
Serve as a regional forum for exchange of success stories and experiences on key public Health issues in the Arab countries. Contribute towards promoting and protecting public health at regional and national levels. Create a better understanding and discussion of the Arab world major public health challenges within the global public health community. Facilitate and support the development of the Arab World Public Health Association (AWPHA) and Dubai Public Health Declaration which may be used for implementing and following up the outcome of this conference.
We acknowledge that organizing such a conference is important but we also acknowledge that post conference follow up may be equally if not more vital in implementing its objectives. In view of this notion, PHSD has drafted a 5 year plan to host similar scientific events, each year, to keep the momentum of determination in providing excellence of health care services in the Arab World. The Arab world which constitutes 22 countries, is very unique as the countries in it are markedly heterogeneous. With increasing urbanization, countries are consequently facing a double burden: Communicable diseases while simultaneously responding to Non Communicable Diseases. Therefore the continuous challenge to Public Health and safety remain enormous. Communications revolution that redefines the geographical and social boundaries for exchange of health information and health services are essential. Coming together to understand what works, why it had an effect and how the approach can be customized for other countries is one of the conference’s key mission. We anticipate all Arab countries will take this opportunity and come closer in sharing their accomplishments and challenges such that we may all benefit from each other. We look forward to your active participation during this stimulating program. Dr. Wasif Muhammad Alam Director, Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD) & Member of the conference Steering Committee. Dubai Health Authority, UAE
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