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Dr Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE’s health sector, will be a part of an international group to provide advise on preparedness for pandemic and influenza to countries across the world. With this development, Dr Al Hosani is the first Emirati female to join the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework (PIP Framework) Advisory Group. She will be a member of the team until 2024.
Members of the Advisory Group are appointed by WHO director general and they serve the team in their expert capacity for a period of three years.
The PIP Framework has been formed with the aim of improving and strengthening the efforts to raise awareness about influenza viruses as well as enhancing the access to vaccines and other pandemic related supplies for developing countries. Adopted in May 2011 by the 64th World Health Assembly, the Framework comprises 18 members drawn from three Member States in each WHO Region. The Advisory Group is formed to monitor the implementation of the PIP Framework and provide evidence-based reporting, assessment and recommendations in terms of its functioning to the WHO director-general.
Dr Farida, an infectious diseases expert and executive director of infectious diseases at Abu Dhabi’s public health watchdog-Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), has been at the forefront of the UAE's fight against COVID-19. Her reassuring media briefings have enhanced public confidence in her and the UAE government's efforts to combat the pandemic crisis.
Emirati accomplishment
Dr Matar Al Nuaimi, ADPHC director general, hailed the accomplishment as a celebration of the distinguished efforts of the UAE's health sector. Dr Al Nuaimi further underlined that Dr Al Hosani has been an active participant across global and WHO level activities along with playing an integral role in the UAE’s response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. She has become a pioneering figure in the list of Emirati females engaged at international-level efforts within their related fields," Dr Al Nuaimi added.
He also noted that the achievement would not have been possible without the consistent support of the UAE's wise leadership who have been providing necessary tools and resources to Emirati women to succeed in their relevant fields. Dr. Al Nuaimi lauded the efforts of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, as she became an international role model for several Emirati women.
"Dr Al Hosani’s appointment is a testament to our ambition to reinforce a world-class health care system in the emirate and instil ADPHC’s mission “‘Towards a Healthy and Safe Society” for Abu Dhabi community,” he added.
Proud Emirati
Responding to the feat, Dr Al Hosani expressed pride and joy in joining the WHO’s PIP Framework Advisory Group and being granted the opportunity to contribute her expertise towards combating global pandemics and enhancing pandemic preparedness at a global level. She also thanked the UAE leadership for their support in boosting her skills and capabilities.
"As a proud Emirati female, I want to share my deep appreciation for our leadership and thank them for the support they have provided me in enhancing my skills and attaining the highest qualifications in public health and health care policy. I am looking forward to working closely with partners and experts from all over the world to support international health care efforts and build a healthy future for generations,” Dr Al Hosani said.
SOURCE: Gulf News