The University of Sharjah proudly hosted the official launch of the Center of Excellence for Public Health last Thursday. The event marked a significant milestone, bringing together a diverse and distinguished audience of professionals from public health, healthcare, government, and academia across the UAE, all united in their dedication to advancing public health locally and beyond.

The event was graced by the presence of esteemed leaders, including Prof. Hamid AlNaimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah; Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies; Prof. Qutayba Hamid MD, PhD, FRCP, Vice Chancellor for Medical and Health Sciences; Dr. Salah Alhaj, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs; Dr. Amina Al Marzouqi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs; and Prof. Rabih Halwani, Director of the Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences. Their unwavering support underscored the importance of this initiative.

The inauguration by H.E. Dr. Hussain Alrand, Assistant Undersecretary of the Public Health Sector at the Ministry of Health and Prevention—UAE—added to the event's prestige. His inspiring vision for public health in the UAE and the region set a clear course for the centre’s ambitions.

Dr. Basema Saddik, Director of the Center of Excellence for Public Health, stated:"Together, we are paving the way for impactful research, innovative solutions, and transformative interventions that will significantly enhance health outcomes across communities. This milestone reflects the collective dedication and efforts of all who share our vision for a healthier future. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this day memorable. Your support and collaboration are vital as we continue to drive positive change and shape a future where public health thrives. Let us remain united in our mission to create lasting impact and foster well-being for all."

Insights from the Panel Discussions

The launch included two engaging panel discussions addressing pressing challenges in public health and exploring potential solutions.

During the first session, Dr. Ammar Al-Banna (Mental Health), Professor Dr. Michel Grivna (Injury Prevention), and Professor Dr. Tom Loney (Chronic Diseases) discussed research priorities and strategies to overcome obstacles in these critical areas.

The second session, moderated by Professor Dr. Mohamed Alam El-Din, focused on leveraging artificial intelligence and digital applications in public health. It featured Dr. Dilber Uzun Ozsahin, Dr. Amina Al-Marzouqi, and Dr. Mansour Habib Jafar Ali, who provided valuable insights into technology's transformative potential in improving health outcomes.

The event introduced the center’s nine research groups, each aligned with addressing priority public health areas. The centre also launched its first initiative focusing on diabetes stigma, presented by Dr Hamzah AlZubaidi, signalling a strong commitment to fostering impactful research and interventions.

The launch of the Center of Excellence for Public Health is a testament to the UAE’s progressive vision for health and well-being. With its focus on innovation, research, and collaboration, the center is set to become a hub for transformative public health initiatives that will improve community health outcomes.