Sidra Medicine Announces Inaugural MENA Microbiome Conference in Qatar

Doha: Sidra Medicine, a Qatar Foundation entity, will host its inaugural Middle East and North Africa Human Microbiome Conference (MENA Microbiome) from 28 to 29 September, 2024 at The Plaza Hotel in Doha. The event will be held in partnership with the renowned Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), creating a platform for knowledge exchange and driving breakthroughs in microbiome research. Titled 'From Biomarkers Discovery to Microbiota-based Therapeutics', MENA Microbiome will delve into the latest developments in microbiome research, highlighting its critical impact on human health. It will explore the multifaceted role of microbiota in human health, covering its influence on diseases like obesity, cancer, diabetes, infectious diseases, and pregnancy complications such as preterm birth. Dr. Souhaila Al Khodor, Director of Reproductive and Perinatal Health at Sidra Medicine and MENA Microbiome Co-Chair, said: "Microbiomes play a big role in our health and predisposition to diseases. It is also an are a where Sidra Medicine is paving the way for novel and ground-breaking research and therapeutics. With the growing microbiome research network in the region, MENA Microbiome will provide a crucial platform for interdisciplinary discussions and accelerate advancements in the field. It is clear that this is a topic of immense interest, as we have over 600 delegates who will be attending the conference." Ruth Frey, Vice President, Global Strategy and Business Development, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia said: "CHOP and Sidra Medicine currently have several robust collaborations in place. Our partnership with Sidra Medicine with the MENA Microbiome Conference builds upon this relationship. These bi-lateral, institutional efforts to transfer clinical knowledge and research expertise support the combined vision of advancing pediatric healthcare worldwide." MENA Microbiome will feature top experts from Europe, North America, the Middle East and South East Asia. Source: Qatar News Agency