HMC and SickKids celebrate three year milestone

Dr. Abdulla Al Kaabi, Project Director, HMC/SickKids International Partnership Project, whose team has been leading the efforts at HMC, said the aim of the partnership is to develop excellence in pediatrics by building capacity and sustainability through transfer of knowledge and skills.

The scope of the partnership project is multifaceted, encompassing every aspect of pediatric healthcare in the country, from primary to tertiary pediatric services.

Through the partnership, significant strides have been made in developing clinical programmes to ensure that child health services in Qatar are delivered in accordance with international best practice. Other components of the partnership focus on education and training of staff and development of Child Health Research.

Ms. Mary Jo Haddad, President and CEO of The Hospital for Sick Children visited Doha recently to celebrate the anniversary of the partnership. Ms Haddad stated, "HMC has a strong and inspiring goal to improve children's health in Qatar. It has been a great pleasure to work with our colleagues at HMC. Our partnership has been a highly collaborative one, where we have been able to learn and share knowledge that will benefit children and their families."

Dr. Abdulla Al Kaabi has been honored for his contribution to developing children's health in Qatar and for his efforts in pioneering this unique partnership. He was awarded with the prestigious Honorary SickKids Alumni Award by Ms. Haddad in recognition of his leadership, passion and commitment to improving the health of children and families in Qatar. He is the first clinician outside of North America to receive this recognition.

"It was a great honor to be recognized by my peers," he said. "However, the SickKids collaboration is a true partnership and I am proud to be playing a part in improving the health of children in Qatar," he added.