AGP Executive Report

Cancer Care Deal: Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health signed an MoU with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to establish a cancer treatment hospital in Qatar, following meetings with the PM on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Global Health Access: Qatar Charity inaugurated an integrated health centre in Ferizaj, Kosovo (and also opened a new centre in Malisheva), offering family medicine, dentistry, mental health and radiology, with free and low-cost services for an expected 200,000 beneficiaries. Gaza Health Fuel Crunch: UN agencies warned that 550,000 litres of fuel allowed into Gaza is still far below what’s needed to keep medical facilities and critical services running, citing unsustainable reliance on backup generators and urgent needs for oil, parts and power plant support. Sports Medicine Leadership: Aspetar named Professor Romain Seil as chief medical officer in Doha, aiming to strengthen clinical ties and partnerships. AI in Academia: Qatar University received an Academic AI and Research Excellence Award at the Google Cloud Summit 2026 for expanding AI tools across research and education.

Men’s Fertility Care: A Qatar study at Hamad Medical Corporation found sperm DNA fragmentation test results can shift with abstinence length, with higher DNA damage linked to longer abstinence and a suggested maximum of 4 days for diagnostic SDF assessment. Workplace Health & Safety: Qatar’s Ministry of Labour honoured partners in its 2026 Heat Stress Prevention Campaign, highlighting ongoing worker protection through monitoring, awareness and compliance support. Medication Literacy: Msheireb Museums and Sidra Medicine hosted a Science Café on safe use of medications and supplements, stressing clear, evidence-based communication to reduce self-medication risks. AI for Cardiac Monitoring: Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar medical students presented wearable AI research aimed at earlier detection of out-of-hospital cardiac abnormalities. Public Health in Emergencies: Qatar Red Crescent Society launched an environmental sanitation campaign in Khartoum East with Khartoum Cleaning Corporation to cut waste-related health risks for displaced and vulnerable residents. Digital Skills for Health Workforce: Google Cloud and Qatar Digital Academy announced a national skilling programme targeting 50,000 learning opportunities by 2030, supporting AI and cloud training that can strengthen future health and tech capacity.

UN Health Diplomacy & Humanitarian Support: Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim used the UN General Assembly to call for diplomacy over conflict, warning that Gulf instability is driving up the prices of food and medicine and straining lives far beyond the region. Digital Safety for Families: Qatar launched the “Digitally Aware Family” campaign to help parents and children manage digital risks, with 14 weeks of workshops, school visits, and guidance on safer phone and social media use. Medication & Supplement Safety: Sidra Medicine and Msheireb Museums hosted a “Science Café” on medication and dietary supplement safety, focusing on how to communicate clearly with healthcare providers and use evidence-based guidance. Public Health in Crisis Settings: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) began a three-month environmental sanitation campaign in Khartoum East, targeting hygiene improvements for about 330,000 displaced and vulnerable people. Sports Integrity (Anti-Doping): FIVB, WADA and beach volleyball player Kristen Nuss Cruz signed an agreement after a prohibited substance was found in her Doha sample; she received a two-month ineligibility. Local Wellness & Community: Qatar’s PHCC and QU-related wellness activities continued with patient-safety and health-awareness events, including World Patient Safety Day initiatives.

WHO science leadership: Qatar Precision Health Institute (QPHI) director Dr. Hamdi Mbarek has been appointed to the WHO Director-General’s Science Council, bringing expertise in human genomics, precision health and large-scale health data science to global public health priorities. Radiation safety upgrade: Qatar’s Radiation Protection Department trained its Radiation Measurement Laboratory team with support from the IAEA to strengthen skills in sample analysis and accurate monitoring of radioactive materials—supporting human health and environmental protection. Workplace safety milestone: ACCIONA reported 20 million safe man hours across Qatar water operations with 917 consecutive days without a lost-time injury, highlighting stronger risk management and safety culture. Humanitarian health continuity: UNHCR’s Qatar representative said Qatar’s partnership has provided $440m since 2010, including flexible funding that helps keep essential services like healthcare running during emergencies. Qatar Charity in health-linked housing: Qatar Charity expanded in Nigeria with an Abuja field office and a $10m integrated housing project that includes a health clinic and school. Health-tech investment momentum: Qatar Investment Authority and J.P. Morgan Asset Management signed a $20bn strategic partnership, with a private markets focus that includes healthcare. Global health workforce demand: Germany published a list of 31 in-demand roles for foreign skilled workers, including doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists and radiologic technologists.

WHO Science & Qatar Research: Dr Hamdi Mbarek of the Qatar Precision Health Institute has been appointed to the WHO Director-General’s Science Council, bringing expertise in genomics and precision health to global public-health priorities. Qatar Health & Humanitarian Systems: Qatar Red Crescent Society and the University of Geneva’s Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies launched a five-day workshop on “Health Humanitarian Diplomacy,” focused on rebuilding health systems after war. Biotech & Investment Signals: Iambic Therapeutics—backed by Nvidia and Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund—has filed for a US IPO, adding to a busy biotech listing season. Qatar Charity in Focus: Qatar Charity expanded its Abuja field office in Nigeria, scaling housing plus on-site health clinic and school support through a $10m integrated project. Patient Safety Push: Qatar’s 12th Patient Safety Week is set to begin soon under the “Safe Care for Life!” slogan, with multiple local health institutions involved. Tech & Privacy Watch: Samsung’s One UI 9 rollout adds AI video features that can track people and flag privacy risks, raising new questions for everyday smartphone use.

Humanitarian Health Diplomacy: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) and the University of Geneva’s Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies launched a five-day workshop in Doha on “Health Humanitarian Diplomacy,” focused on rebuilding health systems after war and improving access to aid in conflict-affected Arab countries. Preventive Care at PHCC: PHCC’s Wellness Section, with Qatar University’s College of Medicine, held a health awareness event for students and staff, offering guidance and interactive checks (including vital signs and BMI) and recording results in “health passports” to support early detection and healthier habits. Brain Health Research: Sidra Medicine marked World Alzheimer’s Day by highlighting new Genome Medicine research that improves early prediction of cognitive decline using a multi-threshold genetic risk approach linked to hippocampal changes. Patient Safety Culture: Qatar’s 12th Patient Safety Week begins Thursday under the “Safe Care for Life!” slogan, with PHCC also marking World Patient Safety Day by illuminating facilities in orange. Workplace Safety in Qatar: Acciona reported a major safety milestone across its Qatar water projects—20 million safe man-hours without a Lost Time Injury—reinforcing its risk management and safety culture. Wellness on Campus: UDST showcased healthy campus practices at the FISU World Forum 2026, sharing how sport and wellness support student wellbeing.

PHCC & QU Wellness Push: PHCC’s Wellness Section, with Qatar University College of Medicine, ran a prevention-focused awareness event for students and employees, offering guidance booths, interactive health stations, and checks recorded in “health passports” to help people spot risks early. School Health in Action: PHCC wrapped up its Back-to-School campaign (Aug 30–Sep 10), reaching 299 government schools with 94.9% coverage and nearly 927,000 engagements, including 496,536 student interactions. Healthy Campus Spotlight: UDST shared its “Active Body, Healthy Mind” approach at the FISU World Forum 2026 in Sweden, highlighting its Healthy Campus Programme work to support student wellness through sport and wellbeing initiatives. Hajj Health Requirement: Qatar’s Haj registration opened online for 1448 AH, with applicants required to obtain a medical fitness certificate via health centres across Qatar before screening and operator selection. Care Under Pressure Abroad: A report from Iran describes how sanctions and rising prices are driving medicine shortages, forcing patients to underdose or delay care—an urgent reminder of how health systems can buckle under economic strain.

School Health: PHCC wrapped up its 2026–2027 Back-to-School Campaign, reaching 299 government schools (94.9% coverage) and logging 926,708 engagements, including 496,536 student interactions, to promote healthy behaviours in classrooms. Hajj Health Checks: Qatar’s Hajj electronic registration for 1448 AH opens via hajj.gov.qa, with medical fitness certificates required; online screening follows after registration closes, and successful applicants get notifications from late October. Community Fitness: Doha Festival City’s RunFest 2026 (Sept 25) brings an indoor, chip-timed 1.3km circuit with 10km, 5km, and kids runs, plus warm-ups and an event village focused on wellbeing. Animal Health Law: Local livestock breeders welcomed Qatar’s new Animal Health Law (No. 12 of 2026), saying stronger rules will improve disease prevention, early reporting, and quarantine to protect food security. Wellness at Universities: UDST shared its FISU Healthy Campus approach at the FISU World Forum 2026, highlighting “Active Body, Healthy Mind” and a holistic campus wellness culture. Qatar Mediation & Health Diplomacy: Qatar’s UN role was reiterated, stressing peacebuilding and humanitarian support that includes health-focused programmes.

Animal Health Law: Qatar’s ratification of Law No. (12) of 2026 on Animal Health is being welcomed by livestock owners as a boost for disease prevention, faster outbreak response, and stronger controls on imported animals—key for protecting food security. Community Wellness: Doha Festival City is set to host “RunFest 2026” on Sept 25, with a 1.3km indoor course and races for all ages, plus warm-ups and an event village focused on wellbeing. Hajj Health Checks: Electronic registration for Hajj 1448 AH opens Sunday via hajj.gov.qa, with medical fitness certificates required and clear age rules for citizens and GCC residents. Workplace Safety Dialogue: Qatar’s Ministry of Labour held a second construction-sector roundtable with BWI, focusing on joint committees, worker participation, wage protection, and occupational safety and health. Patient Safety Spotlight: PHCC and partners marked World Patient Safety Day with orange lighting and campaigns aimed at safer care.

Qatar Health & Aid: Qatar’s International Media Office denied Israeli media claims about Gaza aid, saying Qatar never funds Hamas and that assistance (food, medicine, fuel) is delivered to Palestinian civilians via UN mechanisms coordinated with Israeli authorities. Gaza Fuel for Care: Qatar signed a UN agreement to provide about 1.3 million litres of fuel as a grant to support Gaza’s humanitarian needs and health services, including hospitals and medical centres. Patient Safety Focus: Qatar’s PHCC and partners are marking the 12th Qatar Patient Safety Week with public awareness activities under a “Safe Care for Life!” theme. Local Health System News: Hamad Medical Corporation opened a Sleep Health Clinic at Hamad General Hospital to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Prevention & Vaccines: Uttar Pradesh hit 100% of its HPV vaccination target, highlighting cervical cancer prevention momentum across the region. Health Risks from Conflict: A deadly vehicle bomb attack on a mosque near police offices in Pakistan killed at least 21 and injured 80, underscoring ongoing security-linked health impacts.

Qatar Gaza Aid Clarification: Qatar’s International Media Office says Israeli media claims about Qatar’s aid destination are “categorically false,” stressing Qatar never funds Hamas and that assistance (food, medicine, fuel) is provided to Palestinian civilians via mechanisms coordinated with Israeli authorities and UN partners. Gaza Health Support: Qatar signed an agreement with the UN to deliver about 1.3 million litres of fuel to Gaza as a grant to keep humanitarian and health services running, with part earmarked for hospitals and medical centres. Patient Safety Push: PHCC marked World Patient Safety Day 2026 by lighting key facilities orange and running a campaign under “Safe Care for Noncommunicable Diseases,” highlighting safer long-term care for conditions like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular and chronic respiratory illnesses. WHO Leadership Race: As the WHO top-job deadline nears, Qatar’s health minister Hanan Al Kuwari is among the candidates, with donor support and geopolitical shifts expected to shape the outcome. Healthcare Tech in the Region: Koning Health reports Australian regulatory approval for its Koning Breast CT System, enabling commercial supply in Australia. Aviation & Wellness Access: Qatar Airways won four Skytrax awards and retained its 5-star rating, including “World’s Best Onboard Wi-Fi,” supporting easier travel for patients and families.

Patient Safety in Qatar: PHCC and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education joined Qatar Patient Safety Week by illuminating key buildings in orange for World Patient Safety Day 2026, with the theme “Safe Care for Life” and a focus on safer, continuous care for noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular and chronic respiratory conditions. Gaza Health Support: Qatar announced a UN-facilitated grant of about 1.3 million litres of fuel for the Gaza Strip to keep hospitals and health centres running, supporting fuel-dependent healthcare for around 2.1 million Palestinians. Local Healthcare Quality: Aspetar Laboratory secured seventh consecutive CAP re-accreditation, reinforcing its diagnostic quality and patient-safety standards for elite athletes. Clinical Research (Qatar-linked): A PHCC-led study compared ACR TI-RADS and EU TI-RADS for thyroid nodule risk assessment, highlighting different strengths in sensitivity versus specificity. Patient-Safety Accountability: Qatar’s Court of Cassation overturned an appeal in a QR3m spinal surgery compensation case, pointing to preventable failures in safe surgical practice and post-op assessment.

Patient Safety Week push: PHCC lit its buildings orange for World Patient Safety Day 2026 and kicks off its Patient Safety Campaign (Sept 17–23), while Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education joins the same orange-light theme to back the “Safe Care for Life” message. Government-wide safety culture: The Ministry of Justice also took part in the national orange lighting campaign, focusing on preventable harm linked to non-communicable diseases and safer diagnosis, treatment, and medication use. Gaza health support: Qatar signed a UN agreement to deliver about 1.3 million litres of fuel to the Gaza Strip, aiming to keep hospitals and health centres running; the fuel-dependent services support around 2.1 million Palestinians. Local care quality: Aspetar Laboratory secured CAP re-accreditation for a seventh consecutive cycle, reinforcing its diagnostic quality and patient-safety standards for athletes. Workplace health: Qatar’s Ministry of Labour wrapped up a heat stress awareness and inspection campaign (June 1–Sept 15), targeting workers and employers with prevention-focused guidance. Thyroid care research: A Qatar-based study compared ACR TI-RADS and EU TI-RADS, finding different strengths in sensitivity vs specificity for spotting malignant thyroid nodules.

Workplace Health: Qatar’s Ministry of Labour has wrapped up its 2026 heat stress awareness and inspection campaign (June 1–Sept 15), running seminars and field inspections with partners including MoPH and the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund to boost compliance and reduce summer heat risks. Patient Safety: The 12th Qatar Patient Safety Week starts Thursday under “Safe Care for Life!”, with MoPH focusing on safer treatment for non-communicable diseases, plus shared decision-making, diagnostic safety and medication safety. Childhood Cancer Support: Qatar Cancer Society launched “Let’s Draw a Smile” to raise awareness of childhood cancers, promote healthier nutrition habits, and support families via a fundraising tie-in with participating cafés and restaurants. Diabetes Funding: Qatar’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs launched an endowment fund to help diabetes patients cover treatment costs and medicines. Healthcare Governance: Qatar’s Cabinet approved a draft decision reorganising the pharmaceutical registration committee, updating its powers and procedures to modernise how companies and products are registered. Public Health Education: MoJ and Qatar Television launched “Rule of Law” with episodes that include patient rights and legal responsibilities tied to healthcare services.

Diabetes Support: Qatar’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs launched a healthcare endowment fund to help diabetes patients cover treatment costs and medicines, easing financial burdens for beneficiaries. Patient Safety Push: The 12th Qatar Patient Safety Week begins Thursday under “Safe Care for Life!”, focusing on safer care for non-communicable diseases with shared decision-making, diagnostic safety and medication safety. Childhood Cancer Awareness: Qatar Cancer Society rolled out “Let’s Draw a Smile” to boost awareness of childhood cancers, promote healthy nutrition habits, and raise funds via QR5 donations from participating cafés and restaurants. Legal Rights for Health & Daily Life: The Ministry of Justice and Qatar Television launched “Rule of Law” with 16 episodes, including patient rights and healthcare-related legal responsibilities, plus topics like tenancy, labour rights, consumer protection and digital safety. Animal Health Law: A new animal health law requires owners to report suspected infectious or zoonotic diseases within 24 hours, with isolation and restrictions on disposal and transport. Humanitarian Health Aid: Qatar Charity allocated $1mn for emergency support to Yemeni refugees in Djibouti, including shelter, primary healthcare, safe water, hygiene and nutrition for mothers and children.

Patient Safety Focus: Qatar’s 12th Patient Safety Week kicks off Thursday under “Safe Care for Life!”, led by the Ministry of Public Health with a spotlight on safer treatment for non-communicable diseases, including shared decision-making, diagnostic safety, and medication safety. Public-Private Healthcare: Health Minister Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud met Qatar Businessmen Association leaders and private hospital representatives to boost private-sector participation in high-quality care, medical tourism, and long-term capacity building, alongside updates to health insurance and licensing procedures. Medical Tech & Devices: Hamad Medical Corporation joins QMED 2026 as a Strategic Sponsor (Oct 14–16, QNCC), backing the event that brings together healthcare institutions, device firms, and decision-makers. Genomics Summit: Sidra Medicine will host the Precision Medicine and the Future of Genomics (PMFG) Summit 2026 (Dec 7–9, QNCC), aiming to accelerate translation of genomics and AI into more equitable patient care. Community Eye Care: Qatar Charity ran a blindness prevention campaign in Senegal, screening 2,953 people and distributing eyeglasses and eye medicines to tackle cataracts.