AGP Executive Report

HPV Vaccine Rollout in Schools: Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health has announced the HPV vaccine will be offered in the National School Vaccination Campaign starting September 20, covering more than 75,000 boys and girls across 301 government and private schools (Grades 8–10) in two phases, with voluntary consent required—aimed at preventing HPV-related cancers. Sleep Health Access: Hamad Medical Corporation opened a Sleep Health Clinic at Hamad General Hospital for adults with non-respiratory sleep disorders, offering assessments and treatment options including cognitive behavioural therapy, with referrals via PHCC and HMC clinics. Digital Safety for Families: The Ministry of Social Development and Family launched the “Digitally Aware Family” campaign to help parents and children build safer, more responsible technology habits and reduce online risks, linking digital safety to child wellbeing and mental health. Eye Care Abroad (Qatar Charity): Qatar Charity’s Ibsar initiative delivered major cataract surgery and eye care in Zanzibar and northern Nigeria, helping thousands regain sight and expanding plans for further specialised services. Athlete Health Advisory: The Qatar Olympic Committee issued guidance for athletes heading to the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, focusing on acclimatisation, hydration, electrolyte intake, nutrition, and sun protection. Community Health Through Sport: The Filipino Bankers in Qatar 3x3 league promoted an active lifestyle and community wellbeing through basketball.

Sleep & Mental Health Access: Hamad Medical Corporation opened a Sleep Health Clinic at Hamad General Hospital for adults with insomnia and other sleep problems linked to stress or anxiety, offering assessments and treatment such as cognitive behavioural therapy, with referrals via PHCCs and specialty/psychiatry clinics. Family Digital Safety: Qatar’s Ministry of Social Development and Family launched the “Digitally Aware Family” campaign to help parents protect children online and use technology safely and responsibly, framing digital safety as a family and mental wellbeing priority. Arthritis Care in Doha: A local explainer highlights arthritis as a treatable medical condition (not just aging), outlining symptoms and modern non-surgical options for managing chronic joint pain and stiffness. Eye Health Impact Abroad: Qatar Charity and partners carried out 1,074 eye surgeries in northern Nigeria, restoring sight for 1,018 vulnerable people, with cataract-related cases making up about 98% of procedures. Humanitarian Scale-Up: Qatar Charity reported QR809mn in humanitarian and development work from January to July 2026, reaching over 10 million people across 44 countries, including major support in Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia and Syria. Community & Wellness Through Sport: Doha Bank won the inaugural Filipino Bankers 3x3 league in Qatar, promoting teamwork and an active lifestyle among Filipino banking professionals. Falconry & Veterinary Advances: S’hail 2026 wrapped up after a decade of heritage, with growing focus on falcon healthcare and pre-purchase bird examinations.

Arthritis Care in Qatar: A new Doha-focused guide breaks down arthritis beyond “aging,” outlining common symptoms like joint pain and morning stiffness and pointing readers to modern non-surgical management options. Eye Health in the Region: Qatar Charity reports an “Ibsar” eyesight push in Nigeria, delivering 1,074 eye surgeries for 1,018 people and providing screenings, free medication and white canes for those with preventable vision loss. Qatar Charity Global Impact: QC says it delivered about QR809m in humanitarian and development work from January to July 2026, reaching 10m+ people across 44 countries, including relief in Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia and Syria. Falcon Health & Vet Care at S’hail 2026: The Katara International Hunting and Falconry Exhibition highlighted pre-purchase falcon examinations and diagnostic services, underscoring growing attention to animal healthcare. Mouth-to-mangrove Learning: ExxonMobil Qatar’s Mangrove Lab brings mangrove research to hands-on STEAM activities for children, turning coastal science into simple experiments. Travel Safety Amid Middle East Tensions: International SOS urges travellers to review plans and monitor risks across the region, including airspace and maritime disruption tied to ongoing conflict.

Food Safety in Qatar: Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health has launched an optional service letting food handlers take the licensing exam outside Qatar at accredited centres, with results used to support professional practice licensing without retaking the test locally. Patient Care & Sports Medicine: Aspetar is leading medical support for Qatari athletes at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, while HMC is highlighting early diagnosis and brain health during Alzheimer’s Month. Public Health Workforce: MoPH also rolled out the food handler examination service to strengthen food safety system capacity and workforce competence, with reports provided in Arabic and English. Regional Security & Health Risks: Qatar condemned drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, warning the escalation threatens regional security and stability. Shipping Disruption: Maersk introduced emergency freight rates tied to Strait of Hormuz disruption, with extra charges up to US$4,800 per container affecting ports including Qatar. Cybersecurity Watch: US lawmakers urged action to blacklist three India-based companies over alleged hack-for-hire and data theft, raising broader concerns for organisations handling sensitive health and legal data.

Food Safety & Workforce Skills (Qatar): Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health has launched an optional service letting food handler candidates sit the licensing exam outside Qatar at accredited centres, with results shared to help employers assess strengths, plan training, and issue licences without re-testing in Qatar (Arabic and English available). Oral Health (Qatar): PHCC’s Asnani School Oral Health Programme screened 25,985 students in 2025–2026, applied fluoride varnish to 19,454, and referred 5,813 for follow-up dental care. Older Persons Rights (Qatar): Qatar told the UN Human Rights Council that protecting the dignity and rights of older people remains a priority, highlighting an integrated healthcare and legislative framework and the respectful term “Kibar Al Qadr.” Regional Health Context: New data on Gaza departures suggests about 10,500 people left over the past year, with most linked to medical evacuations. Health Tech/Research (Global): Quantinuum announced participation in a growth conference, noting its work with pharma and healthcare-related sectors.

Older Persons Rights: Qatar told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva that protecting the dignity, humanity and rights of older people is a lasting priority, supported by an integrated legislative and healthcare framework. School Oral Health: PHCC’s Asnani School Oral Health Programme screened 25,985 students and delivered fluoride varnish to 19,454, with referrals and follow-ups for further dental care. Food Safety Workforce: MoPH launched an optional overseas Food Handler Licensing Examination at accredited centres, aiming to assess competence early and help food businesses issue licences without retesting in Qatar. Patient-Centred Care: Hamad Medical Corporation won a Platinum Award for patient-centred care from the Arab Hospitals Federation, ranking first in the Arab world for patient experience. Sports Medicine Support: Aspetar led a 28-strong medical team supporting Qatari athletes at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, providing clinic and venue coverage. Human Capital Push: Qatar reaffirmed education and skills development under NDS3 and QNV 2030, including early childhood upgrades and stronger teacher development.

Food Safety & Licensing: Qatar’s MoPH launched an optional service letting food handler candidates take the Food Handler Licensing Examination outside Qatar at accredited centres, with performance reports to help employers decide training needs and issue licences without retesting in Doha. Public Health Enforcement: Qatar’s General Tax Authority seized over 200kg of tobacco products during an inspection campaign, targeting outlets with goods lacking approved tax stamps and unauthorised excise items, and urged importers to use the Dhareeba track-and-trace system. Patient-Centred Care: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) won the Arab Hospitals Federation Platinum Award for Patient-Centred Care, ranking first in the Arab world for patient experience. Precision Oncology in Qatar: A new report highlights how Qatar is tackling underrepresentation in global genomic datasets, linking Qatar Genome Programme and Qatar Biobank to move precision oncology from discovery to clinical care. Travel Wellness: Hamad International Airport rolled out a “Vitality and Wellness Studio” at The Orchard, offering complimentary 20-minute guided relaxation sessions for adult travellers. Sports Medicine: Aspetar is leading a 28-strong medical team supporting Qatar’s delegation at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games in Japan, with clinic coverage and on-venue care for athletes.

Airport Wellness: Hamad International Airport launched the “Vitality and Wellness Studio” at The Orchard, offering complimentary 20-minute guided sessions (stretching, breathing, red-light therapy mats) for adult travellers aged 18+ until Oct 25. Food Safety Watch: Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health reported 97% compliance in H1 2026 after testing 7,755 food samples, with strong results for fresh produce (98%), fish/seafood (98%+), meat/poultry (93%+), and dairy (98%+). Travel Recovery: HIA also introduced the “Travel Recovery Studio” at ORCHARD, again using breathing, gentle movement and red-light therapy mats to help passengers reset between flights from Sept 6 to Oct 25. Paediatric Neuroscience: Sidra Medicine will host PNC 2026 (Oct 29–31), alongside the 3rd GCC Paediatric Neurology Conference, focusing on diagnosis and treatment of paediatric neurological conditions. Infectious Disease Alert: Hamad Medical Corporation reported what it says is the first documented human case of camelpox in Qatar, linked to handling infected camels without protective gloves. Sports Medicine Support: Aspetar leads a 28-strong medical team supporting Qatar’s delegation at the 20th Asian Games in Japan, providing clinic and venue coverage for athletes.

Food Safety Watch: Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health says 97% of 7,755 food samples tested in Jan–Jun 2026 met safety requirements, with fresh fruit and vegetables hitting a 98% compliance rate. Public Health & Care: Hamad Medical Corporation reports what it calls the first documented human camelpox case in Qatar after a man developed painful arm sores following camel farm exposure. Childhood Education: Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education, via a KG1 training push, is preparing kindergarten staff for the return of three-year-olds, with intensive workshops for teachers and nurses. Vision Access: Qatar Charity says it delivered 1,074 eye surgeries in Nigeria under its “Ibsar” initiative, restoring sight for 1,018 vulnerable people. Health Diplomacy: Qatar reaffirmed in Geneva that protecting older persons’ dignity and rights is a long-term priority, supported by an integrated legislative and healthcare framework. Research & Aquaculture: Qatar University researchers published the first organ-by-organ cellular atlas for the Arabian Gulf rabbitfish, aiming to improve aquaculture disease detection.

Qatar Food Safety Update: Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health says 97% of 7,755 food samples tested in the first half of 2026 met safety requirements, with fresh fruit and vegetables showing a 98% compliance rate for pesticide residues and microbial contaminants. Sustainable Campus Health Education: Ashghal has completed the final GSAS design compliance audit for Qatar University’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences building, targeting a 4-star rating (up from 3) through energy/water efficiency, lower environmental impact, and improved indoor air quality. Eye Care for Refugees: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), with Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, launched a four-month ophthalmology project in Cox’s Bazar for Rohingya refugees and host communities, including free eyeglasses, medications, and 400 cataract surgeries with follow-up care. Student Health Innovation: Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) students advanced “HERO” to the EF Hult Prize Global Accelerator, developing a portable hyperbaric emergency oxygen device aimed at improving heart-attack survival. Global Health Warning: UNESCO reports attacks on schools rose 33% in 2025, underlining ongoing risks to children’s learning and safety.

Ophthalmology Access: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) and Bangladesh Red Crescent Society launched an ophthalmology project for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar, with 15 field campaigns over four months, free eyeglasses and medications, and referrals for cataract surgery plus support for 400 surgeries. Hospital Care in Focus: Hamad Medical Corporation published a clinical case on a rare complication during breast cyst drainage, where a needle accidentally fell and led to a small pneumothorax—managed conservatively with follow-up imaging. Digital Health & Regulation: Qatar’s General Tax Authority will digitise sweetened drink registration from Nov 1 via the Dhareeba platform, sending samples to accredited labs and auto-transferring test results to cut paperwork and speed approvals. Wellness for Founders: Startup Grind Doha is partnering with nutrition and wellness providers to support founder health as a driver of longer-term startup resilience. Healthcare Funding Signals: Qatar’s Ministry of Finance reported QAR 4.4bn in government tenders and auctions in Q2 2026, with Health among the leading sectors.

Alzheimer’s Awareness: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) will host a World Alzheimer’s Month event on Sept 10 (8am–1pm) at Al Rumailah Hospital, focusing on dementia education, brain health, and the importance of earlier diagnosis through multidisciplinary Memory Clinic teams. Healthcare Education Partnerships: The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) signed MoUs with The View Hospital and Korean Medical Center (KMC) to expand clinical training, applied research, staff exchanges, and joint conferences. Vision Care Support: DAAM signed a three-year (2026–2028) funding deal with Al Noor Centre to buy specialized equipment and a medical device for its vision clinic, aiming to improve eye-care for people with visual impairment. Humanitarian Health Cooperation: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent Society (SARCS) and opened a representation office in Damascus to scale up relief and development work. Public Health Access in Conflict: Qatar stressed dialogue and humanitarian diplomacy to keep conflict-hit children’s access to food, healthcare, and education from being blocked by politics. Digital Health-Adjacent Services: Qatar’s General Tax Authority will move sweetened-drink analysis certificates to electronic submission via the Dhareeba platform from Nov 1, reducing manual steps and improving data flow.

Alzheimer’s Awareness: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) will host a World Alzheimer’s Month event on Sept 10 (8am–1pm) at Al Rumailah Hospital, with public stands on dementia, brain health, early diagnosis and modifiable risk factors, plus Memory Clinic support and a follow-up exhibition on World Alzheimer’s Day (Sept 21). Vision Care Support: The Social and Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM) signed a three-year (2026–2028) funding deal with Al Noor Centre to buy specialized equipment and a medical device for its vision clinic, aiming to strengthen eye-care services for people with visual impairment. Child-Sensitive Humanitarian Access: Qatar stressed that children’s access to food, healthcare and education must not be used as leverage in conflict, calling for dialogue, mediation and humanitarian diplomacy to protect civilians. Digital Health & Training Links: UDST signed MoUs with View Hospital and Korea Medical Centre (Apex Health) to expand clinical training, applied research and staff exchanges. Healthcare Sector Investment: Qatar Development Bank joined QMED 2026 as strategic development partner, backing innovation and growth in medical devices and healthcare technology. Lab Testing Goes Digital: From Nov 1, sweetened drink analysis certificates will be approved electronically via the Dhareeba platform through accredited labs, reducing manual steps for product registration. Disability Rights: UN disability rights committee published findings including on Qatar, urging stronger support systems and safeguards for people with disabilities.

Eye Care Support: DAAM signed a three-year (2026-2028) funding deal with Al Noor Center to buy specialized equipment and provide a medical device for its vision clinic, aiming to strengthen eye-care services for people with visual impairment. Back-to-School Sports Nutrition: Aspetar shared practical nutrition tips for young athletes as the new academic year starts, stressing balanced breakfasts, smart snacks, and lunch built around carbs, protein, and fruit/vegetables for energy, growth, and focus. Primary Care Demand: PHCC reported 447,782 health centre visits in August, up 17.6% from July, with Family Medicine Clinics leading (246,137), plus growth and vaccination checks through Well-Baby Clinics. Cancer Prognosis Insight: A study suggests patients’ answers to oncologists’ questions can help predict survival in chronic lymphocytic leukemia by flagging clinically meaningful symptom and daily-functioning problems. Community Health Volunteering: ICBF ran a platelet donation drive at HMC with 80 volunteers, highlighting how community giving supports patients needing critical care. Regional Health Coordination: Qatar joined GCC health meetings in Bahrain, including work on strategic storage of food and medicines and follow-ups on drug-combat and food risk assessment plans.

Qatar’s Digital Health & Services Push: The Ministry of Municipality rolled out 38 new services on the Oun app, including veterinary quarantine, import permits, and veterinary health certificates—aimed at faster, fully online procedures for animal and agricultural transactions. Hajj Health Planning: Awqaf opened registration for the 1448 AH Hajj season (quota: 4,400) from Sept 20 to Oct 20 via hajj.gov.qa, with health-capacity requirements and mandatory health fitness certificates. GCC Health Cooperation: Qatar joined GCC Gulf Health Council and Health Ministers’ Committee meetings in Bahrain, focusing on strategic storage of food and medicines, expatriate workers, and a Gulf food risk assessment centre. Local Wellness & Fitness: Dukhan Bank returned as supporting partner of the Seashore Phoenix Games, a functional fitness event at Aspire Zone (Sept 10–14). Community Care & Charity: Qatar Charity marked International Day of Charity with humanitarian food support in Syria and stories showing giving beyond medical aid. Public Health in Focus: A Qatar study highlights how smartphones and WhatsApp are reshaping older adults’ connections, while ageism and the digital divide still block many seniors. Safety Update: A Nigerian woman reported missing after arriving in Doha was found safe in hospital after becoming ill. Regional Health Risk: Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau eruption stranded 150,000+ travellers and prompted health advice for people in ash-affected areas to stay indoors and wear masks.

Hajj Health Check: Qatar’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs opens Hajj registration for citizens and residents on Sept 20 (midnight) to Oct 20 via the official portal, with a 4,400-pilgrim quota and a mandatory health fitness certificate from Qatar health centres. Digital Visa Convenience: The Ministry of Interior urges on-arrival visa extensions to be renewed online via moi.gov.qa, with health insurance requirements checked before e-payment and completion. Paediatric Research Push: Sidra Medicine is trialling newborn genome sequencing in Qatar, aiming to position the country as a research-driven paediatric care hub. Social Care Reform: Qatar plans a nationwide social care framework under NDS3, including more licensed social workers, home-based support for seniors, and early intervention for children. Workplace Health Admin: A nutrition expert calls for a unified electronic sick-leave platform to reduce paper use and fraud risk. Community Health Action: An ASEAN community in Doha held a blood donation drive at the Qatar National Blood Donation Centre. Fitness & Wellness: Dukhan Bank returns as supporting partner of the Seashore Phoenix Games, encouraging active lifestyles. When to See a Specialist: A Qatar health explainer highlights red flags in shoulder pain that may need professional assessment. Volcanic Disruption Abroad: Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau eruption led to flight suspensions and thousands of stranded passengers, including routes affecting Doha.