The annual Conference on Pediatrics and Health Promotion, organized by the Emirates Society of Pediatrics and Neonatology, concluded with the participation of more than 1,500 doctors and healthcare professionals from within the UAE and abroad.
Dr. Entesar Al Hammadi, Consultant Pediatric Nephrologist, President of the Emirates Pediatric Society, and Head of Quality and Patient Safety at the Dubai Health Authority, highlighted that this year’s conference was held in a condensed format, lasting only a day and a half, to encourage greater interaction and focused discussions. The event featured five scientific tracks covering a variety of topics, with special emphasis on vaccinations, including those for children who travel. She noted that the overarching goal is to unify medical practices based on scientific evidence, ensuring that children across the UAE receive the same high standard of medical care.
For his part, Dr. Islam Al-Baroudi, Professor and Consultant of Pediatrics, Vice President of the Emirates Pediatric Society, and Chief Medical Officer of KidsHeart Medical Centers in collaboration with Columbia University, explained that the conference showcased the latest innovations in pediatric medicine. These included the nasal influenza vaccine, the expanded use of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for all children, and new tools for the early detection of malnutrition. He emphasized that such advancements will raise the overall standard of pediatric care and help standardize recommendations across the Gulf region.
The 2025 edition of the conference was a resounding success, featuring more than 33 workshops over two days, attended by over 1,000 medical practitioners. The event saw outstanding interaction between speakers and participants, achieving its primary aim of sharing accurate knowledge and exchanging experiences at the local, regional, and international levels.
In addition, the conference hosted 12 scientific lectures delivered by physicians from the UAE, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), neighboring Arab countries, as well as Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This diversity of perspectives enriched scientific discussions and broadened the scope of studies presented.
The event also included two specialized workshops with expert panels. Their outcomes will be developed into scientific papers to be published post-conference, further contributing to knowledge-sharing and the dissemination of successful practices.
Looking ahead, the conference discussed future initiatives in children’s theater, through joint collaboration between the education and health sectors. These projects aim to create supportive environments for children of all ages, including those with disabilities, thereby promoting well-being and holistic development.
Moreover, a specialized workshop led by Dr. Ali Al Matrooshi, Head of the Human Rights Department at Dubai Police, with the participation of members of the Child Protection Unit at the Dubai Health Authority, focused on raising awareness of children’s rights. The session addressed mechanisms for dealing with cases of child abuse, as well as communication channels with police and health authorities to ensure timely and appropriate care.