Doha: Sidra Medicine, a Qatar Foundation entity, will host its inaugural Middle East and North Africa Human Microbiome Conference (MENA Microbiome) from September 28-29, 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 area 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.”

Dr. Annalisa Terranegra, Principal Investigator at Sidra Medicine and MENA Microbiome Co-Chair, said: 

“The MENA Microbiome Conference is the first of its kind in the region and is uniquely positioned to address the specific health challenges and opportunities presented by our region, particularly those affecting women and children. By bringing together researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, and policymakers, we aim to bridge the gap between fundamental research and clinical application. This will also help healthcare providers develop personalized strategies tailored to the specific needs of their patients.”

MENA Microbiome will feature top experts from Europe, North America, the Middle East and South East Asia. Dr. Rayana Bou Haka, World Health Organization Representative and Head of the WHO Office in Qatar and Dr. Muna Al Maslamani, Medical Director of Communicable Disease Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, will be presenting opening remarks. Prof. Alessio Fasano, Professor of Pediatrics from Harvard Medical School, USA and Prof. Peer Bork, Director of EMBL Heidelberg, Germany will each be keynote speakers for Day 1 and Day 2 of the conference respectively.

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.”

Both Dr. Al Khodor and Dr. Terranegra will be discussing the latest microbiome research they are conducting at Sidra Medicine. Dr. Al Khodor’s talk will be on “Multi-Omics of microbial and host factors for a better understanding of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease” while Dr. Annalisa’s presentation is about “Precision nutrition approach to pediatric type 1 diabetes.”