Qatar has taken a significant step towards adopting personalized and preventive healthcare with the official launch of the Qatar Precision Health Institute (QPHI) by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation.

The new institute will build on Qatar's pioneering work in genomics over the last decade through Qatar Biobank and the Qatar Genome Program. It aims to accelerate the country's shift towards precision health by translating research findings into clinical applications that can directly benefit patients.

At the launch event, Sheikha Moza lauded Qatar's leading role in the region by being the first to establish a population-based genome program to ensure Arab genomes are represented in global databases. 

"Qatar's efforts have led to faster and more accurate diagnoses of diseases for people from the region," She said. "QPHI is building on those successes and taking our knowledge forward to implement clinical solutions for a healthier future."

QPHI will focus on identifying key clinical areas reflecting Qatar's needs, scaling up precision medicine for use in clinical practice, and establishing policies to guide this emerging field. It will continue studying the Arab genome by recruiting more Qataris, analyzing biological samples, and making vital health data accessible to researchers.

A panel discussion on laying the foundations for personalized medicine highlighted how Qatar is enhancing cooperation between research and clinical care. Experts noted the importance of precision health for early cancer detection and prevention.

"Tumors are genetic diseases - 95% in affected organs," said Dr. Salha Bujassoum from Hamad Medical Corporation. "Through partnerships like QPHI's biobank, we can now treat diseases before symptoms by taking proactive measures based on genomic information."

An exhibition showcased QPHI's pioneering projects utilizing genomic data, such as investigating genetic risk for breast cancer, optimizing medication through pharmacogenomics, and providing personalized wellness reports. It also highlighted Qatar's advanced capabilities, having sequenced over 40,000 genomes and attained biotechnology certification.

"Qatar is now a regional leader in precision health research," said Dima Darwish from QPHI. "Our efforts are focused on preventive care, accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment by translating research into clinical practice."

Minister of Public Health Dr. Hanan Al Kuwari stated the new institute demonstrates Qatar's vision to harness science and innovation to improve population health through more personalized healthcare approaches optimized for individuals.