MBRF delegation visits DHA to explore future opportunities for collaboration
December 21, 2022 – A high-level delegation from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) led by H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of the Foundation, visited the headquarters of Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to further reinforce and develop prospects for cooperation between the two entities. H.E. Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority welcomed the delegation, which included Dr. Zhang Yongzhen, a renowned professor, and a recipient of the seventh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award in the individual category. Dr. Yongzhen was awarded this accolade for his ground-breaking research and remarkable contributions in the field of healthcare, especially in the study of epidemics and diseases as well as the development of vaccines.
During the visit, His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb emphasised the significance of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award, as it honours numerous knowledge achievements and contributions of individuals in various fields. He also highlighted that the key objective of this award comes in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, to advance knowledge by celebrating numerous remarkable knowledge achievements of individuals in the region and beyond, as well as promoting various innovations in the field.
Bin Huwaireb said: “At MBRF, we are committed to recognising the efforts and achievements of various innovators which had a positive effect on the globe, as well as humanity, crafting an ideal venue for the up-and-coming innovators and creators to advance different fields of knowledge. We further look forward to exploring innovative avenues for collaboration with the Dubai Health Authority, as they lead the efforts in implementing cognitive and scientific innovations in the healthcare sector of Dubai to accelerate the development of an even better medical system.”
His Excellency Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority highlighted the Authority’s commitment in providing complete assistance to various scientific research in multiple medical fields, in addition to creating an optimum environment that stimulates creativity, innovation, scientific and clinical research. By doing so, the Authority aims to achieve further positive health outcomes and match pace with the accelerated global developments in the medical field.
Furthermore, Al Ketbi praised Dr. Yongzhen for his pioneering efforts in scientific research, as well as his substantial contributions during the pandemic period. In early 2020, he was able to sequence the genome of the SARS-Cov-2 virus which caused COVID-19. This hastened both the research into the epidemic and the anti-vaccine development procedures. He has also conducted studies and research on haemorrhagic fever and rabies which played a crucial part in controlling these illnesses and creating preventative measures.
Al-Ketbi also expressed pleasure in cooperating with Dr. Yongzhen in the field of scientific research which serves as a key pillar for the development and sustainability of health services. He also highlighted the Authority's commitment to leveraging various global expertise and experiences in advancing academic education and scientific research in the fields of medicine and health sciences. This is in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.
Al-Ketbi further praised the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award during the meeting, for its remarkable efforts and pioneering role in advancing knowledge and scientific research, as well as highlighting various knowledge contributions that assist sustainable development.
Dr. Yongzhen is one of the recipients of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award 2022 in the individual category. Dr. Drew Weissman, who was instrumental in the creation of the modified messenger RNA technology utilised in COVID-19 preventative vaccinations, and Dr. Katalin Karikó, a researcher and biologist with notable contributions to the mRNA vaccine technique and ‘COVID-19’ vaccines, also received the award.
