Boston:A UAE delegation, led by Minister of Health and Prevention Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, visited prominent healthcare, research, and academic institutions in Boston and New York to explore strategic partnerships in future medicine, research, and innovation.
According to Emirates News Agency , the delegation focused on key areas such as genomic medicine, early disease detection, artificial intelligence (AI), digital health, rare diseases, and specialized care. The visit coincided with the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and included representatives from Emirates Health Services (EHS) and the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH).
In Boston, the delegation engaged with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to develop an early cancer detection pathway using genomic testing. Discussions included risk assessment, genetic counseling, follow-up, and referral to treatment services, alongside training for physicians and patient care coordinators. Talks at Boston Children's Hospital centered on cooperation in diagnosing and treating rare pediatric diseases and developing centers of excellence.
The delegation also collaborated with Mass General Brigham on digital health, AI, research, innovation, and training, focusing on integrated care and specialties like cardiology, neuroscience, and cancer. Al Sayegh reviewed priorities related to sustainable healthcare financing and public health system development, with meetings also held at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
In New York, discussions with NewYork-Presbyterian covered physician exchanges, training, research, and innovation, particularly in pediatric cardiology, organ transplantation, and gene therapy. The team explored research cooperation at The Mount Sinai Hospital, focusing on oncology services and proton therapy facilities.
During a U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council meeting, further opportunities to expand healthcare cooperation were discussed. The delegation also met with representatives from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Cedars-Sinai, Penn Medicine, and Johnson & Johnson. Al Sayegh emphasized developing a healthcare leadership training program with Johns Hopkins to enhance investment in healthcare professionals.
The EHS delegation held discussions with Northwell Health on neuroscience, cardiology, and digital health, and toured NYU Langone Health to continue collaborations through a visiting-physician program. EHS plans to follow up with the visited institutions to create actionable plans for cooperation.