The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) has announced that Al Jazeera Media Network (AJMN) will be its official international broadcast media partner for the WISH 2016 Summit taking place from 29 - 30 November in Doha, Qatar.

The partnership recognises the alignment of the two organisations’ shared goals, which highlight and raise awareness of the impact of healthcare and innovation within Qatar, the Arab region and the world. WISH has become a meeting point for thousands of high-level policymakers, academics, and professionals. It has also evolved into a key platform for the dissemination of healthcare innovation and best practices.

With a shared interest in reporting on pressing healthcare challenges, WISH, an initiative of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), and AJMN are working together to promote and highlight the critical role that research and policy discussion can have on improving global health systems.

Commenting on the partnership, Mayan Zebeib, Chief Communications Officer, QF, said: “Qatar Foundation is delighted to support WISH’s partnership with Al Jazeera, which will further help to reinforce Qatar’s role as an emerging centre for healthcare innovation. Through Al Jazeera’s incisive and expert reporting, this partnership will allow for unparalleled coverage of key insights from WISH delegates and tangible evidence-based research presented throughout this important global conference.”

Al Jazeera Media Network’s Executive Director of Global Brand, Marketing & Communications Division, Abdulla Alnajjar, said: “Al Jazeera Media Network is honoured to be the official media partner of WISH and part of its community, dedicated to improving healthcare worldwide. The summit will highlight how innovation and research can help solve some of the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges. Through this partnership, the network is reinforcing its commitment to tell those stories.”

As part of the partnership, Al Jazeera will promote the impact of WISH’s work through a broadcast and online media campaign. The conference will be broadcast live on Al Jazeera Mubasher and will also be available for viewing on the WISH website (www.wish.org.qa).  

Al Jazeera anchor, Sami Zeidan, will moderate a panel discussion on Genomics in the Gulf Region and Islamic Ethics, to take place on 29 November from 2pm – 3.30pm; journalist Tarek Bazley will moderate two panel discussions, one on Autism to take place on 29 November from 11am – 12.30pm, and another on Cardiovascular Disease to take place on 30 November from 11am – 12.30pm.

Al Jazeera journalists will also cover the summit. This year’s event will again feature innovation showcases from around the world that are shaping the design, delivery, and financing of care, as well as a cohort of young innovators; emerging healthcare leaders under the age of 30, whose contributions to global health deserve wider recognition.

The WISH 2016 Summit will feature nine panel discussions that highlight and address some of the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges, including Accountable Care, Autism, Behavioural Insights, Cardiovascular Disease, Genomics in the Gulf Region and Islamic Ethics, Healthy Populations, Investing in Health, and Precision Medicine. Internationally-renowned experts will chair the discussions. For the first time, WISH will also report on its impact, locally and globally, on issues previously highlighted at the conference, such as diabetes and patient safety.