Dr. Noha Al Zaabi Wins Down Syndrome Research Award for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Presented by the WHO

Emirates Health Services (EHS) announced that Dr. Noha Al Zaabi, Consultant in Genetic, Metabolic, and Pediatric Diseases at Al Fujairah Hospital, has won the Research Award in the field of Down Syndrome - the State of Kuwait Prize in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, presented by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr. Al Zaabi won the award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to advancing scientific research and healthcare services for people with Down syndrome and their families, as well as her role in enhancing integrated care systems for this group across the region.

His Excellency Dr. Essam Al Zarooni, Executive Director of the Clinical Services Sector at EHS, affirmed that this international honor reflects the advanced scientific standing of the medical professionals working across EHS facilities, highlighting their commitment to promoting research and innovation in priority health fields and contributing to the development of specialized care models based on global best practices.

“At Emirates Health Services, we place great importance on developing an integrated genetic care system and supporting research efforts that contribute to improving quality of life for patients and their families,” Dr. Al Zarooni added. “This aligns with national directions aimed at building a healthier society with a better quality of life, while reinforcing the UAE’s position as a regional Centre of excellence in medical research and specialized disciplines.”

For her part, Dr. Noha Al Zaabi expressed her pride in receiving this award, which represents an international recognition of the significant research and clinical efforts dedicated to Down syndrome, underscoring the interconnected efforts between medical staff and community partners to support this group.

“We are committed to developing specialized services that meet the health and social needs of people with Down syndrome and their families,” Dr. Al Zaabi continued. “To that end, we strive to adopt evidence-based early diagnosis and intervention programmes, in a bid to enhance caregiver capabilities and support community initiatives that empower this group and improve their quality of life.”

With her extensive experience in the field of genetic and metabolic diseases in children, Dr. Noha Al Zaabi has contributed to developing specialized care services for people with Down syndrome, launching initiatives to upskill healthcare providers, and supporting the establishment of civil society organizations for individuals affected by rare genetic diseases – including Down syndrome – and their families, in an effort to strengthen the community support system for this group.

She has also participated in implementing a range of research and scientific initiatives aimed at developing standardized protocols for screening, diagnosing, and managing Down syndrome, in accordance with the latest medical practices, in addition to enhancing partnerships with relevant entities. This contributes to providing integrated health and social services that support patients, their families, and the community at large.

This achievement reflects Emirates Health Services’ notable commitment to supporting scientific research and medical innovation, developing advanced specialised services that improve health indicators and quality of life, and advancing the UAE’s regional and international standing in the field of specialized healthcare.