Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF) today announced a new collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) to launch a national endowment fund to combat diseases and support epidemiological research under the theme ‘Let’s enhance national health and well-being’. The core objective of the initiative that is being rolled out during the Holy Month of Ramadan, is to contribute to fighting the health challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, support efforts to eradicate diseases and epidemics, and aid health-focused studies and research.

The healthcare waqf is an urgent and proactive response to mitigate the health consequences of the COVID-19 crisis that has demonstrated the importance of early diagnosis of diseases in protecting individuals and society and eliminating their social and economic impact.

Headquarters for academic research The endowment aims to support studies of infectious diseases and epidemics at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, in coordination with competent health authorities and stakeholders, to enhance the UAE’s preparedness in dealing with emerging and recurrent infectious diseases. In addition, it seeks to facilitate studies on anti-microbial resistance and review a huge database of epidemics towards finding solutions to deal with various expected scenarios.

Health First Ali Al Mutawa, Secretary General of AMAF, said: "This health endowment seeks to complement the most promising government efforts to address current and possible future outbreaks of epidemics and diseases. Through adopting an approach that ensures efficiency in determining priorities and in synergy with relevant authorities, a part of the fund is to be allocated to enabling the seamless efforts of health organizations and support research and laboratory tests conducted by health centres, universities and colleges specialising in medical studies."

He added: "As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, once said, health today surpasses the economy and politics in its importance to society. It has now become a top priority for nations and people in the exceptional times we are in. This initiative is directed towards providing modern equipment and solutions to assist patients and enhance national efforts to build an economy based on research and knowledge.

News Source : http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302839452