Dr Farida AlHosani Joins WHO's PIP Framework Advisory Group

Wam.ae: Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) has announced that Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Infectious Disease Expert and Executive Director of Infectious Diseases and Official UAE Spokesperson for the Health Sector, has joined the World Health Organisation's (WHO) Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework (PIP Framework) Advisory Group as a Member for the period 2022-2024.

Members of the Advisory Group are appointed by the Director-General of the World Health Organisation and serve, in their personal, expert capacity, for three years.

The key goal of the framework is to improve and strengthen the sharing of information about influenza viruses with human pandemic potential and increase access to vaccines and other pandemic related supplies for developing countries.

Commending the recognition, Matar Saeed Rashed Al Nuaimi, Director-General of ADPHC, said, "This accomplishment celebrates a distinguished career and is a source of pride for us all, given the significant standing that the PIP Framework holds on an international level.

Dr. Farida Al Hosani has been an active participant across global, WHO level activities, and plays an integral role in the UAE's response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. She is a pioneering figure and adds to a long list of Emirati females engaged at an international level within their related fields."

He added, "This would not have been possible without the support of our wise leadership who have provided Emirati women with the tools and resources to succeed, whilst also emphasising the efforts that H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, has provided to Emirati women."

Dr. Al Hosani said, "I am honoured to be joining the WHO's PIP Framework Advisory Group and contributing my expertise to addressing global pandemics and advancing pandemic preparedness at a global level.

"As a proud Emirati female, I want to share my deep appreciation for our leadership and thank them for the support they have provided me in enhancing my skills and attaining the highest qualifications in public health and healthcare policy. I am looking forward to working closely with partners and experts from all over the world to support international healthcare efforts and build a healthy future for generations."

The PIP Framework is focused on sharing information around influenza viruses and promoting access to vaccines and other benefits. It was adopted in May 2011 by the 64th World Health Assembly, which comprises 18 members drawn from three Member States in each WHO Region.

The primary purpose of the Advisory Group is to monitor the implementation of the PIP Framework and provide evidence-based reporting, assessment and recommendations regarding its functioning to the WHO Director-General.