Tribune News Network
Doha
The Department of Public Health at the College of Health Sciences at Qatar University (QU), in collaboration with the Qatar Foundation for Social Work, organised a distinguished introductory seminar aimed at highlighting the role of social centres and their relationship to public health in Qatar.
The seminar, titled ‘From Vision to Field: Public Health within its Social Framework for Qatar’s Tomorrow’, was attended by several officials, faculty members, QU students, and representatives of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work and its affiliated centres.
The event featured introductory sessions and presentations that showcased the joint efforts between various social centres and their significance in promoting public health and achieving sustainable development.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Hanan Abdul Rahim, dean of the College of Health Sciences at QU, emphasized that this event serves as an essential bridge connecting academia with practical application. It reflects the importance of integrating healthcare and social care as a necessary approach to viewing health holistically.
Dr. Abdul Rahim noted that the College of Health Sciences launched the Bachelor of Public Health program in 2012, making it the first program of its kind in Qatar. This was followed by the launch of the master’s program in 2015. Both programs offer theoretical and practical courses of the highest academic quality.
She further explained that the college is currently pursuing accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health, a step that underscores the college’s belief that health literacy is a fundamental skill that should be instilled in all members of society, not just those working in the healthcare sector.
Dr Abdul Rahim also highlighted that Qatar’s national strategy underscores the importance of building partnerships across various sectors and promoting a culture of shared societal responsibility to ensure health equity and sustainability.
Effective partnerships with social development organizations are a key component of this mission, as this collaborative approach ensures that health interventions align with social realities, bridging the gap between clinical care and social support systems.
Noor Al-Mohannadi, director of communications at the Qatar Foundation for Social Work, remarked, "Since its establishment, the Qatar Foundation for Social Work has been committed to providing comprehensive social services based on the values of social responsibility and sustainable development.
"This seminar sheds light on the vital roles played by our affiliated centres in areas such as family stability, orphan care, child and women protection, youth empowerment, care and rehabilitation for persons with disabilities, elder care, and support for behavioural health.”
She added, "Individual and collective efforts converge towards enhancing the well-being of individuals and achieving sustainable development. At the foundation, we believe that social work is not limited to service provision; it goes beyond that to become a driver of social and health change. Therefore, we always strive to strengthen our partnerships with academic institutions like QU and open new avenues for fruitful collaboration to address the social and health challenges facing our community.”
Al-Mohannadi affirmed that this seminar is a step towards raising awareness and deepening understanding of the importance of social work in promoting mental and social health.
Dr Karam Turk-Adawi, head of the Public Health Department at QU, stated, "This seminar represents a significant milestone in enhancing collaboration between the Public Health program at QU and the Qatar Foundation for Social Work along with its affiliated centres.