DIHAD 2010 concluded today

Dubai, 6th April 2010 (WAM): the Dubai International humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD 2010) concluded its seventh edition today at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The event started on April 4th under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and organised by Index Conferences and Exhibitions, member of Index Holding, in cooperation with Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, the United Nations, the UAE Red Crescent Authority, Dubai Cares, Organization of Islamic Conference and the International Humanitarian City as platinum sponsor and other international and regional organisations.

For the past three days, DIHAD held discussions related to Health Challenges during crisis and disasters under the theme "Global Health Challenges of Tomorrow; Impact '&' Response" which underscored major health problems during humanitarian challenges. The conference had also attracted more attention to the recent disasters and crises one of which is Haiti earthquake, Food crisis and the global warming. In addition, all participated organisations and associations had presented their latest humanitarian activities and future programs.

Mr. Abdul Salam Al Madani Executive Chairman of DIHAD and president of Index, announced that the event was attended by a huge number of visitors and participants during the past three days. He also said "DIHAD succeeded on its seventh edition to fulfil its noble goals with the participation of world's top humanitarian speakers, organisations, associations and participants who gathered in Dubai for the past three days".

He also announced that DIHAD 2011 will take place from 28 - 30 of March 2010 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The main theme of the DIHAD 2011 conference will be announced later.

The third day sessions were about "the Pandemics, The Threat, Reality and Business Community Planning", "How can all concerned (Governments, international Organisations, The Private Sector, and Civil Society) collaborate more effectively in addressing health issues", "Treating Children with heart disease, cooperation between the UAE Red Crescent Authority and Bambini Cardiopatici Nel Mondo", and"Hospital Prepardness for Mass casulties in Palestine".

The closing ceremony was attended by Ms. Makiya Al Hajiri, The CEO of the International Humanitarian City (IHC) - The platinum sponsor of DIHAD 2010. Ms. Makiya Al Hajiri, was the lead speaker on the concluding day of the conference. She said: "IHC was pleased to be associated with DIHAD 2010, where we had a chance to meet key humanitarian organizations and learn more about the important challenges facing the world today. IHC is a symbol of Dubai's interest and commitment in the humanitarian sector and DIHAD gave us a valuable opportunity to exhibit our efforts." She also said that: "DIHAD had been and will continue to be in the coming years an exceptional platform for networking with the distinguished members of the humanitarian community to exchange information and uncover the humanitarian challenges which we need to overcome. IHC is honored to be part of this community".

She continued: "the objectives and vision of DIHAD coincide with those of IHC, with an ultimate goal to make Dubai and the UAE a bridge between the �East' and the �West' and provide humanitarian players with a place to network, learn and operate from. Our sponsorship for the event is recognition of DIHAD's role in promoting humanitarian efforts".

Mr. Gerhard Putman-Cramer, the Director of the DIHAD International Scientific Advisory Board (DISAB) announced the recommendations of DIHAD 2010 as follows; The conference reviewed the main trends in terms of health challenges, at the global level, and attempted to identify some constructive solutions, also so as to enhance the prospects of reaching some of the related Millennium Development Goals.

In this context, it was reiterated that while Global Health is one of the greatest challenges of our time, it is a challenge we can address. Maternal and child mortality, it was agreed, must be reduced, also by implementing some identified solutions to a number of recurring diseases affecting mostly the poor (e.g. Diarrhea).

Building better and more affordable health care systems (involving thereby also the most advanced technologies) was deemed essential.

The conference concurred on the need for coherent action on the part of all concerned, especially in those actions considered to be priorities in crises and in the aftermath of disasters.

Specific workshops were held to review issues related to health, and health care, in crisis-affected countries as well as the manner in which these can and should be addressed, also / especially at the community level, thereby taking into account vital perspectives (including gender).

Pandemics were reviewed in terms of how best these must continue to the addressed and prepared for.

Preparedness was, generally speaking, given much emphasis throughout the event, as was the importance of cooperation and coordinated action among all partners.

Special presentations provided highlights into individual contributions to specific medical solutions, especially involving children, and much appreciation was expressed on account of these.

Lastly, in one special presentation, it was recommended that an amendment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights could usefully be suggested, to the effect that the protection of health (of the individual, of the family, of the community at large) should constitute an inalienable right, indispensable to the peace and security of the planet.

WAM/TF