(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
DOHA: Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB), in line with its social responsibility, signed a sponsorship agreement with Sidra Medicine to co-sponsor a specialised study programme aimed at creating a long-term National Resource for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) research.
The sponsorship agreement was signed by Dr Abdulbasit Ahmed Al Shaibei, QIIB's Chief Executive Officer and Peter Morris, Sidra Medicine's CEO.
The agreement provides funding for the BARAKA-Qatar study, which will support the diagnosis, therapy and treatment for children with ASD in Qatar. The study will also become a benchmark for ASD research regionally and globally.
The signing ceremony held at the QIIB Headquarters at the Grand Hamad Street, was attended by Jamal Abdullah Al Jamal, Deputy CEO; while the Sidra Delegation included Dr Khalid Fakhro, Director of Human Genetics (who is leading the BARAKA-Qatar study), and Prof Christof von Kalle, Chief Research Officer.
Commenting on the support provided by QIIB to Sidra Medicine, QIIB Chief Executive Officer Dr Al Shaibei said: 'We are honored to serve our community and provide support to a prestigious institution like Sidra Medicine. It is a leader in our health sector, as it provides specialist high quality medical services to patients who truly need them.
He added: 'QIIB's support for research on autism reflects its strong belief in the partnership between for-profit and non-profit organisations. The ultimate objective is to develop the society and provide added value that serves the largest possible segment and achieves the best development results.
Al Shaibei affirmed that: 'QIIB's commitment and belief in QNV 2030 prompted it to adopt many qualitative initiatives that are much needed for the community. There is no doubt that the health sector and its advancement are common goals for all of us; thus we seek to support these along with other initiatives namely in education and sports, charitable activities and other events that serve the community.
On his part Morris said: 'We are delighted that QIIB, under the leadership of Dr Abdulbasit Ahmed Al Shaibei, has extended its support to co-fund the BARAKA study. Our partnership is a wonderful example of collaboration to support research and discovery, in this case, helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study will take us further in our journey to personalized medicine for our patients.
Dr Fakhro said: 'Our goal with the BARAKA study is to build a national resource that will help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Qatar. Once complete, we hope that the resource will form the foundation to discovering new treatments to improve the lives of children with the condition in Qatar and the rest of the world. Such ambitious projects require partnership and collaboration with stakeholders in medicine, research and the private sector.
Fakhro added: 'On behalf of the team who will be working on the study and the families who we aim to help, I am very grateful for the support of organizations like QIIB in co-funding projects that will help advance personalized healthcare for the people of Qatar.
MENAFN1006201800630000ID1096987999
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.