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Doha, October 28 (QNA) - Qatar University (QU), in collaboration with the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) in Dakar, successfully launched the Polio Advanced Course in Vaccinology (PVAC) 2025, the first specialized course of its kind in the region. The five-day program brought together 59 participants from 30 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, representing a new generation of professionals dedicated to global polio eradication. Vice President for Health and Medical Sciences at QU Prof. Asma Al-Thani stated that QU's hosting of the region's first Polio Advanced Course in Vaccinology (PVAC) embodies its commitment to advancing global health and fostering scientific excellence. "This course represents both a scientific milestone and a reaffirmation of QU's leadership in health education and innovation." On her part, Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Professor of Public Health at QU Dr. Hanan Abdul Rahim added, "The eradication of polio is one of humanity's greatest collective health efforts. Building and sustaining the expertise to reach that goal requires robust and up-to-date scientific knowledge, as well as a strong global community of trained, connected, and committed professionals." Director of Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control at the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Hamad Eid Al-Romaihi noted, “The global fight against polio represents a monumental effort to eradicate a devastating disease that has impacted countless lives." The Ministry of Public Health in Qatar remains steadfast in its commitment to this mission, he said, adding, "By strengthening our health systems and empowering frontline workers, we actively support global efforts to achieve a polio-free future." Dean of the College of Medicine Prof. Abdulkarim Said Al-Makadma emphasized that the Polio Vaccination and Certification (PVAC) program is not only a global health priority but also a testament to what can be achieved when academic excellence, medical innovation, and collective effort come together. "At the College of Medicine, QU, we believe that the power of science is enhanced through collaboration." Director of the PVAC courses at the UNIGE Dr. Kamel Senouci said, "For over 25 years, the UNIGE has been at the forefront of global vaccinology education, equipping experts worldwide through its prestigious ADVAC (Advanced Course of Vaccinology) program. As the world edges closer to the historic goal of polio eradication, renewed commitment and expertise are essential to achieve the final milestone." Professor of Population Medicine at QU's College of Medicine and Scientific Director of PVAC Dr. Giridhara R. Babu stated, "At a juncture when the international community is on the verge of eradicating polio, this program nurtures future leaders in polio eradication, enhances regional capabilities, and expands scientific knowledge. We stand at the cusp of history in achieving a world free of polio." The 2025 PVAC marks a milestone in global health education, demonstrating Qatar's growing role as a regional hub for scientific innovation and health capacity-building. Through this initiative, QU continues to advance national and global collaboration toward a polio-free world. The program seeks to build a new generation of leaders and experts in immunization science and strengthen national and regional capacities in outbreak response, vaccination policy, and disease control. The course is jointly organized by QU, UCAD, and UNIGE, home to the world-renowned Advanced Course of Vaccinology (ADVAC), with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. (QNA)
