Walid Tohme

In recent years, interest in genomics has been rising rapidly across the GCC. Already in use in prenatal testing, pre-marital screening, and certain cancer screenings and treatments, genomics is just one of several “omics” sciences that collectively promise to transform our approach to health and disease. Realising omics’ societal and economic benefits requires coordinated action among multiple stakeholders.

The Covid-19 pandemic underscored a harsh truth: many healthcare systems around the world are poorly prepared to provide care for their citizens when facing a health crisis. Many healthcare systems were designed for stable, predictable circumstances and are not resilient enough during times of crisis. That must change. Just as businesses now must adapt to a world of complexity, uncertainty, and volatility, and the healthcare sector must take urgent steps to strengthen its resilience.