May 9, 2024

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre Leading Health Sector Transformation in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Harvard University — Eight years into Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides with digital innovations and enhanced access to quality care. Strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and talent, have led to advancements revolutionizing patient care delivery and elevating the standards of healthcare locally. These efforts have notably raised the average life expectancy, reduced mortality rates, and enhanced overall well-being across the Kingdom.

Central to these achievements, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC), renowned for its specialized care and treatments across critical fields such as oncology, cardiology, organ transplantation, and genetics has positioned itself as a leader in specialized patient care, taking the charge towards a brighter, healthier future for the Kingdom. Through its commitment to pioneering digital health initiatives, comprehensive educational programs, and novel research endeavors, it is reshaping the local landscape, and setting new standards of efficiency and accessibility.

In an era defined by technological advancements, and with the Kingdom’s push towards digitalization, KFSH&RC stands at the forefront of digital health integration among its local peers, leveraging cutting-edge telemedicine services, virtual consultations, and AI-driven tools such as the ANFAL AI System that transforms patient outcomes through predictive insights and personalized care, ensuring the best outcomes for patient satisfaction.

KFSH&RC’s digital health initiatives extend to addressing broader health threats through technologies such as Whole Genomic Sequencing (WGS) and Advanced Radiation Therapy. The hospital has also pioneered organ transplantation by performing the world’s first fully robotic liver transplant and introduced to the region innovations like the Harmony Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve (TPV), enhancing patient recovery and experience. These technologies facilitate personalized treatment plans and improve the accuracy and speed of medical diagnostics, contributing significantly to the elevation of patient care standards and a sustainable, resilient healthcare infrastructure in line with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program.

KFSH&RC continues to push the boundaries of medical research addressing pressing health challenges and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s public health landscape, with discoveries like the PfAP2-MRP gene crucial for malaria treatment and the identification of the new Riyadhensis bacteria strain. These discoveries have not only improved diagnostic accuracy but also facilitated early interventions, ensuring timely and effective patient support, in line with the national objectives to reduce chronic disease prevalence.

These comprehensive efforts are supported by KFSH&RC’s robust educational initiatives, which prepare the next generation of medical professionals through training programs and international collaborations.

Recognized by ‘Brand Finance’ in 2024 as the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East for the second consecutive year, placing 9th in Saudi Arabia and 28th in the Middle East. Additionally, KFSH&RC stands out as the only hospital worldwide to be ranked among its country’s top ten most valuable brands.

About King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC):

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) stands as a leading healthcare institution in the Middle East, envisioned to be the optimal choice for every patient seeking specialized healthcare. The hospital boasts a rich history in the treatment of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, organ transplantation, neurosciences, and genetics.

In 2024, “Brand Finance” ranked King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre as the top academic medical centre in the Middle East and Africa, and among the top 20 globally for the second consecutive year. Additionally, in 2024, it was recognized as one of the leading global healthcare providers by Newsweek magazine.

As part of Saudi Vision 2030, a royal decree was issued on December 21, 2021, to transform the hospital into an independent, non-profit, government-owned entity, paving the way for a comprehensive transformation program aimed at achieving global leadership in healthcare through excellence and innovation.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Essam Al-Zahrani, Media Affairs Head, 0555254429

Mr. Abdullah Al-Aown, Media Coordination Officer, 0556294232

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GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9114722

May 9, 2024

Curia and Carterra Partner on Biologics Symposium to Further Biotechnology Research in the Pacific Northwest

Curia & Carterra Biologics Symposium

Biologics symposium slated for May 31 in Seattle, WA

ALBANY, N.Y. and SALT LAKE CITY, May 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Curia, a leading contract research, development and manufacturing organization and Carterra Inc., the world leader in label-free high throughput antibody and small molecule drug discovery, today announced their partnership in hosting a high-throughput biologics symposium slated for May 31 at the Residence Inn at Marriott in Seattle, Washington.

The purpose of the collaboration is to promote the rising biotech focus within the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S and Canada. The symposium will bring together all levels of scientific leadership from the biotech and pharma communities.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Carterra to organize this antibody discovery symposium, bringing the Pacific Northwest biotech community together and sharing the latest advances in antibody discovery,” said Steve Lavezoli, Vice President of Biologics at Curia. “We are also looking forward to sharing our optimal, high-quality and accelerated antibody discovery workflows to first-to-human antibody discovery, development and clinical manufacturing. Antibodies discovered and/or engineered with Curia’s platform technology are in the clinic and we have over 230 successful antibody discovery campaigns performed for the biotech community.”

Speed, scientific expertise and efficiency can surmount the high attrition rates of early antibody discovery and achieve first-to-market delivery of new therapeutics. The symposium will highlight Curia’s technology platform and integrated services with a focus on the development of enhanced mouse systems for antibody generation and high-throughput single B cell screening. The combination of next generation sequencing (NGS) and rapid recombinant production of milligram to gram quantities of purified monoclonal antibody (mAb) significantly accelerates identification of development candidate leads.

Since 2017, Carterra has been selling its powerful LSA^® high-throughput biosensor to analyze and characterize antibodies using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). With the launch of its LSA^XTplatform last year, Carterra now offers products that can perform small molecule analysis as well as antibody discovery. The LSA platform has been profiled in several peer-reviewed papers in Science, Nature and Cell, detailing the path of multiple therapeutics entering clinical trials. At the symposium, several leading scientists in biopharma will be sharing their insights into their specific areas of drug discovery and will highlight the transformative impact of integrating HT-SPR technology, AI/ML and other new technologies.

“We are excited to be partnering with Curia on our symposium. Carterra symposia are scientific events that we host each year throughout the U.S. and Europe,” stated Chris M. Silva, Vice President of Marketing and Product at Carterra. “These symposia help us to share the latest technology advancements and important data generated from the workflows of scientists using Carterra’s label-free platforms. Coming to the Pacific Northwest is an opportunity to create a deeper understanding of the technology in pharma and biotechs in this region.”

Click here to RSVP for the event. Registration is required as seating is limited.

About Curia:
Curia is a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with over 30 years of experience, an integrated network of 27 global sites and over 3,500 employees partnering with Biopharmaceutical customers to bring life-changing therapies to market. Our biologics and small molecules offerings span discovery through commercialization, with integrated regulatory and analytical capabilities. Our scientific and process experts and state-of-the-art facilities deliver best-in-class experience across drug substance and drug product manufacturing. From curiosity to cure, we deliver every step to improve patients’ lives. Visit us at curiaglobal.com.

About Carterra, Inc.:
Carterra, Inc. is a privately held company. Its HT-SPR technology provides large-molecule and small-molecule drug discovery customers with screening and characterization throughput and functionality that scales with omics-level applications, condensing months of work down to days. Our solutions have enabled multiple therapeutics and breakthrough research and helped academic and translational researchers and biopharmaceutical companies in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and more. Carterra is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has Customer Experience Centers in San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Boston, Manchester, England, and Munich, Germany. Carterra products are available in Asia-Pacific and Oceania through our exclusive distributor, Revvity. To learn more, visit www.carterra-bio.com or connect with us on LinkedIn or X (Twitter).

Curia Contact Information:
Viana Bhagan
+1 518 512 2111
corporatecommunications@CuriaGlobal.com

Carterra Media Contact:
Cheri Salazar
(408) 594-9400
csalazar@carterra-bio.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/020a0a28-86f0-4f6c-96f2-0eaa01c82784

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9114095

May 9, 2024

Insecurity: Nigerian military takes delivery of new fighting platforms

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, on Wednesday, took delivery of 20 sets of improved version of Armoured Personnel Carrier (APCs) to boost the ongoing fight against insecurity.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Gusau said the delivery was done in a brief ceremony by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana, on behalf of the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru in Abuja.

He said the APCs were improved version with improved weapons and communication systems that could locate adversaries from distance and engage them effectively.

According to him, they also allow for seamless military operations and the APCs were produced and supplied by an indigenous company based in Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary described the consideration for contracting local manufacturers to produce the new APCs as a welcomed development.

He added that it would save the nation a lot of money, c
reate employment and reduce over reliance on foreign currency.

In his response, the CDS thanked the Minister of Defence and pledged to put the carriers to optimum and judicious use.

He added that the machines would definitely boost the ongoing operations to rid the country of insecurity.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

May 9, 2024

Ethiopia, OHCHR Stress Need to Continue Collaborative Working Relations

Addis Ababa: State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Ambassador Mesganu Arga received today at his office Representative of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for the East African Regional Office, Marcel Clement Akpovo.

On the occasion, the commissioner appreciated the support of the Ethiopian government in carrying out his duties.

The State Minister highlighted the government’s various initiatives that helped change the livelihood of many Ethiopians in a number of sectors.

Some of these initiatives are testaments to the government’s commitment to protect the rights of its people, Ambassador Mesganu said.

The two sides noted the need to continue collaborative working relations on human rights issues, according to Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

May 9, 2024

Dangote Cement offers free Malaria treatment In Edo

The Dangote Cement Plc (DCP) on Thursday began its malaria intervention programme for host communities at Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

Group Head of Sustainability, DCP, Dr Igazeuma Okoroba, said the campaign was in commemoration of the World Malaria Day and to advance the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 of the UN.

“As we observe, a significant portion of the population lacks access to vital healthcare services. Dangote Cement PLC aims to bridge this gap by addressing disparities in our host communities.

“We believe that healthy people are the foundation for healthy economies, and for this reason, countries are taking decisive actions to counteract health challenges. Our target for this campaign is Edo State.

“According to the United Nations, efforts to combat infectious diseases like HIV, TB and malaria improved between 2000 and 2015; however, progress has since slowed,” she said.

According to her, Dangote Cement’s response
to this situation is to join the world in “accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world.”

She said that the event was aimed at engaging the communities, make health accessible and addressing malaria risk factors as well as the company CSR programme.

While calling on the people to participate actively in the two-day activities, she commended the Edo state Ministry of Health and partners for their collaboration in making this programme successful.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Coordinator Sustainability DCP, Okpella, Sunday Adondua, said the programme was aimed at reducing incidence of malaria to as low as possible in the company’s host communities.

Adodua, a General Manager, Training and Development, added: “If the people use what we gave them in terms of drugs and mosquitos nets, we will chase malaria out of the communities.

“The essence of this programme is to make life more meaningful for the people of our host communities who are vulnerable in terms of finance and resources endowm
ent to afford good medical establishments for treatment.

“So, we are bringing the treatment to them right in their homes. We want to reach as many people as possible, we start today, and it is continuing tomorrow. So those who heard the news of today’s event will come tomorrow. Even if 2,000, 5000 and 10,000 people visit us, they will get treatment.

“Dangote has a robust CSR programme for host communities, we have been doing this every year. Last year we have our sustainability week and at Okpella community we established a library with 10 laptops and internet connectivity for the community. The donation would be done next week.”

Speaking, Mr Victor Ojeifo, Director Community Health Service, in charge of Malaria Elimination Programme, Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Etsako East Local Government Area, commended Dangote Cement for the medical outreach.

“This is what we have been expecting to see when we preach to nongovernmental organization to try to attend to the vulnerable who can’t afford to buy
drugs.

He called on communities to complement the Dangote programme by clearing bushes and stagnant water in their areas as part of efforts in eradicating malaria.

A beneficiary, Mrs Adiza Aliu, who was treated, said the programme has given her the opportunity to attend to her health without spending money.

“I was diagnosed of malaria. They gave me drugs and mosquito net. They asked me to be sleeping under the net to prevent malaria. Look at the drugs they gave me. I didn’t pay any money.”

Another beneficiary, Innocent Valetina, Dangote is God-sent to alleviate their suffering concerning health challenges.

“Drugs are expensive and not everybody can afford drug now but with this programme, we got free test, drugs and mosquito nets for ourselves and children. God should continue to bless Dangote.

On her part. Mrs Adiza Sedu, said she was happy to be among the beneficiaries of the free malaria treatment.

She added: “I was screened, I don’t have malaria, but they said my blood pressure is high. They gave m
e drugs and mosquito net and advise me to always go to the health centre to check.”

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

May 9, 2024

Digital Telethon to Raise 50 Mil Birr For Clean Ethiopia in Ten Hours to Be Held on Sunday

Addis Ababa: A ten hours period digital telethon will be launched on the coming Sunday to raise 50 million Birr for Clean Ethiopia campaign initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

It is to be recalled that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently unveiled plans to construct modern, clean and dignified public restrooms, with a strong emphasis on community involvement in their construction.

The initiative, named ‘Clean Ethiopia,’ includes a fundraising component under the theme ‘Clean Cities – Healthy Lives.’

Accordingly, a digital telethon for ‘Clean Ethiopia’ has been officially launched on April 28/2024.

The objective is to solicit both cash and in-kind contributions for the construction of these public facilities.

Office of the Prime Minister disclosed that ‘This Sunday, May 12, 2024, we will launch the 50million Birr in a 10hr period digital telethon challenge for CleanEthiopia.’

Together we can make a meaningful positive impact, the office stated, inviting all to join the challenge for Clean Ethiopia on M
ay 12th.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency