ABOUT
PROGRAM
SPEAKERS
REGISTRATION
ABSTRACTS
CONTACT US

ABOUT

Welcome to the Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness Forum in the Middle East and North Africa Region (PEPP MENA) 2024, hosted by the Global Health Institute (GHI) at the American University of Beirut (AUB). The focus of the PEPP MENA Forum 2024, organized by the Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Program (EPaPP) at GHI, is on the critical theme: Priority Setting in the Context of Fragility. As the MENA region faces unique challenges, from political and economic instability to environmental stresses, understanding how to prioritize health interventions, resources, and policies is essential for better resilience and preparedness.

 

The forum aims to establish a dynamic platform for dialogue among policymakers, global health experts, scholars, and industry leaders. Our goal is to comprehensively address the unique challenges of epidemic and pandemic preparedness within the MENA region.

 

We are thrilled to invite you to this inaugural regional event, which will feature enriching presentations, engaging discussions, and networking opportunities intended to enhance the collective preparedness for impending health crises in the MENA region.

Event Date: 22-23 April, 2024

Event Location: American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon

PROGRAM

The PEPP MENA Forum 2024 will include:

Keynote Session

The keynote session will delve into the intricate landscape of research and training challenges specific to the region, shedding light on the importance of strengthening regional collaborative preparedness.

Launching of the EPaPP Initiatives

The launch of the Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Stakeholder Map (PSM) and the Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Collaboration Portal (PCP), which were developed by the Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Program (EPaPP). These initiatives aim to identify all stakeholders and academicians working in epidemic and pandemic preparedness in the region.

Breakout Session

The breakout session will offer a dynamic platform for stakeholders to share their experiences and collectively identify key priority areas for research, training, and policy to enhance preparedness in the region.

Oral Presentation

The oral presentation sessions will allow individuals and organizations to showcase their insights and initiatives aimed at enhancing regional preparedness under the six thematic topics of the forum.

Poster Exhibition

The poster exhibition will feature displays of innovative epidemic and pandemic preparedness projects by individuals and organizations under the six thematic topics of the forum.

Agenda:

Day 1 | Monday, April 22, 2024

 

 

9:30 – 10:00 AM | Registration

 

10:00 – 10:10 AM | Opening Remarks

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Dr. Shadi Saleh, Founding Director, Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
Dr. Wessam El Beih, Regional Director, Middle East and North Africa International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

 

Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness in the MENA Region: Setting the Stage

 

10:10 – 10:20 AM | Navigating Research and Training Challenges in Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness in the MENA Region

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Dr. Souha Kanj, Head of the Infectious Diseases Division, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Lebanon

 

Introducing the GHI Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Initiatives

 

10:20 ­­– 10:30 AM | The AUB GHI Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Program

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Dr. Zahi Abdul Sater, Senior Adviser for Partnerships and Innovation, Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
Ms. Sarah Ibrahim, Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Program Coordinator, Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
10:30 ­­– 10:50 AM | Live Demonstrations of the Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Program Initiatives

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Ms. Sarah Ibrahim, Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Program Coordinator, Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Lebanon

 

10:50 – 11:30 AM | Exhibition of EPaPP Tools | Coffee Break

 

 

Priority Setting for Preparedness in the MENA Region

 

11:30 – 12:30 PM | Breakout Session

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Group 1: Priority Setting for Research in Preparedness in the MENA Region
Moderated by Dr. Antoine Abou Fayad

 

Group 2: Priority Setting for Training in Preparedness in the MENA Region
Moderated by Dr. Souha Kanj

 

Group 3: Priority Setting for Policies to Enhance Preparedness in the MENA Region
Moderated by Mr. Zahi Chahine

 

Group 4: Priority Setting for Equitable and Responsive Preparedness in the MENA Region
Moderated by Ms. Lina Abou Habib

12:30 – 01:30 PM | Recap and Discussion Session

 

 

01:30 – 01:40 PM | Closing Remarks

 

 

01:40 – 02:30 PM | Lunch Reception and Networking

Day 2 | Tuesday, April 23, 2024

 

 

9:30 – 10:00 AM | Registration

 

10:00 – 10:05 AM | Welcome note

 

Preparing for Future Disease Outbreaks | Thematic Oral Presentations

 

10:05 – 10:20 AM | The Experience of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program during the COVID-19 Pandemic at a Tertiary Care Center in Lebanon

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Dr. Nisrine Haddad, Senior Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Lebanon
10:20 – 10:35 AM | Strengthening Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness in Africa through Infodemic Management

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Ms. Yara Moussaoui, Country Lead Support (Infodemic Management), Africa Infodemic Response Alliance (AIRA)-WHO AFRO
10:50 – 11:05 AM | Lessons learned from community-centered early warning: evaluating a community-based surveillance for priority diseases among displaced populations in Iraq

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Ms. Lara Abou Ammar, Migration Health Officer – Reporting and Research, International Organization for Migration, Iraq
11:05 – 11:20 AM | Oxygen & Equipment Shortage During COVID-19 – Lessons Learned

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Mr. Bassam Tabshouri, Healthcare Technology Management and Advancement, Lebanon
Showcasing Innovative Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Initiatives

 

11:20 ­­– 01:30 AM | Posters Presentations in the exhibition Hall

 

01:30 ­­– 03:00 AM | Lunch Reception and Networking

SPEAKERS & MODERATORS

REGISTRATION

The forum will be held in-person at the American University of Beirut, with the option for online streaming via Zoom for those unable to attend in person. To register for the event, please click the ‘Register Now’ button below.

ABSTRACT

The PEPP MENA Forum 2024 is now accepting abstract submissions from individuals or organizations ready to disseminate research, innovative initiatives, solutions, and case studies, related to epidemic and pandemic preparedness. The deadline for abstract submission is April 14, 2024. Abstracts can be submitted for either oral or poster presentations under the six thematic topics.

1
Strengthening Workforce Capacity in Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness in the MENA Region.
2
Advancing Research in Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness in the MENA Region.
3
Leveraging Big Data and Innovative Solutions for Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness in the MENA Region.
4
Achieving Equity and Equality in Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness in the MENA Region.
5
Lessons Learned from Recent Outbreaks: Success, Challenges and Areas of Improvement in Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Response in the MENA Region.
6
Addressing Preparedness Challenges Stemming from Fragility and Conflict in the MENA Region.

Click the ‘Submit Abstract’ button below to learn more about submission guidelines and process, and submit your abstract for consideration.

CONTACT US

For general inquires contact us by email ghi.epapp@aub.edu.lb or call us at +961 1 350 000 ext:4832

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