DOHA: The recently set up Qatar Biobank has triggered interest in the Qatari community, with 300 people joining the initiative until now.
Qatar Biobank was set up by the Qatar Foundation under its Biomedical Research Institute, in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Supreme Council of Health (SCH). Through collection of samples and information on health and lifestyle from the Qatari population, Qatar Biobank will support research on diseases relevant to country and the region. The project is supported by scientists from Imperial College London
Fahad Al Thani was among the first 300 individuals to take part in the biobank. After hearing about the initiative on Twitter, Fahad contributed information on his health as well as biological samples and provided feedback on his overall experience at the Qatar Biobank centre, located in Building 29 at the Hamad Medical City.
Fahad spoke about his experience, saying, “I am thrilled to be involved in Qatar Biobank’s journey, I feel excited about contributing to an initiative that will make vital health research possible and give Qatar’s communities stronger chances of preventing and treating diseases. What I most liked about the experience was that the privacy and convenience of the participants was carefully considered throughout the research.”
“I’m certainly glad to be amongst the first 300 participants, and wish that one day in the near future Qatar Biobank will be able to reach thousands. Indeed, I would like to encourage more members from our community to contribute to this research and lead the way for the sake of healthier generations,” added Fahad.
A representative from the Qatar Biobank Board of Trustees noted, “We would like to thank all the participants for taking the time to contribute. The wellbeing of Qatar’s people is at the core of everything we do, and their feedback is invaluable for the continual development of Qatar Biobank’s mission to make vital health research possible.”
QF and HMC employees and adult members (18+ years) of their families can contribute to Qatar Biobank as participants by offering around 3 hours of their time to give samples of urine, saliva and blood (about 60millilitres, or around the same volume as a “pocket size” hand sanitizer gel), and having a series of measurements, such as height, weight, blood pressure, lung function and grip strength.
Finally, participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire and provide some overall feedback on their experience at the Qatar Biobank centre. To become part of the biobank. Those interested may call 4439 8899 or email takepart@qatarbiobank.org.qa and follow on Twitter @Qatar_Biobank
The Peninsula
