Dear attendees, distinguished guests, and participants On behalf of the Government Hospitals, it is my great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all of you at the 4th National Sickle Cell Symposium, in presence of His Excellency Lieutenant General Doctor Sheikh Mohamed Bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health, Kingdom of Bahrain We are honored to have you join us for this significant event, dedicated to raising awareness and advancing knowledge about sickle cell disease. The 4th National Sickle Cell Symposium gathers experts, healthcare professionals, researchers, patients, and advocates from across the country to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and collaborate on strategies for improving the lives of individuals affected by sickle cell disease. Throughout this symposium, we have curated a diverse program that encompasses a wide range of topics, including cutting-edge research, clinical advancements, patient care, and advocacy efforts. Our aim is to foster an environment of learning, collaboration, and innovation, where we can collectively address the challenges faced by individuals living with sickle cell disease and work towards improving their quality of life. We are privileged to have a distinguished lineup of speakers who are leaders in their respective fields. Their expertise and perspectives will undoubtedly enrich our understanding and inspire us to take meaningful action. Additionally, we encourage active participation from each of you, as your insights and experiences are invaluable contributions to the collective knowledge in the field of sickle cell disease. Finally, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our sponsors, partners, and volunteers who have generously supported this symposium. Your commitment to advancing the understanding and treatment of sickle cell disease is instrumental in driving positive change and improving the lives of countless individuals and families affected by this condition. WELCOME MESSAGE Sincerely, Dr. Hazem Habib Alaali Symposium President Vice President of Medical Services for Surgical Departments, SMC
The requirements for an entry visa to Bahrain differ from nationality to nationality so it is recommended to double check the requirements prior to travelling. Currently, every nationality wishing to enter the Kingdom of Bahrain requires an entry visa. The exceptions to this rule are nationals of countries members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), and residents of GCC countries who have been living in that country for more than 6 months and have valid return visa to their country of residency.
Nationals of the European Union, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea can receive an entry visa upon arrival at the airport in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
All entry visas are issued for a fee, including a new visa or visa extensions (in cases where visa extensions are allowed).
Other nationalities
All other nationalities have to obtain pre-issued entry visa prior to travelling to Bahrain, either through the Bahraini Embassies in their respective countries or a Bahraini sponsor or travel agency or local hotel.
For visitors, there are two types of tourist visa: Visit visa and Transit visa, and they are both issued based on the required duration of stay. Visit visas are issued for individuals invited by companies in Bahrain and valid for two months from the entry date, with the possibility to extend one additional month. Transit visas are issued following a formal request from certified companies such as hotels or commercial institutions. Transit visas are valid for 14 days and are renewed on a case-by-case basis.
For more information on eVisa application, please visit www.evisa.gov.bh and fill in the required information: nationality, purpose of the visit and current address.
Bahrain Fort
Bab Al Bahrain
Bahrain National Theatre
Prof. Dr. Tharwat Wagdy
Bio
► A Professor of Hematology, AGU, Bahrain since 2019 ► Consultant of Hematology, HBDC, Hematology department, SMC, Bahrain since 2019 ► A Professor of Hematology, Military Medical Academy, Egypt since 2013 ► Assistant Professor of hematology & internal medicine, Pharos University of Alexandria (PUA), Faculty of Dentistry 2010-2018 ► MB Ch B faculty of medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt. ► Master of internal medicine, faculty of medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt. ► Doctor degree in clinical hematology, Faculty of medicine, Alexandria, University, Egypt. ► Head of hematology departments, Alexandria Armed Forces Hospital, Egypt, 1993-2010 ► Head of hematology and oncology departments, Alexandria Armed Forces Hospital, Egypt, 2000-2010
Dr. Jaffer Al Tooq
Bio
A member of the hematology management board at SMC, MOH Bahrain from 2007-2013. Chief Resident Coordinator for the Oncology Department at MOH, Bahrain, 2007-2013. SCD Team Leader at Bahrain MOH, 2014 till present. SCD management Board member since 2014. Training Coordinator for HBDC since 2016. Member of Bahrain MOH transfusion commit- tee. Studied and took his Medical Diploma from State University of Medicine and Pharmacy Republic of Moldova, Jan 1999
Prof. Salam Al-Kindi
Bio
Following my graduation from Trinity college- Dublin Ireland, in 1993, I have completed my general medicine as well as hematology/ oncology training in Dublin, Ireland and Fred Hutch cancer Centre in Seattle USA, where I did my training in Bone marrow transplant.
In 1999 I have joined Sultan Qaboos University and in 2005 I was appointed as head of department of hematology for 10 years. Previously also I held the position of deputy director of Sultan Qaboos university hospital for clinical affairs (clinical director) for 5 years. Research interests include sickle cell disease, chronic leukemia, and autoimmune disorders with over 100 articles published in international peer reviewed journals including NEJM, hematological, and blood. I am founder of Oman hereditary blood disorders association, and currently deputy chairman.
Dr. Fatema Ali Abbas
Bio
Dr. Fatema Abdulla is currently working as an adult hematology/ oncology consultant in Salmaniya medical complex, she is also the chairperson of Hematology oncology department. She graduated from King Faisal university-KSA in 2009 and completed Arab board in Internal medicine in 2016. She completed her fellowship in adult hematology and stem cell transplant in December 2021 in King Fahad specialist hospital – Dammam which is accredited by Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.
Dr. Fatema Al-Alawi
Bio
Dr. Fatema is Head of Ahmed Ali Kanoo Health Center and Coordinator of Sickle Cell Disease in Primary Health Care. She is previously Deputy of Ahmed Ali Kanoo Health Center Previously managed the Sickle Cell Disease Clinic in Ahmed Ali Kanoo Health Center and Emergency Coordinator. Also Deputy Head of Sitra Health Center
Nirmish Ramesh Shah
Bio
Dr. Nirmish Ramesh Shah is currently an Associate Professor of Medicine, and Director of the Sickle Cell Transition Program at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Shah completed his residency at Eastern Carolina University in Medicine/Pediatrics, and then completed his fellowship in adult hematology/oncology. Shah later completed his pediatric hematology/oncology fellowship at Duke University and has been on faculty ever since.
Dr. Anwaar Kadhim Saeed
Bio
Consultant Psychiatrist Working in hereditary blood disorder center since 2015 Graduated from Basra University – college of medicine / Iraq MBCHB, CAB PYCH Completed Arab board in psychiatry since 2010 Lecturer in AGU (Arabian Gulf University) Bahrain since 2017
Dr. Shaika Al Arrayed
Bio
Director of Janeen fertility and genetic center, Ibn Al Nafees Hospital Ex Chairperson of Genetic department, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Genetic blood diseases are frequent in Bahrain, and in all Middle Eastern countries. Bahrain successfully implemented the campaign to control Sickle cell disease. Starting 1984-untill now. In 1991 a National Committee for prevention of Genetic disease was formed In MOH, to plan the control program of these diseases in the country. The goals of which were to reduce the incidence of hereditary diseases, and to improve the standard of management for patients suffering from these diseases.