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The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in collaboration with Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), has launched the pilot phase of the National Survey on Diagnostics and Interventions Services for Developmental Disabilities in Qatar. The launch event brought together representatives from healthcare institutions, hospitals, and intervention centers across the country.

Led by Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s Dr. Hira Amin, Sabika Shaban, and Dr. Ghanimeh El-Taweel, the project seeks to provide a comprehensive and accurate assessment of diagnostic and interventions services for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, supporting national planning for capacity building, workforce planning, and service delivery. In doing so, the initiative demonstrates the impact achieved when academia and policymakers work together to generate high-quality evidence for national decision-making. 

The project is guided by an advisory board consisting of expert advisors, healthcare practitioners, as well as families of persons with autism and other developmental disabilities. Its composition ensures that the voices of those most affected are reflected in efforts to strengthen services and support inclusion across Qatar.

The pilot phase will inform the formal rollout of the national survey later this year, which will cover approximately 70 healthcare facilities across the State of Qatar over a six-month period. At the launch, Dr. Salma Khalaf Al-Kaabi, Advisor to the Minister of Public Health and Chair of the National Autism Action Plan, delivered a speech highlighting the importance of this national project in supporting the State of Qatar’s efforts to develop and strengthen developmental disability services in line with international best practices.

Dr. Salma Al-Kaabi explained that the outcomes of the project will support evidence-informed decision-making and help identify gaps and challenges within existing services, enabling the development and implementation of effective national strategies to enhance service delivery for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, advancing quality of life and promoting inclusion in society.

This project aligns with Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s 5 Year Strategic Plan, which aims to deliver lasting impact aligned with Qatar’s economic aspirations and core societal values. Reflecting the university’s combined expertise and interdisciplinary strength, researchers will further examine the complexities of Autism Spectrum Disorder, seek to improve earlier diagnosis practices, and develop effective interventions. The Ministry of Public Health extends its sincere appreciation to the research team for their leadership and valuable contributions in the development and implementation of this national project.