New york: Hamad Medical Corporation’s Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI) has received the prestigious 2025 World Health Organization (WHO) – United Nations (UN) Inter-Agency Task Force on Noncommunicable Diseases Award for its global leadership in obesity prevention and management. The award was presented during the 80th UN General Assembly in New York on Sept. 25, 2025.
According to Qatar News Agency, Director of QMI and Division Chief of Endocrinology at HMC, Dr. Dabia Al Mohanadi, emphasized the critical nature of addressing obesity, describing it as a significant health challenge impacting families, communities, and health systems worldwide. QMI is committed to reshaping the approach to this chronic disease by building an integrated model that combines prevention, early detection, advanced care, education, and research into a cohesive system.
The recognition underscores Qatar’s leadership in addressing the global obesity epidemic through a strategic and innovative approach. Dr. Al Mohanadi highlighted that their mission focuses on providing timely and compassionate care to individuals affected by obesity, emphasizing a patient-centered approach. This has positioned Qatar as a hub for solutions that can inspire and be implemented globally, influencing the future of metabolic health worldwide.
Key achievements and programs recognized at the UNIATF Awards 2025 include the expansion of multidisciplinary obesity and bariatric services across various centers, the redesign of national obesity pathways to optimize care delivery, and the implementation of a monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure an efficient, equitable, and patient-centered system.
Additionally, QMI has made strides in capacity building by establishing the region’s first ACGME-International accredited Obesity Medicine Fellowship Program and launching a CPD-accredited Certificate in Obesity Management and Bariatric Care. These initiatives equip healthcare professionals with essential skills. Groundbreaking research led by QMI has identified that intensive lifestyle interventions can reverse early type 2 diabetes, further demonstrating its leadership in policy and systems development.
QMI has maintained continuous care during the COVID-19 pandemic through virtual clinics and other innovative methods, ensuring patients remained informed and supported. National campaigns such as World Obesity Day and World Diabetes Day have reached thousands, promoting healthier lifestyles and addressing stigma.
This award highlights QMI’s role as a national leader in tackling obesity and as a global model for integrated approaches to noncommunicable diseases. Building on this achievement, QMI aims to drive further innovation, strengthen partnerships, and scale solutions to improve health outcomes in Qatar and set new global benchmarks.