


Forum by The DSP Leadership Network
Health Literacy Month is here, and with it comes an urgent reminder: the way we communicate healthcare and science directly impacts patient outcomes, trust, and even national health goals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially defines health literacy as the ability to “obtain, communicate, process, and understand basic health information and services.”
Health literacy affects everything from how and why we should take medication, to reading nutrition labels, to what people should do in a major emergency like an outbreak or natural disaster.
In a region as diverse as the UAE and GCC, health literacy is not just about simplifying language; it’s about building systems that empower people to understand, act, and thrive.
Importantly, health literacy is NOT only a patient issue, but also a system-wide responsibility involving hospitals, pharma, academia, policymakers, and technology.
In the latest Forum by The DSP Leadership Network, we bring together leaders from policy, hospitals, pharma, and technology to unpack what health literacy really means for our healthcare ecosystem.
Event Host & Opening Remarks:
Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi
Senior Vice President
Dubai Science Park, Dubai Knowledge Park & Dubai International Academic City
Speakers:
Dr Shanila Laiju
Group Chief Executive Officer
Medcare Hospitals & Medical Centres
Farah Hillou
Manager, Population Wellbeing
M42
Passant El-Khatib
Global Director of Corporate Affairs
Formerly Bayer, Amgen, Johnson & Johnson
Yasmin Mitwally
Research and Advocacy Manager
National Multiple Sclerosis Society UAE
Moderated by: Rachel McArthur
Managing Editor, Healthcare
Digital Ink Media
PLUS! Special workplace wellness pop-up ahead of World Mental Health Day
The DSP Leadership Network presents
Workplace Wellness Pop-up
in collaboration with Mentra
As part of our October programme, join us for a special Workplace Wellness Pop-Up with Mentra, designed to coincide with World Mental Health Day (10 October).
Discover how mental health therapy can seamlessly fit into busy professional lives, while exploring fresh approaches to workplace wellbeing.
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to experience executive mental health consultations and gain practical, specialist advice tailored to both individual leaders and entire organisations.
Take this chance to prioritise wellbeing at work – and walk away with insights you can put into practice right away.
How to find DQuarters:
Travel to Dubai Science Park HQ and park in the multi-story parking.
DQuarters is part of the SOUTH Tower, Floor 14.
A Kind Reminder:
The DSP Leadership Network events are exclusively for members or individuals wanting to become part of the community (subject to approval). Proof of leadership role within the healthcare, life sciences, or broader sciences is required. When registering, please select the appropriate ticket category. Registrations using the member ticket without confirmed membership are subject to cancellation. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
