[Abu Dhabi, UAE – 20 January 2025]

The Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE) is delighted to announce the appointment of Her Excellency Dr Farida Al Hosani as its new Deputy Chief Executive Officer. A distinguished leader in public health, Dr Al Hosani brings decades of experience and expertise in disease prevention, health policy, and community well-being to GLIDE’s mission of accelerating progress towards infectious disease elimination.

Dr Al Hosani’s career has been marked by significant contributions to global health, most recently as the official spokesperson for the UAE’s health sector. She played a pivotal role in leading the nation’s COVID-19 response, earning international recognition for her strategic guidance, evidence-based decision-making, and commitment to public health innovation. She was the first Emirati woman to be appointed to the World Health Organization’s Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework Advisory Group and served as a Member from 2022-2024. Her leadership in implementing vaccination programs, advancing health equity, and fostering international collaboration has left an indelible mark on the global health landscape.

“We are thrilled to welcome Farida to GLIDE,” said Simon Bland, CEO of the Global Institute for Disease Elimination. “Her proven track record in tackling complex health challenges and her unwavering dedication to disease elimination align perfectly with our vision of a healthier world where these ancient diseases are consigned to the history books. Dr Al Hosani’s leadership will strengthen our efforts to be an enduring Institute that helps achieve the promise of disease elimination.”

As Deputy CEO, Dr Al Hosani will play a critical role in furthering GLIDE’s programs and partnerships aimed at eliminating infectious diseases such as malaria, polio, lymphatic filariasis, and river blindness. She will also leverage her extensive experience and networks to integrate GLIDE into the UAE’s vibrant ecosystem, further establishing the institute as a vital partner in global health and development. Dr Farida will focus on building robust local and regional partnerships, ensuring that GLIDE’s efforts align with national priorities and contribute to the UAE’s leadership in global health diplomacy and innovation.

“I am honored to join GLIDE at such a pivotal time in the fight against infectious diseases,” said Dr Farida. “Elimination is a bold yet achievable goal, and I am committed to working with GLIDE’s talented team and partners to identify and address gaps that prevent us from achieving disease elimination targets.”

Based in Abu Dhabi, GLIDE was established in 2019 as a global health institute dedicated to eliminating preventable infectious diseases that continue to impact millions. Building on country ownership and local solutions, GLIDE leverages partnerships, explores integrated solutions, and invests in the next generation of public health professionals to accelerate progress towards infectious disease elimination.

ENDS

About GLIDE
The Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE) is a global health institute based in Abu Dhabi that envisions a world free of eliminable infectious diseases by 2030 and beyond. GLIDE works across three strategic pillars: operational research, capacity strengthening, and advocacy to advance its mission with a current disease focus of malaria, polio, lymphatic filariasis, and river blindness. GLIDE seeks to promote integrated solutions to help partners go further and faster to achieve sustainable disease elimination.

 

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