Doha: The Qatar National Library's (QNL) Qatar Reads Initiative has announced the launch of a new scientific, research-based initiative within the "Me and My Family" program.
According to Qatar News Agency, the new initiative has been launched in collaboration with the Women's Health and Research Center (WWRC) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in partnership with Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU).
The initiative includes a rigorous research study aiming to assess the impact of the program on enhancing awareness of early reading, reading habits, and strengthening the relationship between parents and children. By following up on mothers' lived experiences through questionnaires and panel discussions, the study seeks to produce evidence-based outcomes that will help improve the program and its future impact.
Director of the Qatar Reads initiative, Fatima Al Malki, stated that the "Me and My Family" program expands the impact of reading to one of the most critical foundational stages in life, emphasizing that this initiative is based on the belief that reading and emotional connection begin early, even before childbirth. By providing families with carefully selected reading materials, Qatar Reads aims to promote interaction between parents and children and integrate reading as a natural part of family life from the early stages.
Dr. Hira Amin, Assistant Professor at HBKU, highlighted that this collaboration is a vital step in linking scientific research with societal initiatives. Through studying the impact of early reading interventions at this sensitive stage, the University aims to offer insights and knowledge that will enhance educational and developmental programs both locally and internationally in the future.
Nasser Al Naimi, HMC's Chief of Patient Experience and Director of Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute, stated that excellent healthcare begins with listening to patients and understanding their needs. He suggested that the initiative contributes to fostering the care pathway throughout the pregnancy period. By supporting mothers during pregnancy and strengthening early bonding between parents and children, HMC and its partners are expanding the concept of care to include emotional, educational, and developmental dimensions, combining human-centered care with its true meaning.
CEO and Medical Director of the WWRC at HMC, Dr. Zeina Busharab Al Mansoori, explained WWRC's role in the health of women and children, emphasizing that it extends beyond therapeutic care to offering integrated care that accompanies them through various life stages, addressing their health, psychological, and social needs. Dr. Huda Abdullah Al Saleh, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director of WWRC and Head of Women's Departments at HMC, affirmed that integrating reading with healthcare for mothers represents a significant approach in supporting women during pregnancy.
Through this collaboration, the center aims to create an environment that addresses the health and growth needs of mothers and children, highlighting the importance of early interaction and learning. Dr. Nader Al Dewik, Director of the Applied Research Laboratory and Precision Medicine in WWRC, noted that the initiative reflects the integration of HMC's pillars in research, health, and education. It supports the application of precision medicine and translational medicine approaches, emphasizing the role of early interventions-such as encouraging reading before birth-in developing methods that promote early literacy, enhance parent-child interaction, and strengthen family bonding from the earliest stages of life.
He added that the study's findings may contribute to developing more effective and relevant practices to support mothers and children.