The American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) and Faculty of Medicine (FM) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the First Lady of Lebanon, Mrs. Wafa Sleiman, representing the Yaduna Foundation, a non-governmental, non-profit organization, established by the First Lady, and the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) Faculty of Medicine on Thursday, March 21, 2012 at the Presidential Palace in Baabda.
In an attempt to reduce the burden of health disease on women in Lebanon, the MOU focuses on the establishment of a Women’s Heart Health Center (WHHC), an initiative aimed at reducing the mortality of all women from heart disease by providing the required screening services, guidance, and support at minimal cost. WHHC will offer screening, awareness, education, advocacy, and research services.
AUBMC/FM was selected to assist in the establishment of the Women’s Heart Health Center due to their expertise and pioneering roles in cardiac care, medical education and research. By partnering with AUB and USJ, leading academic institutions in Lebanon, the WHHC’s vision is to become a center of excellence and serve as a model in the preventive and primary treatment of cardiovascular disease in women, regardless of their social background. Through collaborations with academic teams from distinguished national universities, the center will implement the highest standards of clinical practice and research.
The center looks to contribute to the formulation of a national policy for prevention and improved care through the generation of a comprehensive genetic and clinical database.
Members of Yaduna’s Board of Trustees, including HE Deputy Prime Minister Samir Mukbel, former ministers, AUB and USJ leadership, as well as members of the social and medical societies attended the ceremony.
First Lady Wafa Sleiman stated, “The Women’s Heart Health Center is being established because data received from a study conducted by Booze and Co., showed that the number one killer of women is heart disease.”
She added, “Yaduna has collaborated with AUB and USJ to ensure the necessary requirements to launch the center including training of employees, securing of physicians and providing the highest standards of care are met.”
The MOU was signed by the First Lady, Vice President of Medical Affairs and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at AUB, Dr. Mohamed H. Sayegh, and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at USJ, Dr. Roland Tomb.
