Towards Better Surveillance for Coral Ecosystems in Qatar: Stakeholder Engagement in EBM Approach.

More recently, Qatar has undergone a remarkable social and economic transformation in less than a generation. Although Qataris have a historic connection to the sea, dating back to the pearl diving days in the 19th century, the marine environment requires many interventions to be managed in a sustainable manner. Given the fact that coral reefs play an important role in the coastal ecosystem in this peninsular state, principles of environment sustainability should be undertaken for this significant habitats along the Qatari shores. Local pressures and climate change are among the most important factors that have negatively affected Qatar's coral communities. Other major threats result largely from human activities. To achieve sustainable development that preserves the Environment is a core goal especially included in all recent development regimes in Qatar. A balance between development needs and protecting the environment represents the fourth pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030. An explicit reference is also documented in the two most recently adopted strategies of development. This study introduces a good opportunity for Qatar to position itself as a regional leader in the use of environmental management systems that integrate multiple partners in guiding and conserving coral reefs as part of valuable ecosystems as a right of future generations of Qatari nationals guaranteed by the country's sustainable development agenda. It defines 4-stage engagement framework that include 9 diverse stakeholders proposed to participate in the management of coral reef ecosystems, therefore, facilitate monitoring and enforcement, enhance understanding of system dynamics, improve management capacity to respond to shocks and disturbances, and facilitate teamwork.This publication was made possible by the NPRP award [NPRP8-952-1-186] from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of The Qatar Foundation) through the National Priority Research Program

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population