Associate Professor to advise on roadmap to tackle postpartum haemorrhage.
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) Associate Professor, Dr Malcolm Price, has joined a team of experts convened by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to address the leading global cause of maternal mortality. Partly funded by the Gates Foundation, the project will investigate excessive bleeding after childbirth, clinically known as postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), to enhance the prevention and treatment of this life-threatening condition.
WHO project aims to redefine postpartum haemorrhage classification for better treatment
A trained biostatistician, Dr Price will serve as a consultant and member of the scientific committee tasked with re-evaluating the definition of PPH, which is currently classified as blood loss of 500 ml or more within 24 hours after birth. The objective is to conduct an evidence-based assessment of this long-standing definition and explore whether different metrics for various medical scenarios could improve patient outcomes.
Dr Price explained, “The current definition of PPH has been in place for decades, and this review will allow us to analyse individual patient data to develop a more accurate, statistically informed measurement. We can also investigate the introduction of specific thresholds based on patients’ circumstances, such as pre-existing conditions or childbirth risk factors.”
Dr Malcolm Price to consult on maternal health research with global impact
Despite being both highly preventable and treatable, PPH results in approximately 70,000 deaths each year, according to WHO data. The condition demonstrates vastly different survival rates across the globe, with 85% of deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Dr Price’s research will contribute to the WHO’s Roadmap to Combat Postpartum Haemorrhage 2023-2030, which outlines a multifaceted approach to improving maternity care by preventing risk factors and ensuring swifter access to treatment.
CUD strengthens public health education through pioneering international partnerships
CUD’s participation in this research project forms part of a broader commitment to advancing healthcare at both regional and global levels. To help build skills capacity in the sector, CUD has signed a pioneering agreement with Global University Systems Canada, providing Bachelor of Science in Public Health students with a structured pathway into one of three medical schools in North America.
Oxford collaboration designates CUD as regional hub for AI in global health
This partnership marks the first of its kind in the UAE, the GCC, and the MENA region. Additionally, earlier this year, CUD entered into a strategic agreement with the University of Oxford to establish the MENA division of The Global Health Network within the Department of Public Health. This collaboration has positioned CUD as the regional hub for the Network’s Artificial Intelligence for Global Health in Asia project.
Speaking about the significance of these research and skills development initiatives, Dr Aseel Takshe, Acting Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Psychology, commented, “At CUD, we recognise the vital role that universities play in taking practical steps to promote public health and wellbeing within our community and beyond. Dr Price’s research exemplifies our commitment to addressing some of the world’s most urgent health challenges through education, research, and consultancy. We are proud to be part of this crucial initiative that will ultimately help to save lives around the world.”