Manipal, Feb 4 : Manipal Academy of Higher Education an Institution of Eminence, is set to host the MAHE Global Health Summit 2026, a high-level event organized in conjunction with the World Health Summit (WHS) Academic Alliance and the Lancet Commission on Academic Responsibility. The WHS Academic Alliance brings together 30 leading academic institutions to strengthen evidence-based global health policy and foster international cooperation, while The Lancet journals address urgent societal challenges, influence policy, and initiate global debate.
The summit will commence at MAHE Dubai campus from 5–7 February 2026, before continuing at MAHE’s Manipal campus on 9 February 2026, reflecting MAHE’s commitment to shaping global health dialogue across geographies.
The Dubai leg of the summit will feature the formal launch of the WHS Academic Alliance Lancet Commission on Academic Responsibility through a high-level symposium titled “Academic Responsibility in a Fragmenting World” on 5 February. This event aligns with MAHE’s vision of strengthening global public health capacity, coinciding with the launch of the Bachelor of Public Health programme at MAHE Dubai. The kick-off meeting of the WHS Academic Alliance Lancet Commission will also be held on 6–7 February 2026, with Dr. Cherian Varghese, Director of Prasanna School of Public Health, representing MAHE as one of the Commissioners.
Building on the Dubai discussions, the summit will culminate on 9 February 2026 at the Manipal campus, bringing together global commissioners, national public health leaders, academicians, and practitioners. The summit will feature four thematic panel discussions exploring:
- Mental health and changing societal norms
- Participatory research through a One Health approach
- Translating evidence into social policy with a focus on diet and nutrition
- Building trustworthy communication, particularly on vaccine safety and uptake
Highlighting the significance of the summit, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh VSM (Retd.) said:
“Through the WHS Academic Alliance, the Lancet Commission, and the Global Health Summit 2026, MAHE aims to reinforce the critical role of academic institutions as catalysts for social empowerment, policy influence, and sustainable health systems. These global events position MAHE as a convener committed to advancing evidence-based solutions to pressing public health challenges while fostering collaboration across borders and disciplines.”
Dr. S. Sudhindra, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Dubai, noted:
“Launching the summit at the Dubai campus underscores the UAE’s growing importance as a regional and global hub for healthcare research. We look forward to contributing to discussions on academic responsibility that will advance high-quality, impactful research worldwide.”
Axel R. Pries, President of the World Health Summit, added:
“Increasing attacks on academic freedom and scientific institutions underline the importance of global solidarity among researchers. This Commission represents a significant step toward stronger international cooperation in health research, safeguarding academic freedom and integrity.”
The MAHE Global Health Summit 2026 promises to be a landmark event, reinforcing MAHE’s role as a global convener and champion of evidence-based public health policy and sustainable health systems.