Qatar Reads Launches Research Initiative Linking Early Reading With Family Health and Development

 The Qatar National Library’s (QNL) Qatar Reads Initiative has announced the launch of a new scientific, research‑based project under its flagship “Me and My Family” program, in collaboration with the Women’s Health and Research Center (WWRC) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU).

The initiative centers on a detailed research study designed to measure the impact of early reading interventions on family awareness, reading habits, and the parent‑child relationship. By following mothers’ experiences through questionnaires and panel discussions, the study aims to generate evidence‑based insights that will strengthen the program’s effectiveness and guide future improvements.

Fatima Al Malki, Director of Qatar Reads, explained that the program extends the influence of reading into one of the most formative stages of life, affirming that emotional connection and literacy begin even before childbirth. She noted that families are provided with carefully selected reading materials to encourage interaction and embed reading as a natural part of family life.

From HBKU’s perspective, Dr. Hira Amin, Assistant Professor, described the collaboration as a vital step in linking academic research with social initiatives. She emphasized that studying early reading interventions at sensitive stages offers knowledge that can enhance educational and developmental programs both locally and internationally.

Nasser Al Naimi, HMC’s Chief of Patient Experience, highlighted that healthcare excellence begins with listening to patients and addressing their needs. He stressed that the initiative expands the care pathway during pregnancy by integrating emotional and educational dimensions into traditional healthcare.

Senior WWRC officials, including Dr. Zeina Busharab Al Mansoori, Dr. Huda Abdullah Al Saleh, and Dr. Nader Al Dewik, underscored the center’s role in supporting women and children beyond therapeutic care. They emphasized that combining reading with healthcare reflects a holistic approach, promoting early literacy, parent‑child bonding, and precision medicine practices that strengthen family wellbeing.

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