Academic Network for Development Dialogue (ANDD) Paper Series

Back Matter

Hamzeh Abdallah Ayed Khwaileh — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Budgeting and Spending in Palestine’s Health Care System: Addressing Gaps and Opportunities (2000-2024)

Bilal Abed AL-Rhman Nemr Jawabreh, Motasem Hamdan — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Objectives: This study analyzes health financing patterns in Palestine from 2000 to 2023, with a focus on the 2023 expenditure indicators. It explores the growing burden of household out-of-pocket (OOP) payments, the allocation imbalance between curative and preventive care, and the need for increased government investment in health.

Methodology: A systematic literature review, secondary data analysis, and expert interviews were conducted using data from the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Finance, and the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS). The latest indicators from 2023 were integrated to update policy insights.

Results: In 2023, total current health expenditure (CHE) reached $1.87 billion, or 10.4% of GDP. Government contributions accounted for 46.4% of this spending, while households financed 42.1% through OOP payments, which accounts for more than double the WHO’s recommended ceiling. Per capita health expenditure stood at $363. Despite health expenditure reaching 10.4% of GDP in 2023, significant imbalances persist, with approximately 71–75% of spending directed toward curative care compared to only 1.5–4.8% allocated to preventive services. Combined with low government health expenditure (4.9% of GDP), this raises concerns about efficiency, equity, and long-term fiscal sustainability.

Originality: This policy brief provides a context-specific analysis using the latest national data. It highlights financial vulnerabilities in the Palestinian health system and offers evidence-based recommendations to improve equity and efficiency under conditions of political and economic constraints.

Advancing Health Equity in Oman: Integrating Health Literacy and Digital Health Literacy into National Policy

Amna Alabri — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0300

This paper proposes a strategic policy framework to integrate Health Literacy (HL) and Digital Health Literacy (DHL) into Oman’s national development agenda, in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. Framing HL and DHL as modifiable social determinants of health, this paper investigates their potential to enhance public engagement, reduce disparities, and support health system resilience. The central research question is how Oman can develop a comprehensive health and digital health literacy strategy that draws on international best practices while also being responsive to its local social, cultural, and systemic contexts. A qualitative policy analysis was conducted, drawing on global HL frameworks, including the World Health Organization (WHO) Guide, Germany’s National Action Plan, Portugal’s life-course approach, and Turkey’s 2022–2026 Strategic Plan. In addition, grey literature and regional policy documents were reviewed to assess policy gaps and readiness across the MENA region. The findings reveal a regional void in HL policymaking, characterized by fragmented, short-term initiatives that lack structural integration, particularly in the digital health domain. In response, this study proposes a national strategy comprising seven key policy actions: (1) establishing a multisectoral HL governance structure, (2) embedding HL within healthcare systems, (3) advancing digital equity, (4) integrating HL into formal education, (5) supporting community-led initiatives, (6) developing robust evaluation frameworks, and (7) addressing misinformation. This research provides theoretical insights into the policy-level integration of HL/DHL and offers practical recommendations tailored to Oman. It also provides a replicable framework for other countries seeking to integrate HL/DHL into inclusive and resilient health reform agendas.

Towards Sustainable Energy Management in the Pharmaceutical Industry: Optimizing Drying

Regis Harold Fotsing, Chouaib Benqlilou, Sulikoia Lare, Amal Mrani Alaoui — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0300

The pharmaceutical industry, with its complex processes and high energy consumption, is facing increasing economic, environmental, and regulatory pressures. Despite its crucial role in global public health, it remains one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters, surpassing even the automotive industry by 55%. This energy challenge is particularly critical in industrial pharmaceutical establishments (IPEs) in the Arab world, where almost all energy supply relies on fossil fuels, even though the pharmaceutical market is growing rapidly. In this context, optimizing energy performance is a strategic necessity, not only to reduce production costs but also to promote sustainable development and meet international climate commitments. The study reviews the current literature on energy issues in the pharmaceutical sector, emphasizing the importance of an integrated energy management approach. The article illustrates a means of rationalizing energy through a case study involving the optimization of drying in an industrial pharmaceutical environment using a two-phase fluidized bed model. The simulations show that adjusting the input parameters (temperature, speed, and moisture content) significantly reduces both drying time and energy consumption, while also reducing CO₂ emissions compared with current practices. These results demonstrate that the integration of suitable technologies, combined with a detailed analysis of process parameters, can contribute to a substantial reduction in operating costs and environmental footprint. Thus, energy optimization, coupled with robust training, financial incentives, and governance policies, appears to be a promising route to transforming the Arab pharmaceutical industry into a more sustainable and globally competitive sector.

Policy for Improving Human Well-being and Strengthening Capabilities of Displaced and Mobile Populations in Egypt

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Objectives: Egypt has recently faced a significant migration surge due to conflicts in neighboring areas, highlighting the complex dynamics of migration. Gaps persist in addressing the needs of displaced populations, which are exacerbated by socioeconomic and environmental risks, thereby intensifying long-term vulnerabilities. This study focuses on enhancing the well-being of displaced and mobile populations in Egypt, providing evidence-based recommendations to improve their welfare and capabilities.

Methodology: This study employed qualitative document analysis to examine the existing literature and policy documents relevant to displaced populations in Egypt. A systematic approach was adopted to conduct a comprehensive assessment of current policies, challenges, and best practices.

Findings: The findings indicate that displaced populations in Egypt mainly reside in urban areas, including Greater Cairo and Alexandria. Displaced populations, including refugees and migrants, possess untapped labour that can bolster local economies. The proposed policy framework tackles the critical challenges faced by displaced populations in Egypt, including access to healthcare, economic inclusion, and social cohesion. The policy advocates inclusive collaboration with the private sector to ensure mutual benefits for both displaced populations and host communities, all while safeguarding the rights and well-being of displaced populations and supporting Egypt’s overall stability.

Originality: Key recommendations include deploying mobile health clinics, implementing community-driven integration initiatives, expanding vocational training programs, and prioritizing infrastructure investments. These are designed to be inclusive, sustainable, and adaptable to the needs of displaced populations. Success depends on decisive, collaborative action from governments, NGOs, the private sector, and international organizations, supported by partnerships and monitoring.

Enhancing Lecturers’ Scientific Research Practices Through an AI-Based Training Program

Mashael Awadh Al-Saiari — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0300

This policy paper presents evidence-based recommendations for integrating AI tools into academic research, drawing on a study that examined the impact of an AI-based training program at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS). The study demonstrated that AI tools significantly enhance research efficiency, boost lecturers’ motivation, and promote ethical AI practices. Using a quasi-experimental design, qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 lecturers to explore their perceptions of the training. The results indicated that AI tools significantly enhanced research efficiency by facilitating research processes and improving the quality of research outputs. Additionally, the training program increased lecturers’ research motivation by reducing anxiety, building confidence, and fostering team collaboration. It also influenced lecturers’ understanding of ethical AI usage, encouraging the responsible application of AI tools and adherence to ethical guidelines. These findings highlighted the transformative role of AI in academic research and the importance of integrating AI-focused professional development programs into higher education.

Optimizing Enrolment Management in Higher Education Institutions Through AI Integration and Data Analytics: A Sustainable Resource Management Approach

Sidi Mohamed El Youssy — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0300

This study examines how artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics can reshape enrolment management in higher education institutions across Qatar. By situating administrative practices within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals—most notably Goal 4, which focuses on quality education, and Goal 12, which promotes responsible consumption and production—the research considers how AI-enabled platforms can make better use of available resources, streamline operations, and support evidence-based decision-making. Drawing on in-depth interviews with twelve professionals from both public and private universities, thematic analysis surfaced four main domains of influence: predictive modelling of enrolment trends, the pursuit of equitable access, gains in administrative efficiency, and pockets of cultural or technological resistance. Overall, the results indicate that AI could help render enrolment systems more transparent, data-driven, and sustainable. The paper wraps up with targeted policy recommendations that consider Qatar’s dynamic educational environment while also offering lessons that may be relevant to other regions and countries.

Advancing Value-Based Healthcare Through Evidence-Driven Practices, Real-World Data, and AI Technologies: Bridging Research and Reality

Amira M. Kamel — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Healthcare systems in the Middle East face critical challenges, including a growing burden of non-communicable diseases, systemic inefficiencies, and limited integration of transformative innovations such as Real-World Evidence (RWE), scientific research, and AI-powered predictive analytics. This policy paper advocates for Value-Based Medicine (VBM) as a transformative framework to address these challenges. By merging RWE with scientific research and leveraging AI, VBM enhances clinical decision-making, optimizes resource utilization, and improves patient outcomes. The paper outlines innovative solutions supported with actionable strategies to strengthen research ecosystems, reform healthcare policies, foster public-private partnerships, and establish sustainable infrastructures aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Additionally, it evaluates alternative approaches, including Fee-for-Service (FFS) models with enhanced regulation and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with centralized systems. Through a comparative analysis, the paper demonstrates why VBM is the most effective and sustainable model for transforming healthcare systems in the MENA region.

Sustainable Practices from Eco-Schools to Eco-Universities

Sabah Abdelkader Assi, Abdulaziz Ahmed Al-Maashani, Issa Mohammad Manasrah — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0300

The design of the Ecological University Model aims to promote ecological culture across various academic courses through practical field-based practices, with particular emphasis on teacher preparation programs as well as curricular and extracurricular activities, to ensure a positive impact on basic education institutions. The model encompasses six key ecological standards: rational consumption of water and energy, effective waste management, biodiversity conservation, healthy nutrition, and the promotion of solidarity. It further incorporates seven regulatory implementation phases.

To achieve this objective, the researchers adopted the descriptive-analytical method, and the model was designed based on the Eco-Schools Program launched by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in 1994 under the patronage of the European Union, drawing upon relevant literature, as well as the researchers’ field observations. The model is intended to be applied by university faculty, students, and the identified stakeholders.

Expected outcomes include the establishment of an applied ecological university that will support the creation of a network of ecological universities in the Sultanate of Oman and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the integration of environmental concepts into academic course activities, and the adoption of joint policies with both public and private sectors to form a tangible link between the academic community and the labor market in support of environmental sustainability.

Public-Private Partnerships in Health Care: Approaches and Policies

Ibrahim Yousef Harmoush — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have become an indispensable strategic technique worldwide for healthcare delivery, by mobilizing the private sector's financial, technological, and managerial capabilities. as well as responding to the global trend toward state downsizing. However, the design and implementation of these partnerships are not always successful, given the varying values, objectives, and regulatory and legal frameworks adopted by the partners.

This research aims to review the most prominent legal methods for partnership in the health sector a worldwide, and then propose the best policies, lessons and recommendations drawn from global experiences to achieve a successful partnership. The results showed that countries utilize a wide range of legal techniques to engage the private sector in healthcare provision, such as infrastructure contracts, concession contracts, and integrated healthcare service contracts, all the way to privatizing the entire sector. The research also demonstrated that achieving successful partnerships requires two key stages, preparing for the partnership and implementing it. The preparation stage requires a preliminary diagnosis of the country's health sector, creating a favorable political and social environment for its success, and establishing a legal and institutional framework. The implementation stage requires objective selection of the partnership approach, leveraging international expertise, ensuring economic feasibility, covering demand and inflation risks, as well as protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring oversight and accountability.

Table of Content

Hamzeh Abdallah Ayed Khwaileh — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Table of Content

Hamzeh Abdallah Ayed Khwaileh — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Foreword

Hamzeh Abdallah Ayed Khwaileh — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Foreword

Hamzeh Abdallah Ayed Khwaileh — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0300

About the Series & its board

Hamzeh Abdallah Ayed Khwaileh — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0300

About the Series & its board

Hamzeh Abdallah Ayed Khwaileh — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Front Matter

Hamzeh Abdallah Ayed Khwaileh — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0300