Sharjah24: During a panel discussion titled “Health and Human History from Ancient Civilizations to Modern Times,” held during the 42nd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), esteemed scholars, authors, and experts conversed around the profound connection between human health and historical evolution.

Drawing an engaged audience, eager to explore how health has been shaped through the course of history, the panel moderated by Dr. Julie Lewis, featured various perspectives, including a renowned dietitian author, medical historians, and public health experts.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Ghandour, known for his groundbreaking research on medical history, noted the importance of tracing the roots of modern health challenges to ancient times. “To comprehend the present and navigate the future of healthcare, it is imperative to excavate the past,” he remarked, setting the tone for a riveting exploration.

The conversation then transcended geographical boundaries as panellists delved into health practices spanning from the prehistoric era to the medical writings of Ibn Sina, laying the foundation for Islamic contributions to modern medicine. The discussion journeyed through the golden age of Greece and the civilisations along the Silk Road, illuminating the evolution of health practices across diverse historical landscapes. During this discourse, Dr. Al-Ghandour provided fascinating insights into the medical practices of ancient societies, unveiling the earliest known records of medicinal treatments etched on ancient clay tablets.

Navigating through the corridors of history, the panel led the audience to the Renaissance era, where Dr. Kennedy shed light on the revival of medical knowledge and the shift from superstition to empirical observation. The rediscovery of classical texts and advancements in anatomy and dissection during this time laid the foundation for the scientific approach to medicine as we recognise it today.

The conversation then moved to Dr. Jonathan Kennedy, a public health expert and author of ‘Pathogenesis: A History of the World in Eight Plagues,’ who revealed the evolution of the human immune system, tracing its development from ancient hunter-gatherers to the modern man. Speaking about the impact of industrialization, urbanisation, and technological advancements on health, Dr.Kennedy said, “While our medical capabilities have soared, new challenges have emerged, requiring a holistic understanding that integrates historical wisdom with cutting-edge innovation.”