The UAE has been among the global leaders in the fight against counterfeit drugs and implements a regional drug alert system, in line with its membership with the World Health Organization (WHO) – Uppsala Monitoring Centre, and that the country relentlessly works to develop regulatory legislation in accordance with international best practices, said H.E. Dr. Amin Hussein Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary of Public Health Policy and Licensing Sector, Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). 

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) successfully organized health awareness events in connection with the Arab Health Day under the theme ‘Sustainable Health for All,’ in accordance with the resolutions of the Council of Arab Ministers of Health meeting at its 49th session to call on all Arab Member States and all partners to raise awareness through organizing events. The annual Arab Health Day is observed on September 4 every year with an aim to promote the best health practices and enhance Arab countries' efforts to improve health services and encourage health education.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) has announced that the World Health Organization (WHO)’s independent High-Level Commission on NCDs has elected H.E. Abdul Rahman Bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, as a commissioner to represent the Eastern Mediterranean Region. This move complements the UAE’s leadership role in the healthcare sector, and its commitment to combat NCDs in line with the objectives of the UAE National Agenda 2021 and the goals of sustainable development, 2030. Under the patronage H.E. Abdul Rahman Bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, the WHO Independent High-Level on Commission on NCDs Report was launched at the ministry’s headquarters, with the participation of officials from WHO and other health entities, and members of the National High Committee and the Regional NCD Alliance.

In line with the Ministry of Health and Prevention’s (MOHAP) strategy to promote healthy lifestyles among the UAE communities and reduce the prevalence of diseases, the Ministry's Department of Health Education and Promotion launched a ‘colon cancer awareness and prevention program,’ which began on August 29. The campaign, which is set to last until September 24, 2018, aims to raise health awareness on various types of cancers and learn about screenings and tests for early cancer detection, which in turn will contribute to enhancing the chances of recovery and reducing mortalities related to cancer.

In recognition of Emirati women's contributions in the sustainable development and to appreciate and honor the active roles played by them in the nation's progress, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) organized a celebration of the Emirati Women's Day under the theme ‘Women on the Course of Zayed.’ The event forms part of nationwide celebrations that recognize the success and achievements of Emirati women in all fields, thanks to the constant support and encouragement from the wise leadership. The event was attended by His Excellency Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, the Minister of Health and Prevention; Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry, in addition to a number of managers and other departmental staff.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) revealed that its ‘Junior Chef’ initiative successful completed its second phase on a high note—receiving an overwhelming public response for its efforts to promote health awareness among children. Spearheaded by the Ministry’s Education and Health Promotion Department, the ‘Junior Chef’ program aims to stress on the importance of eating healthy food and educating the public, children most especially, about health alternatives. The activities related to the initiative were held in the presence of media and popular Emirati artists Abdullah Bouabid and Abdullah Al Juffali, from July 23 and August 16, 2018 in cooperation with the Sharjah Girl Guides, which reflected a strong boost to the Ministry's efforts to bring down the number of obese children in the country to 12 per cent by 2021, following the goals and objectives set forth in the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda.