HE Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), emphasized that Emirati Children's Day, which is celebrated on March 15, reflects the UAE’s commitment to ensuring that Emirati children play a crucial role in the UAE's progress for the coming decades, in line with the UAE Centennial Plan 2071.
Speaking on the annual occasion, which is being celebrated this year under the theme "Children’s rights to a safe and sustainable environment,", the Minister said that Emirati Children's Day is an opportunity to highlight the importance of empowering the county’s future generation by developing their skills and capabilities, encouraging creativity, and supporting talented innovators.
In his statement, Al Owais stated that the ministry's new strategy for 2023–2026 aims to promote public health and create a society committed to prevention, consciousness, safety, and health.
This strategy is designed to enhance the quality of life in the country by promoting children's health and nutrition, supporting the school health system in the areas of prevention and health guidance, providing necessary vaccinations and immunizations, and prioritizing mental health to ensure the child's holistic development. Al Owais stressed that children’s health is a top priority for the national health system.
Al Owais added that the UAE takes proactive measures in developing comprehensive and integrated strategies that ensure the protection of children's rights to health, development, and well-being.
He highlighted the National Strategy for Motherhood and Childhood as a crucial reference for decision-makers, along with the adoption of innovative laws and regulations like "Wadeema’s Law". Additionally, the UAE collaborates with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and ratifies relevant international conventions.