H.E. Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, stressed that the UAE has made significant progress in polio control and eradication, thanks to its innovative strategy and integrated procedures developed by the Ministry in collaboration with health authorities.
“The comprehensive surveillance system established through these efforts has bolstered the UAE's status as a distinguished health centre both regionally and globally, enhancing its competitiveness in the health care quality index.”
Dr. Al Olama highlighted that the UAE is committed to promoting community health through a sustainable health system that delivers vaccination services in line with the highest international standards. As a result, no cases of polio have been recorded in the UAE since the 1990s.
President's Initiatives
In a statement marking World Polio Day on October 24, H.E. Dr. Al Olama commended the initiatives launched by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to support global vaccination programs. He emphasized that the country’s humanitarian initiatives have strengthened the UAE's position as a leader in polio eradication and contributed significantly to improving public health worldwide.
Preventive Plans
Dr. Al Olama also noted that the Ministry pays utmost attention to implementing its preventive plans, including comprehensive vaccination programs to increase immunization coverage among infants in their first year, considering the latest developments in prevention and immunization, and following the guidelines set by the World Health Organization.