The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), in collabration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has hosted a three-day workshop aimed at bolstering Noncommunicable Disease (NCD) surveillance systems, ehanching quality of life and combacting NCDs.
The workshop also focused on fostering a shared comprehension of NCD surveillance concepts, establishing comprehensive reporting mechanisms for noncommunicable diseases and associated risk factors to support national strategic plans and policies, and creating an all-encompassing national framework for monitoring noncommunicable diseases in the UAE.
The three-day event held in Dubai targeted NCD program managers and health professionals from various health entities across the UAE, facilitating discussions on NCD indicators, including those for the early detection of individuals at risk of these diseases. Participants evaluated progress in controlling and preventing NCDs, classifying indicators into basic and extensive categories, and exchanging ideas on advancing the development of the national NCD monitoring framework in the UAE.
Present at the gathering were HE Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, Dr Nada Al Marzouqi, Director of the Department of Public Health and Prevention, Dr Buthina Bin Belaila, Head of Non-communicable Disease Department,as well as representatives of the health authorities in the country.
Analysing national indicators
The workshop provided training on how to analyse national indicators of non-communicable diseases and their associated risk factors, including physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, tobacco use, and the prevalence of conditions like overweight, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension across various healthcare levels. The gathering also focused on integrating these tools with all levels of the country's health information systems.
Empowering Health Professionals
In his opening remarks at the workshop, HE Al Rand said: “Noncommunicable diseases have emerged as a major health challenge globally in recent years, drawing significant attention due to their extensive health, social, and economic risks and their adverse effects on both national development and the well-being of individuals and communities.”
“In response, the UAE has been proactive in addressing these diseases, incorporating them comprehensively within its broader health policies and programs. This approach includes integrating these concerns into key national strategies, such as the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 and the National Nutrition Strategy. By adopting and implementing best practices and standards to curb the spread of these diseases, the UAE stands as a leader in the region,” Al Rand added.
"The workshop has been held as part of MoHAP’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the surveillance of noncommunicable diseases. We are committed to empowering health professionals with the necessary tools to gather and analyze data, and stay updated with the latest scientific advancements in the early detection and control of NCDs," said a spokesperson from the Ministry. The workshop, which brought together WHO experts, focused on the utilization of WHO’s methodologies for NCD surveillance.
“We look forward to not only developing a national NCD monitoring framework in the UAE but also upgrading comprehensive NCD reporting and setting up a specialized unit dedicated to monitoring and evaluating NCD indicators and policies at the national level. These steps are crucial for us to achieve measurable and positive outcomes in enhancing the quality of healthy living within the community,” Al Rand noted.
It is important to note that NCDs include a wide range of conditions, including cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes, hypertension, various forms of cancer, chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, and diabetes. The Ministry of Health and Prevention continuously launches campaigns to encourage community members to adopt healthier lifestyles, eat nutritious food, engage in physical activity, and avoid smoking as preventive measures against these diseases.