In commemoration of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, which was observed on 24th March under the theme 'Invest to End TB, Save Lives’ the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) organised a scientific seminar for the workers in the National TB Control Programme and health care providers nationwide.
About 350 persons took part in the event, whether in person or remotely, from various government and private health sectors, including doctors, nurses, laboratory workers, public health specialists, and other health care providers in the country.
The seminar was opened by HE Salem Al Darmaki, Advisor to the Minister of Health and Prevention, while Dr. Nada Al-Marzouqi, Director of the Department of Public Health and Prevention, made a presentation on the National TB Control Programme and its strategies to control TB. She also presented some analytical statistics on the achievements made by the programme.
Local and international experts and speakers who took part in the event discussed the latest recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the field of healthcare for tuberculosis patients.
The challenges in dealing with the disease were also discussed, in addition to reviewing studies and statistics that illustrate the global and local situation.
The attendees also engaged in discussions and exchanged opinions, information and experiences.
The lecturers, distinguished workers, and supporting bodies were honored in appreciation of their efforts in developing the National TB Control Programme.
Community partnership
HE Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, said the UAE is one of the countries with low TB prevalence, and that the ministry continues to cooperate and plan with health authorities when it comes to conducting scientific research and finding the best solutions and medicines to end TB by 2030.
This comes as part of achieving the UN's sustainable development goals and the WHO's strategy to subdue this disease.
Effective international participation
Al Rand pointed to the participation of the UAE in the Eastern Mediterranean regional strategy to eradicate tuberculosis in the region. The ministry has implemented, in collaboration with the health authorities and its strategic partners, several preventive strategies and programs to reduce and control the spread of the disease, such as standardization of surveillance methods and treatment systems, provision of tuberculosis drugs on a regular basis, giving preventive vaccination to children at birth, and the program of early TB testing.
"The Ministry has been organizing numerous awareness and communal activities and programs to promote awareness among various segments of society about tuberculosis, and encourage early diagnosis to avoid the disease and its complications," said Salem Al Darmaki. "The ministry is keen to provide the latest efficient preventive and curative health systems at all levels, follow up on effective measures that ensure control and prevention of the disease, and develop preventive strategies and plans to raise and spread societal awareness."
Efforts are ongoing between the ministry of health and its partners to address all the challenges and ensure that care and follow-up services for tuberculosis patients are provided free of charge.
These efforts are of vital importance in strengthening the health system, in order to prevent communicable diseases and achieve a sustainable healthy environment free of diseases and ensure health for everyone, in a healthy and prosperous society.