The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has stressed that the UAE is one of the world’s top countries with low rates of tuberculosis, attributing this accomplishment to its collaborative efforts with local health authorities to implement effective prevention strategies and programs to curb and control the disease.
In addition to standardizing surveillance methods, MoHAP has developed an efficient follow-up system and constantly provided effective tuberculosis drugs. The ministry has also increased the capacity of TB healthcare professionals and implemented tuberculosis screening programs. Additionally, children are vaccinated at birth as a preventive measure.
MoHAP's remarks were made on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, which is observed on March 24 each year. This year, the global day is being marked under the theme, "Yes! We can end TB!"
Furthermore, the UAE has played an active role in adopting the regional strategy to eliminate tuberculosis at the Eastern Mediterranean level and remains committed to supporting international efforts through scientific research, innovative solutions, and medicines to end tuberculosis by 2050. The country's efforts are in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the global strategy to defeat the disease.
Community Awareness Programs
The Ministry has launched numerous health initiatives and programs, engaging the community to increase awareness about tuberculosis and promote the importance of early diagnosis, vaccination, and infection prevention.
These programs include interactive lectures in Arabic, English, and Urdu, targeting different segments of society, including workers. The Ministry also provides free medical tests for workers and shares educational messages on various social media platforms. Additionally, the Ministry has collaborated with numerous government and tourism entities in the country to participate in a global initiative to combat tuberculosis by lighting a major landmark in red.
The Ministry emphasized that it is committed to developing strategies that raise community awareness about communicable diseases to establish a healthy and sustainable environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of all members of society.
A message of hope
The theme for this year's World TB Day conveys a message of hope, emphasizing that it is possible to defeat the TB epidemic by increasing investment, accelerating the implementation of new WHO recommendations, promoting innovation and action, and fostering multisectoral cooperation through high-level country engagement. With 2023 providing ample opportunities to advance the TB Elimination Agenda, it is critical to highlight and increase commitment to the TB response.