The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has organised a scientific symposium on World Polio Day, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and several health authorities across the UAE.

The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of eradicating polio and to exchange expertise on best practices in epidemiological surveillance and immunisation. It addressed a wide range of scientific and technical topics, including the current global status of polio, the National Polio Eradication Programme, and clinical detection of acute flaccid paralysis cases. It also discussed ways to enhance the health surveillance system to safeguard the community against infectious diseases.

The gathering was held as part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance the UAE’s health security, and boost the system's readiness as well as to address future challenges, improving emergency response capabilities, and ensuring the sustainability of preventive immunisation programmes in line with the highest international standards.

The symposium also sought to reinforce partnerships with global health organizations to unify efforts towards eliminating infectious diseases, while highlighting the humanitarian role that the UAE plays in supporting global health initiatives that contribute to sustainable development.

UAE President Support

The event commended the pivotal role played by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in supporting global health initiatives and combating infectious diseases, particularly through his backing of the “Reaching the Last Mile” initiative aimed at eradicating polio.

His Highness’ generous support reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to advancing global health, promoting the well-being of future generations, and expanding the nation’s humanitarian impact worldwide.

H.E. Dr. Hussain Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, emphasised that the UAE has been polio-free for over three decades, a milestone made possible thanks to the implementation of an effective surveillance system and the sustained high vaccination coverage by MoHAP and its partners.

He noted that this success was also made possible by the unlimited support of the UAE’s leadership, whose commitment to strengthening preventive and public health systems has unified national efforts toward achieving the goals of the “We the UAE 2031” Vision, which places the health and well-being of the population at the heart of the nation’s development priorities.

Preventive and proactive approach

Al Rand noted that the UAE’s strategy to combat polio is driven by a preventive and proactive approach that focuses on ensuring comprehensive immunisation for children under the National Immunisation Programme and developing an accurate epidemiological surveillance system to detect and swiftly respond to any suspected cases.

He added that the UAE works in close collaboration with the World Health Organization to advance global initiatives such as “Reaching the Last Mile,” which seeks to eradicate infectious diseases worldwide.

His Excellency emphasised that the Ministry is committed to sustaining immunisation programmes and enhancing medical and technical capacities in line with international best practices, ensuring the nation remains polio-free and aligned with the government’s vision of building a healthy, safe, and high-quality society.

Al Rand further highlighted that the ministry, together with its partners, is utilising modern technologies to support epidemiological surveillance and data analysis systems, helping to improve response speed, data accuracy, and sustainable preventive planning.  The UAE will also continue to support regional and global programmes to eradicate polio in countries facing health challenges, reaffirming its leading humanitarian role in advancing global health.

The symposium is part of a series of awareness and scientific initiatives organised by MoHAP to enhance prevention against infectious diseases and ensure the sustainability of national efforts to keep the UAE polio-free. It is also perfectly aligned with the Ministry’s policies aiming to enhance public health and promote the efficiency of the preventive system.