The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has organized an Innovation Lab to develop initiatives that can enhance the prevention of non-communicable diseases. The lab featured a brainstorming session focused on high-impact ideas supporting the transition to healthier, more sustainable lifestyles while helping reduce national chronic disease indicators.

The event was attended by H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sports Development and Competitiveness Sector at the Ministry of Sports, and H.E. Hussain Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, as well as a group of national cadres, experts and specialists from health and relevant entities across the country.

The initiative is set to contribute to the objectives of “We the UAE 2031", including the establishment of an advanced and integrated healthcare system focused on enhancing quality of life and promoting healthy lifestyle practices across society.

Prevention is a strategic choice

Held in Dubai, the lab aimed to develop new initiatives to combat non-communicable diseases and mental health, by engaging in national and specialized expertise in shaping practical, innovative solutions that help curb the spread of these diseases and promote healthier lifestyles across society.

The gathering was organized as part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to strengthen public health and support the objectives of the national policy for promoting healthy lifestyles by positioning prevention as a strategic choice that enhances the sustainability of the healthcare system and improves quality of life.

Participants in the event's sessions and accompanying workshop discussed the key challenges related to non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and chronic respiratory conditions, and their underlying causes.

The discussions also reviewed global best practices and innovative solutions that can be adapted locally, while highlighting the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles, particularly physical activity across all segments of society, as well as the role of community. 

partnerships and integration between health and non-health sectors, in line with the “Health in All Policies"approach. 

Root causes of chronic diseases

H.E. Hussain Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, stressed that organizing the Innovation Lab is part of the Ministry's commitment to adopting a proactive approach to addressing non-communicable diseases, an approach that is driven by innovation, partnerships, and integrated roles across sectors.

He noted that tackling the root causes of chronic diseases is a national priority, given the growing burden these conditions place on both community health and the healthcare system. In this context, Al Rand said, the Ministry is collaborating closely with partners to introduce preventive initiatives based on robust data, including the findings of the recently announced National Health and Nutrition Survey.

Dr. Al Rand added that the UAE is establishing a comprehensive preventive approach to combating non-communicable diseases by reducing lifestyle-related risk factors, such as unhealthy nutrition and tobacco use, to achieve sustainable prevention. This is being pursued through policies that enhance quality of life, expand early screening and health education programs, and foster healthier food environments.

His Excellency further highlighted that the Ministry is leveraging advanced digital technologies to enhance monitoring and follow-up efficiency, integrate risk-factor indicators with health information systems, and develop data-driven analytics for decision support. These efforts are complemented by digital initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco use and promoting adherence to healthy behaviors.

Practical and innovative initiatives

Meanwhile, Dr. Buthaina Bin Belaila, Head of the Non-Communicable Disease and Mental Health Department, MoHAP, explained that the innovation lab was dedicated to translating accumulated knowledge and global best practices into actionable solutions.

She highlighted that engaging experts and specialists in collaborative design sessions was instrumental in shaping practical and innovative initiatives that not only enhance the prevention of non-communicable diseases but also make healthy choices the easiest and most accessible options and advance national goals of fostering a healthy, aware, and empowered society capable of embracing positive lifestyles.

Dr. Bin Belaila further indicated that the lab's outcomes will provide a foundational blueprint for future programs and would be integrated into the Ministry's strategy, reinforcing a comprehensive public health model centered on preventive policies, awareness initiatives.

and stronger partnerships. She noted that this approach is intended to ensure the sustainability of national efforts to combat non-communicable diseases and protect the health of future generations.