Combating Obesity: MoHAP's Strategic Initiatives To Enhance Public Health In The UAE

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has been actively addressing obesity in the UAE. In collaboration with the World Health Organisation, several initiatives were launched in 2024 to support the National Programme to Combat Obesity, with a focus on childhood obesity. A significant agreement was signed with a leading company to create a national scientific guide for managing obesity and controlling weight.

Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Public Health Sector at the Ministry, emphasised the importance of tackling obesity, particularly among children. He stated, "We’re working to build a society where healthy living becomes second nature by creating an environment that supports wellness at every level, through the combined efforts of individuals, policymakers, government and private institutions, the media, and even food producers."

MoHAP's efforts align with directives to enhance public well-being and raise awareness about obesity's long-term effects on individuals and communities. The ministry is implementing nationwide programmes promoting physical activity from an early age. These initiatives also support balanced nutrition in schools and provide comprehensive care for women during pre-pregnancy and prenatal stages.

In partnership with Novo Nordisk Pharma Gulf, MoHAP launched a national scientific guide for obesity management as part of the National Strategy for Preventing and Managing Non-communicable Diseases. This guide is crucial for standardising protocols across the country.

The ministry conducted training workshops to improve staff skills and standardise protocols for early monitoring of obesity indicators. These sessions aimed to strengthen school health personnel's competencies by enhancing data accuracy and reliability in collecting early obesity indicators among school-aged children nationwide.

MoHAP collaborated with the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean to host specialised workshops under its "Comprehensive School Health" project. Workshops like "Health-Promoting Schools" and "Essentials of Effective Health Communication for Managing Childhood Obesity" aim to integrate health education into school life.

Community Engagement and Future Plans

The ministry continues to roll out public awareness campaigns and community-based initiatives throughout the year. Dr. Al Rand highlighted ongoing efforts such as the health-Promoting Schools programme and the Masar Initiative, which aim to instil a culture of well-being among students, adolescents, and healthcare providers.

The upcoming National Health and Nutrition Survey will assess obesity rates among adults and children across the UAE. This data will inform future health programmes and national strategies aimed at combating obesity effectively.

With inputs from WAM