MoHAP Achieves Milestone By Conducting Over 150,000 Diabetes Screenings Nationwide

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) in the UAE has exceeded its diabetes early detection target, conducting over 150,000 screenings across the nation. This surpasses the initial goal of 100,000 screenings set under the Government Accelerators programme. The achievement is part of the National Prediabetes and Diabetes Screening Campaign launched in October 2023.

This milestone aligns with World Diabetes Day on 14th November and marks the completion of the campaign's second phase. The year-long initiative was supported by all UAE health authorities and collaborated with Merck Gulf. The announcement was made during an event in Dubai attended by key Ministry officials and campaign partners.

The national campaign reached various health centres across government sectors and public and private workplaces. It included digital questionnaires to assess risk factors for type 2 diabetes and HbA1c testing for high-risk individuals. Medical consultations were provided to manage prediabetes, linking tests to treatment pathways with follow-ups at three and six months.

Dr. Hussein Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Sector at MoHAP, highlighted: "This milestone of conducting over 150,000 early detection screenings is a clear testament to the successful strategic partnership between the public and private sectors, as well as the unwavering support of the UAE's leadership."

Dr. Al Rand also emphasised that "The UAE is leading the way in health innovation, continuously advancing our National Action Plan for Non-Communicable Diseases to align with the ambitious 'We the UAE 2031' vision." He reiterated that preventing diabetes remains a top priority for MoHAP.

To commemorate this achievement, Dubai Frame was lit up in blue with a creative visual presentation, while Skydive Dubai organised a celebratory skydive event. These activities highlighted the significance of this milestone in diabetes prevention efforts.

Strategic Partnerships

Dr. Buthaina Bin Belaila stated: "The results achieved by the National Prediabetes and Diabetes Screening Campaign showcase the effectiveness of MoHAP's strategy to increase nationwide awareness about diabetes prevention and the importance of regular health checkups."

"We have seen a significant turnout from various segments of society," Bin Belaila added, highlighting how joint efforts among strategic partners have enhanced national health indicators and competitiveness.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Ahmed Abo Al Fadl, General Manager of Merck Gulf, expressed pride in contributing to this initiative: "We are honoured to contribute to this initiative for early diabetes detection, which highlights our shared commitment to advancing public health."

This partnership reflects Merck Gulf's corporate social responsibility and belief in public-private collaboration to achieve national health objectives. Their involvement underscores a commitment to creating a healthier future for all.

The Ministry remains dedicated to conducting impactful research and scientific studies aimed at reducing diabetes prevalence. Through strong partnerships, they aim to improve community quality of life while building a healthier future for everyone involved.

With inputs from WAM