MoHAP Teams Up With WHO To Forge A National Framework For Healthy Ageing

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has organised a four-day workshop in Dubai, focusing on the National Framework for Healthy Ageing. This event, held in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), aims to enhance elderly health and develop a robust dementia response plan.

The workshop delved into key metrics from WHO’s Decade of Healthy Ageing. It emphasised improving healthcare access for older individuals, promoting healthy lifestyles, fostering research and innovation in ageing, ensuring social inclusion, and enhancing life quality through integrated policies.

Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, attended the workshop. Experts from various UAE health authorities and stakeholders also participated. The event aimed to boost collaboration and create actionable strategies to support senior citizens and residents in the UAE.

Dr. Al Rand highlighted the importance of developing a comprehensive national framework for healthy ageing. He stressed that this initiative aims to foster an age-friendly environment where older adults can lead healthy, active, and independent lives. The framework spans from 2025 to 2030 and includes several initiatives to ensure seniors can contribute meaningfully to society while upholding their rights.

The WHO defines healthy ageing as maintaining functional abilities that enable well-being in older age. These abilities encompass physical fitness, mental health, and social engagement. According to WHO, around 50 million people globally live with dementia today, a number expected to triple by 2050.

National Policy for Senior Citizens

Dr. Al Rand mentioned that the UAE has been proactive in this area through its National Policy for Senior Emiratis. This policy ensures seniors receive necessary support to lead dignified lives matching their social and health status. It includes therapeutic, rehabilitation, and social services for the elderly, reflecting Emirati values and culture.

The WHO Decade of Healthy Ageing Plan 2020-2030 is a comprehensive strategy focused on sustainable collaboration. It places older adults at its core, aiming to improve their lives along with those of their families and communities. The plan calls for cooperation among governments, civil society, international agencies, professionals, academia, media, and the private sector.

The workshop also aimed at creating comprehensive strategies for healthy ageing and preparing a national response plan for dementia. Strengthening cooperation between health and non-health sectors was another focus area. Sharing best practices and innovative solutions was encouraged throughout the event.

This initiative aligns with the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is also synchronised with the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing. The second action plan under WHO’s Strategy on Healthy Ageing draws from these frameworks to promote active ageing globally.

By fostering an age-friendly environment through these initiatives, the UAE aims to establish itself as a leader in promoting active and healthy ageing. This approach ensures that older adults can live with dignity and respect while contributing meaningfully to society.

The workshop's discussions underscored the need for integrated policies that enhance life quality for seniors through healthcare access and social inclusion. Promoting research and innovation in ageing was also highlighted as crucial for developing effective strategies.

In conclusion, MoHAP's workshop represents a significant step towards enhancing elderly health in the UAE by developing comprehensive strategies aligned with global standards set by WHO’s Decade of Healthy Ageing Plan 2020-2030.

With inputs from WAM