UAE Commences National Health And Nutrition Survey For 2024-2025

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has initiated the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2024–2025. This effort is in collaboration with strategic partners like the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, health authorities, and local statistical centres in the UAE. The survey aims to gather precise data on the nation's health and nutrition status.

Since May, MoHAP has promoted the survey through various media channels, including its website and social media platforms. A unified number (80011111) is available for inquiries, explaining all stages of the health survey and field team operations. The ministry urges selected citizens and residents to cooperate with field teams.

The survey seeks to update the health and nutrition database of the population. It measures health performance indicators by collecting field information using an approved methodology. This data will aid decision-makers in policy development, strategy formulation, and state-level health planning, aligning with "We the UAE 2031" vision.

Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Public Health Sector, stated that coordinating with partners and local authorities was essential for deploying survey teams. He noted that collected data would enhance health service quality nationwide.

Alia Zaid Harbi, Director of the Statistics and Research Center at MoHAP, highlighted that their data collection methodology meets international standards. Personal interviews during field visits will use electronic questionnaires endorsed by WHO and national health authorities. These are available in Arabic, English, Hindi, and Urdu to ensure comprehensive data collection.

Harbi further explained that the survey covers a wide range of health and nutrition indicators. These include socio-economic factors, household health expenditures, non-communicable diseases prevalence, biophysical measurements, healthcare access, micronutrient deficiencies, dietary intake, child growth metrics, and maternal health.

Survey Team Identification

The Ministry confirmed that National Health and Nutrition Survey teams could be identified by their customised uniforms featuring MoHAP's logo and the survey campaign logo. Their ID cards also carry photos and information matching those carried by survey employees.

The ministry emphasised that successful execution relies on participants' cooperation in completing electronic questionnaires. Licensed researchers and statisticians from competent authorities form these teams under a higher committee's supervision.

Target Population

The National Health and Nutrition Survey 2024-2025 targets a sample of 10,000 families for health surveys and another 10,000 for nutrition surveys. This includes 40 percent Emirati citizens and 60 percent expatriates along with 2,000 workers. Target age groups include elderly individuals, adults over 18 years old, females aged 15 to 49 years old, pregnant women, and children from one day to 17 years old.

"This survey represents a critical strategic step towards realising our vision of building a world-class health system," said Dr. Al Rand. "By gathering comprehensive data, we can formulate innovative policies tailored to our diverse population's needs."

Dr. Harbi called upon all citizens and residents in the sample to cooperate with survey teams. She stressed that collected information would be used solely for statistical purposes while ensuring data confidentiality.

The ministry's awareness campaign includes various media channels to inform people about the survey's importance. Cooperation from selected families is crucial for accurate data collection supporting UAE's healthcare future.

With inputs from WAM