UAE Commemorates World Health Day 2024 With Emphasis On Maternal And Newborn Health Initiatives

The UAE is set to observe World Health Day, aligning with the World Health Organisation's (WHO) campaign, "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures". This initiative urges global efforts to eradicate preventable maternal and newborn deaths. WHO reports that annually, about 300,000 women die from pregnancy-related issues, while over two million infants die within their first month. Additionally, around two million are stillborn each year.

World Health Day serves as a platform to highlight the UAE's progress in healthcare services that mitigate risks for mothers and newborns. In 2024, the UAE introduced the National Policy for the Promotion of Women's Health. This policy addresses women's healthcare needs throughout life stages, including reproductive years. The UAE's maternal healthcare system is among the best globally.

The UAE's maternal care starts with premarital screenings and continues through prenatal care, childbirth services, and breastfeeding education. The nation also implements national programmes for early detection of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and osteoporosis. These initiatives ensure comprehensive care for women at various life stages.

Children in the UAE receive high-quality healthcare from birth through adolescence. This is facilitated by a network of specialised hospitals and paediatric clinics offering preventive care programmes and routine immunisations. Mental health services and therapeutic nutrition programmes are also available to support children's development at every stage.

A notable initiative is the newborn screening programme by Emirates Health Services (EHS). It targets infants from birth to 28 days old for early screening of genetic disorders, critical congenital heart defects, and hearing impairments. This programme operates across all public and specialised hospitals under EHS that provide maternity services.

EHS ensures comprehensive screening for genetic and congenital diseases in newborns. The goal is timely treatment to prevent physical and cognitive disabilities while reducing mortality rates. Additionally, EHS offers extensive care for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including early screening at primary healthcare centres for children aged 16 to 30 months.

The UAE remains dedicated to delivering top-tier healthcare services to its population. Through advanced medical facilities and innovative health programmes, it aims to improve health outcomes for mothers and children alike. These efforts reflect a commitment to fostering a healthier future for all citizens.

With inputs from WAM