The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has unveiled updated scientific guidelines for the National Tuberculosis Control Programme 2025, marking a major step in the UAE’s efforts to eliminate the disease by 2030.
Developed in collaboration with key health sector partners, the updated guide aims to enhance the readiness of the national health system and align the country’s tuberculosis (TB) control efforts with global best practices. The announcement was made during a workshop held in Dubai, attended by senior officials, health authorities, and public health experts from across the UAE.
The new guidelines standardise national policies for TB diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance, introducing evidence-based medical practices to ensure early detection and improved patient outcomes. They include the adoption of six-month oral treatment regimens for drug-resistant TB, expanded preventive treatment for latent cases, and updated follow-up and infection control protocols.
The framework also calls for advanced diagnostic techniques such as molecular testing, and the development of reporting systems that meet international standards. These measures are designed to improve healthcare quality, promote equity in access, and align national efforts with the World Health Organisation’s End TB Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Public Health Sector, said the guide provides a unified national reference for managing TB and reinforces the UAE’s commitment to evidence-based healthcare.
Dr. Nada Al Marzouqi, Director of Public Health and Prevention, highlighted that the updated guide represents a paradigm shift in infectious disease prevention, fostering integration and sustainability across health entities.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
