The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has exceeded its goal for diabetes early detection, completing over 150,000 screenings across the UAE, surpassing its target of 100,000 set under the Government Accelerators programme.
This achievement is part of the National Prediabetes and Diabetes Screening Campaign, launched in October 2023, which aims to improve early detection and prevention of type 2 diabetes.
Announced on World Diabetes Day, November 14, the milestone marks the successful conclusion of the campaign's second phase, a year-long initiative supported by all UAE health authorities in collaboration with Merck Gulf. The campaign has focused on raising awareness and offering screenings in public and private sectors, including health centers and workplaces, with digital questionnaires and HbA1c testing for high-risk individuals.
Key figures at the announcement event included Dr. Amin Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Health Regulation, MoHAP, and Dr. Hussein Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health. Dr. Al Rand emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership between public and private sectors, as well as the UAE's commitment to health innovation as part of the "We the UAE 2031" vision.
To celebrate, the Dubai Frame was illuminated in blue, and Skydive Dubai organized a celebratory event. The campaign has also provided medical consultations, linking screenings to treatment pathways, and offering remote support through the hotline 800-DIABEAT.
Dr. Buthaina Bin Belaila, Head of MoHAP's Non-Communicable Diseases Department, praised the campaign’s success in raising awareness and improving public health.
"This initiative demonstrates the effectiveness of joint efforts to achieve national health goals and enhance the UAE's competitiveness,"
she said.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
