MoHAP exceeds Diabetes screening goal

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has surpassed the Diabetes early detection goal, carrying out more than 150,000 screenings nationwide, above the target of 100,000 set under the Government Accelerators programme.

This milestone, achieved as part of the National Prediabetes and Diabetes Screening Campaign launched in October 2023, demonstrates the Ministry’s commitment to early detection of type 2 diabetes, enhancing prevention efforts, and advancing the national goal of reducing diabetes prevalence in the UAE.

Coinciding with World Diabetes Day on November 14, this accomplishment marks the completion of the campaign's second phase, a year-long programme supported by all UAE health authorities and in collaboration with Merck Gulf.

The new milestone was announced during an event held in Dubai with key Ministry officials attending, including Dr. Amin Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for the Health Regulation Sector, MoHAP, Fatma Almussallami Deputy Director Government Accelerator Centre-Prime Minister's Office, Dr Mariam Ahmed Al Wahedi Director of Community Health – Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), Dr Shamsa Lootah Director of Public Health Department – Emirates Health Services (EHS), Dr. Buthaina Bin Belaila, Head of the Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Department at the Ministry, and Dr Ayesha al Olama Consultant and Head of Acute and Chronic Diseases Unit at Dubai Health (DH), alongside campaign partners.

To commemorate the occasion, the Dubai Frame was illuminated in blue, accompanied by a creative visual presentation, while Skydive Dubai organised a celebratory skydive event.

The national campaign covered various health centers across government sectors and various public and private workplaces. It featured digital questionnaires to assess risk factors for type 2 diabetes, along with HbA1c testing for high-risk individuals.

Medical consultations were also provided, aimed at managing and treating prediabetes by linking tests to treatment pathways, with follow-ups at three and six months. Remote counseling support was also provided via the hotline 800-DIABEAT.

Dr. Hussein Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Sector, (MoHAP), emphasised: "This milestone of conducting over 150,000 early detection screenings is a clear testament to the successful strategic partnership between the public and private sectors, as well as the unwavering support of the UAE's leadership. It also reflects the commitment of partner teams, both at supervisory and operational levels, who have worked tirelessly throughout the year.

Dr. Al Rand added, "The UAE is leading the way in health innovation, continuously advancing our National Action Plan for Non-Communicable Diseases to align with the ambitious 'We the UAE 2031' vision. Preventing diabetes is a top priority for the Ministry, and we are committed to integrating cutting-edge technology and global best practices to enhance our preventive initiatives."