UAE | Health
UAE campaign for premarital screening under way
The UAE Ministry of Health and BinSina Pharmacy have joined forces to launch a nationwide campaign for premarital screening as part of a comprehensive effort to create a healthier society by preventing certain diseases.
- Staff Report
- Published: 23:18 July 12, 2008
Dubai: The UAE Ministry of Health and BinSina Pharmacy have joined forces to launch a nationwide campaign for premarital screening as part of a comprehensive effort to create a healthier society by preventing certain diseases.
Hamid Mohammad Obaid Al Qutami, UAE Minister of Health (MoH) said: "This campaign is designed to enhance health awareness and encourage the prevention of contagious and genetic diseases, in order to promote the social, economic and physiological well-being of people in the UAE."
He said the ministry is seeking to enhance mass awareness firstly among people who are intending to get married and generally among all sections of society by highlighting the serious consequences of ignoring these simple screening tests.
"Such negligence not only affects the couple but also their children, their future generations and society as a whole," he added.
Screening tests cover hereditary diseases and viruses like hepatitis and Aids and other life-threatening diseases.
Statistics show that one child out of 25 is affected by hereditary diseases because of genetic disturbance in the first 25 years of his life, including mental retardation or physical handicap.
These diseases can be prevented if premarital screenings are done. Nine out of the 25 children will die early or will need special care
Brochures
Ahmad Al Khayyat, Managing Director of Alphamed Group, the parent company of BinSina Pharmacies, said this campaign is a result of close cooperation between the MoH and private sector corporations that believe in corporate social responsibility.
"The message we are trying to convey is that these simple screenings could help build a disease-free marriage," he said.
BinSina will be distributing brochures to customers raising awareness about pre-marital screening and motivating them to have the tests carried out.
These tests will be carried out at specialist MoH centres located all over the country.
How important is medical history when deciding on a life partner? Would you participate in a premarital health screening program? Why? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form below to send your comments.
Share this article
Related Articles
More from UAE Health
More from UAE
Popular in UAE
-
Your pictures
Readers' pictures
A Selection of the best Gulf News reader pictures this week
Latest news
- Gang who robbed Dh1m from businessman nabbed
- Chinese duo held for assault, blackmail
- Khalifa revamps border affairs council
- Favourable weather for Eid weekend
- Teacher jailed for indecent behaviour
- Forum seeks more reforms to human trafficking law
- Crackdown urged on drink driving
- Disability is no handicap for this Emirati
- Shaikh Khalifa revamps security council
- Exhibition to showcase UAE art in New York
- Police officer injured during raid on brothels
- Waiters tamper with orders, cheat customers
- Queen praises UAE's role
- Noise pollution must be regulated
- UAE maintains economic status on global stage
Community Reports
-
Noise pollution must be regulated
Residents are finding it difficult to sleep well at night owing to ongoing construction work
-
Protect our children's health
Dust and dirt from a nearby road are causing problems to those frequenting Al Nasseriya park, Sharjah.
-
Keeping out curious cats in Abu Dhabi
Felines trapped in electrical substations create a nuisance
-
Construction site turned into dump
Sharjah residents using abandoned spot to dispose of waste
