Non-communicable diseases strategy reviewed

Dubai: The Ministry of Health and Prevention recently hosted a meeting of the Supreme National Committee for the Control of Non-communicable Diseases in Dubai.

Chaired by Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, the ministry’s assistant undersecretary for Health Centres and Clinics Sector, and Dr Buthainia Abdullah Bin Bel Leilah, head of the Supreme National Committee for the Control of Non-communicable Diseases, the meeting was attended by representatives from Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Health Authority Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Education, academic institutions, the National Information Council, Friends of Cancer Patients, General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Roads and Transport Authority, municipalities, Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Dr Al Rand said that the national plan for non-communicable diseases is designed according to the National Strategy to Combat Non-communicable Diseases for 2017-2021. The strategy seeks to reduce local cases of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory illnesses in line with the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda, which aims to build a world-class health system in the country, and provide universal health coverage to protect the UAE society from non-communicable diseases.

Dr Bin Bel Leilah pointed out that the meeting also reviewed the national plan for non-communicable diseases and the activities and measures that were agreed upon and later to be enforced by all participating parties.

Dr Ebtehal Fadel, the public health expert, also presented the role and functions of the members of the Higher Committee and the organised seminars to discuss achievements, challenges and follow-up guidelines and standards — serving as a follow-up to WHO’s goal of achieving a 25 per cent reduction in mortality due to non-communicable diseases by 2025.