Global health survey to involve residents

Dubai: A global health survey, which will encompass financial, economic and social issues, will run from mid-December to April in the UAE, the Ministry of Health announced.

The World Health Survey, conducted under the umbrella of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 72 countries, will cover 5,000 local and expatriate households including up to 1,000 labourers. Up to 90 interviewers plus 20 nurses will go from home to home to take data.

Dr. Ali Shakar, director-general of the ministry, told the press the information collected would be confidential and anonymous, to ensure truthful and candid answers.

"It is not our responsibility to report any [illegal activities]. This is an economic, health and social survey, so don't be afraid to tell the truth," he said.

He added anyone engaged in activities that contravene UAE rules and regulations, such as co-habitation and consuming alcohol without a licence, would not be reported.

The survey will largely be in an interview format. It will also measure subjects' blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Questions include alcohol and tobacco consumption, access to healthcare and income.

Dr. Huda Al Suwaidi, director of the World Health Survey, seconded the ministry's commitment to confidentiality, saying the only action ministry officials would take would be on health.

Dr Shakar said the data was very important as it would help the ministry and other government agencies to formulate policies.