Marking the World Immunisation Week, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) organised a brainstorming session with the aim of formulating a roadmap to strengthen the national immunisation programme. The Ministry is further aiming to sustain the achievements made so far in the fight against COVID-19 in line with the best innovative scientific methods. These efforts will boost the capabilities of the UAE health sector to ensure high vaccination rates across the country.

During the workshop, participants shared creative ideas in the field of vaccinations and public health. At the same time, healthcare experts from supervisory and technical bodies analysed the current medical landscape, reviewed strengths, identified potential challenges, and developed effective action plans to enhance the national indicators of prevention and immunisation.

The workshop was attended by Saqr Al Hemeiri, Director of Strategy and the Future, and Dr Laila Al Jasmi, Head of the Immunisation Department, and other representatives from health authorities across the country. 

Creative solutions

Addressing the workshop, Al Hemeiri underlined the importance of generating innovative ideas and solutions to increase vaccine coverage in the country. Furthermore, he shared the significance of achieving health care quality indicators in accordance with the highest standards of excellence and professionalism. These measures will contribute to strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a leader in global health indicators. 

“This [maximum vaccine coverage] can be accomplished by providing basic and booster vaccinations in accordance with the national immunisation programme, to prevent and eliminate infectious diseases, as well as increasing coverage rates to ensure the best results,” he noted.

Al Hemeiri further affirmed that the ministry is constantly coordinating with partners and implementing global best practices as part of its vaccination programme to ensure the safety of all community members. 

Boosting awareness

Dr Nada Al Marzouqi, Director of the Public Health and Prevention Department, also addressed the workshop, pointing toward the importance of strengthening awareness and intensifying educational activities about the importance of vaccinations across the country. Dr Al Marzouqi also stressed the need for the skills and capabilities of healthcare workers while adhering to the latest global recommendations in the field of vaccines. The need for focusing on intensifying vaccination coverage was also discussed during the conference. 

Al Marzouqi noted that past successes achieved by the UAE in governance and global leadership in the field of vaccinations would not have been possible without the support of the country's wise leadership.

She hailed the UAE leadership as a great source of inspiration for furthering the improvement of the country's immunization system. The UAE authorities continue to work for enhancing its pro-activeness and sustainability to protect the health and wellbeing of the community and achieve health goals.

Developing immunisation policy

A session was addressed by Dr Laila Al Jasmi to point out the various activities performed during the workshop. 

"The workshop included a brainstorming session to come up with creative ideas that support ongoing efforts to develop the vaccination policy, maintain vaccination coverage rates, keep abreast of global developments in the field of vaccinations, and promote public awareness," she said.

During the conclusion of the session, Dr Al Jasmi said that the event was very productive as it achieved the desired goals of developing immunisation indicators, initiatives, and action plans.

She added that these efforts will be crucial when the authorities will develop health immunisation systems to combat vaccine-targeted diseases. Moreover, these plans will support the indicators of preventive health and enhance the quality of healthcare in the country. 

SOURCE LINK: https://gulfnews.com/uae/health/uae-seeks-creative-ways-to-upgrade-national-immunisation-programme-1.87450414