AR
UR
On the occasion of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) organised a scientific seminar for workers in the National TB Control Programme as well as healthcare providers across the country.
The event saw the participation of about 350 persons both in-person as well as remotely. These individuals joined the event from various government and private health sectors, including doctors, nurses, public health specialists, laboratory workers, and other health care providers in the UAE.
Salem Al Darmaki, Advisor to the Minister of Health and Prevention, opened the seminar with Dr Nada Al-Marzouqi, Director of the Department of Public Health and Prevention, making a crucial presentation on the National TB Control Programme and its strategies to control TB in the country. During the presentation, she showcased significant analytical statistics on the achievements made by the programme in curbing the disease in the UAE.
The event also saw various discussions by local and international experts and speakers on the latest recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in healthcare sector for tuberculosis patients. They also shed light on the challenges faced by authorities in handling the disease along with reviewing studies and statistics demonstrating the local and global situation in terms of tuberculosis.
In addition, the attendees engaged in discussion and exchange of opinions, experiences and expertise. As part of the event, authorities honoured lecturers, distinguished workers, and supporting bodies for their efforts in developing the National TB Control Programme.
Addressing the event, Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Public Health Sector, hailed the UAE as one of the leading countries in the world with significantly low rate of TB. Dr Al Rand underlined the ministry's continuous efforts to cooperate and work with health authorities to conduct scientific research and find the best solutions and medicines to end TB by 2030.
This announcement came as part of the UAE's efforts to achieve UN’s sustainable development goals and the WHO’s strategy to overcome the illness.
Al Rand further discussed the participation of the UAE in the Eastern Mediterranean regional strategy to curb tuberculosis in the region. In line with these efforts, the ministry collaborated with health authorities and its strategic partners to implement necessary preventive strategies and programmes to limit the spread of the disease. Some of the strategies include standardisation of surveillance methods and treatment systems, providing tuberculosis drugs on a regular basis, and giving preventive vaccination to children at birth.
Salem Al Darmaki added that the Ministry has been organising numerous awareness and communal activities and programmes with the aim of promoting awareness among various segments of society about tuberculosis. The Ministry also aims to encourage early diagnosis in order to avoid the disease and its complications.
“The ministry is keen to provide the latest efficient preventive and curative health systems at all levels, follow up on effective measures that ensure control and prevention of the disease, and develop preventive strategies and plans to raise and spread societal awareness," Salem Al Darmaki noted.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway between the ministry of health and its relevant partners with the aim of addressing the challenges in curbing the disease. The ministry is also working on ensuring that care and follow-up services for tuberculosis patients are provided free of charge across the country.
SOURCE: Khaleej Times