On the occasion of World Health Day on April 7, the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai lit up with an inspirational video by the Ministry of Health and Prevention. Through the video, the MoHAP aimed to deliver the message of resilience and optimism amid the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 crisis. It further encouraged people to keep faith in the potential and capability of the UAE leadership and the healthcare sector to over the health crisis.

In this regard, Dr. Mohamed Salim Al Olama, MoHAP Under-Secretary and Head of Board of Directors of the Emirates Health Services Establishment (EHSE), asserted that the UAE is a model that must be emulated by the world. He noted that World Health Day provides an opportunity to affirm the country's well-established approach towards attaining health equality and fairness as a model to be emulated by countries globally. Dr. Olama stated that it was possible due to the forward-looking vision of the UAE leadership and the presence of qualified teams that are determined to attain various achievements for the country.

"World Health Day is an important occasion to celebrate the achievements of the UAE in managing and governing the COVID-19 phase in a way that enhanced its competitiveness in the healthcare field globally," Dr. Olama added.

Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al-Owais, UAE’s Minister of Health, also issued a message on the occasion, encouraging all members of the community to keep their faith in the country’s healthcare system. He underlined that the UAE is continuously employing necessary resources and capabilities to provide high-quality health services, lab tests, and vaccinations to all citizens and residents.

"This is in line with the state’s strategy aimed at enhancing business sustainability and national resilience in the management of health crises and emergencies, through the readiness and proactive plans and the exploitation of innovative solutions and sophisticated infrastructure," Al-Owais added.

He noted that the state's strategy to overcome the COVID-19 crisis boosts the confidence of the community in the health system and its capability to protect people’s health. It will also cultivate the spirit of optimism and reassurance among the community, assuring that the recovery phase is just around the corner. With this development, it is confirmed that the UAE is moving steadily and firmly towards global leadership as it overcomes various challenges and crises, Al-Owais added. As per the 2020 Legatum Prosperity Index, the UAE has emerged at the top position in the world in the Health Care Coverage Index.

Dr. Youssif Al Serkal, Director-General of the Emirates Health Services Establishment (EHSE), stressed that MoHAP's success in handling the pandemic crisis is cementing its position among leading institutions in the world, in line with the best international standards and practices. He noted that the UAE received international accreditation in crisis management after it proved its readiness, proactive plans, and the provision of best-suited work programs to ensure business continuity amid the challenges posed by the pandemic.

"We have also received international accreditation in innovation and knowledge management, becoming the world’s first government entity to achieve the Platinum category," Dr. Al Serkal added.

He also hailed the MoHAP's success in promoting telemedicine and digital health practices as a future roadmap, along with the creation of multiple research centers to enhance its readiness in handling future diseases. He further underlined the MoHAP's commitment to integrating innovative technology in treatment and diagnostic methods by employing predictive data to achieve sustainability and health security.

According to a statement issued by the MoHAP, the World Health Organization (WHO) is marking World Health Day this year under the theme ‘Building a fairer, healthier world for everyone. In the statement, the ministry said that World Health Day is being celebrated at a time when the UAE has announced the launch of domestic production of COVID-19 vaccine, named "Hayat-Fax", in the region.

At the same time, the UAE has launched a first-of-its-kind purpose-built research and development hub for life sciences, biotechnology, and vaccine production. In addition, the UAE healthcare authorities have successfully vaccinated more than 62.5 percent of the targeted population under the national vaccination program.

"Such achievements reflect the commitment of the wise leadership to the health and safety of community members through covering and vaccinating the largest population and providing all kinds of vaccines for all nationalities free of charge," the ministry said in the statement.