Dubai: The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched a comprehensive national plan to support the health of the elderly, featuring a one-month national awareness campaign under the theme ‘Your presence.. brings health and wellness’.
According to Emirates News Agency, the plan includes the introduction of the National Framework for Healthy Ageing 2025-2031 and a series of initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for older adults and preventing dementia. These efforts are part of MoHAP’s collaboration with strategic partners to promote healthy ageing, strengthen family and community bonds with the elderly, and reinforce the values of solidarity and cohesion during the Year of Community.
The announcement took place during an event in Dubai, attended by Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at MoHAP, alongside representatives from the World Health Organisation, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Family, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, Emirates Health Services, Dubai Health, and several entities contributing to the campaign.
The campaign aims to increase community awareness about the early detection of functional, physiological, and cognitive changes related to ageing. It seeks to provide a supportive environment that reduces social isolation and promotes mental health, while emphasizing the fundamental role of families and communities in safeguarding the dignity of elderly people. Additionally, the campaign encourages preventive screenings and promotes sustainable healthy behaviours.
Backed by broad national partnerships, the campaign aims to unite governmental and societal efforts to achieve a lasting impact, contributing to building a cohesive, health-conscious society that prioritizes the health of the elderly as a key focus in the journey toward social welfare and quality of life.
MoHAP also unveiled the National Framework for Healthy Ageing 2025-2031, developed in collaboration with key stakeholders. This framework is designed for individuals aged 60 and above, aiming to promote healthy ageing through comprehensive healthcare, social and psychological support, improving quality of life, and fostering active community participation, while safeguarding dignity and independence.
The framework aligns with the World Health Organisation’s Global Strategy and Action Plan on Ageing and Health, as well as the UAE’s forward-looking national agendas, including UAE Centennial 2071 and the country’s health vision for the next 50 years.
Additionally, MoHAP announced the launch of the ‘Ambassadors of Healthy Ageing’ initiative, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and the Ministry of Sports. This initiative, part of the National Framework for Healthy Ageing 2025-2031, provides a practical tool to raise community awareness about healthy ageing. The programme aims to train socially active, middle-aged individuals from across the UAE who lead healthy lifestyles to serve as ambassadors, promoting positive health messages and acting as real-life role models for ageing with vitality, dignity, and wellbeing.
Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand emphasized that the launch of this comprehensive plan marks a strategic milestone reflecting the UAE’s commitment to promoting community health and safeguarding the wellbeing of individuals across all age groups. He highlighted that the initiative aligns with the Year of Community, strengthening family cohesion and social integration as deeply rooted national values.
He also noted that these efforts align with the ambitions of ‘We the UAE 2031’, which affirm that human wellbeing and quality of life are foundational pillars of sustainable development.
Several government entities have contributed to the launch of the national plan to enhance the health of the elderly.