Abu dhabi: The UAE has joined the global community in marking World Diabetes Day on November 14, observed this year under the theme ‘Diabetes across life stages.’ The Ministry of Health and Prevention, together with health authorities across the UAE, reaffirmed their commitment to combating diabetes through preventive programmes and early-diagnosis strategies that not only safeguard public health but also reinforce a culture of prevention as a national priority within a sustainable healthcare system.
According to Emirates News Agency, Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, stressed that addressing diabetes is a national priority supported by unified efforts to enhance health and quality of life. He stated that this priority can be achieved “through a national strategy and an integrated health system that shifts care towards a proactive pathway, protecting the community and elevating its quality of life. ‘We are working with all relevant health authorities as one team to promote community
health and ensure the sustainability of its well-being.”
For his part, Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said, ‘Diabetes is a global health challenge; however, the potential for preventing Type 2 diabetes remains high due to its strong connection to an individual’s lifestyle. This aligns with our vision in Abu Dhabi, which seeks to develop a smart, proactive healthcare system that protects community members before the onset of illness and grants them the opportunity to enjoy long, healthy lives.”
He further explained that the expansion of early diagnostic capabilities using smart systems has significantly improved disease management indicators by broadening the scope of screening and reaching diverse demographic groups. He also called on all community members to take the initiative and undergo early screening to detect pre-diabetes, given its direct impact on prevention and reducing the incidence of the disease.
Dr. Alawi Al Sheikh Ali, Director General of the D
ubai Health Authority (DHA), affirmed that the UAE has made significant and important strides in combating diabetes and reducing the incidence of this chronic disease. He noted that the expansion of the ‘Early Detection Healthcare Services for Emirati Citizens,’ recently announced by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, marks a paradigm shift in reducing the prevalence of chronic diseases, including diabetes.
Furthermore, Dr. Abdulaziz Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority, emphasised that limiting the spread of diabetes constitutes a fundamental pillar of the Emirate’s vision for a healthier and more prevention-aware society. Al Muhairi noted that developing early diabetes diagnosis capabilities in health centres and introducing advanced technologies for monitoring health indicators have contributed to enhancing the effectiveness of early detection programmes and expanding their reach to more beneficiaries.