Abu dhabi: Dr. Hussain Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Public Health Sector, highlighted the UAE's achievement of remaining polio-free for over thirty years. This milestone was attributed to the effective surveillance system and sustained high vaccination coverage implemented by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and its partners. These remarks were made during a scientific symposium held on World Polio Day, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and several health authorities across the UAE. The event aimed to promote awareness and share expertise on best practices in epidemiological surveillance.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event acknowledged the significant contributions of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in supporting global health initiatives and combating infectious diseases. His backing of the 'Reaching the Last Mile' initiative, focused on eradicating polio, was particularly commended. This support reinforces the UAE's commitment to advancing global health, promoting the well-being of future generations, and expanding the nation's humanitarian impact worldwide.
Al Rand noted that the success in keeping the UAE polio-free was also due to the unwavering support of the UAE's leadership. Their commitment to strengthening preventive and public health systems has unified national efforts toward achieving the goals of the 'We the UAE 2031' Vision, which prioritizes the health and well-being of the population. He emphasized that the UAE's strategy to combat polio is driven by a preventive and proactive approach, ensuring comprehensive immunisation for children under the National Immunisation Programme and developing an accurate epidemiological surveillance system to detect and respond swiftly to any suspected cases.
He also mentioned that the UAE works closely with the WHO to advance global initiatives. The seminar covered the current global situation of poliomyelitis, the national programme for its eradication, the clinical detection of acute flaccid paralysis cases, and ways to strengthen the health surveillance system.
The symposium is part of a series of awareness and scientific initiatives organised by MoHAP to enhance prevention against infectious diseases and ensure the sustainability of national efforts to keep the UAE polio-free. It aligns with the Ministry's policies aiming to enhance public health and promote the efficiency of the preventive system.