Health survey reveals drop in diabetes cases
FINDINGS COVERING 1,000 HOUSEHOLDS TO BE RELEASED BY OCTOBER
Diabetes’ prevalence in the UAE has gone down significantly according to National Health Survey findings which will be released by the end of this month or early October, a top official has said.
The survey, which started last year, covered 1,000 households nationwide, comprising 7,000 Emiratis and expatriates.
According to the preliminary findings, the prevalence of diabetes in the UAE has gone down to 11.8 per cent of the population from over 19 per cent in 2010, Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for Health Centres and Clinics, Ministry of Health and Prevention, told Gulf News yesterday.
“We have done a lot to control non-communicable diseases [NCDs],” he said.
The National Health Survey, approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and conducted in cooperation with the government entities in the country, was launched under the theme ‘My Health is a Priority’ in October 2017.
It included data collection and blood tests such as glucose levels, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, haemoglobin levels, blood pressure, height, weight and waist measurements.
Separately yesterday, ministry announced WHO’s Independent Commission on the that HighLevel NCDs ■ has elected Abdul Rahman Mohammad Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, as a commissioner to represent the eastern Mediterranean region.
Under the patronage of Al Owais, the commission was launched at the ministry’s headquarters with the participation of WHO officials and other health entities, and members of the National High Committee and the Regional NCD Alliance.
Seminar held
The ministry also held a seminar under the patronage of Al Owais, in partnership with the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, in the presence of Dr Rand, and other officials.
The UAE has developed a clear roadmap for the prevention of NCDs, which includes milestones such as the development of a national plan to combat NCDs, the creation of a multi-sectoral committee on NCDs, value added tax on tobacco and soft drinks, and a strategy to combat prevalence of obesity among children.
In this context, the UAE, represented by Al Owais, participated in preparation of the WHO commission’s report on NCDs, and he was elected by WHO.
Dr Rand said: “Organising this seminar in partnership with WHO is part of the ministry and its partners’ efforts to develop the National NCD Action Plan (2017-21) to provide comprehensive and integrated healthcare in innovative and sustainable ways, that ensure disease prevention and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.”