DUBAI: The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) lit up prominent landmarks across the country in red, celebrating World TB Day on 24th March observed this year under the theme “Yes! We can end TB.”
Illuminated landmarks included Dubai Frame, Mohammed bin Rashid Library, Fujairah Fort, Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah, and Ajman Museum.
The initiative, conducted in collaboration with various partners and institutions, aimed to raise public awareness about tuberculosis (TB), emphasising the importance of early detection and prevention.
In addition to the landmark illuminations, MoHAP organised an informative lecture for its employees as well as a series of educational activities nationwide, targeting diverse community segments, including individuals in health centres and workplaces. These activities were aimed at enhancing the public’s understanding and awareness of TB, focusing on the disease’s symptoms, causes, and preventive strategies.
World TB Day is not just a ceremonial event but a pivotal momen
t to broaden public understanding of TB, highlighting its prevention, treatment, and the significant public health challenges it poses.
Every year, this day provides a crucial platform to galvanise international efforts to curtail the spread of TB and enhance the quality of care and support available to those impacted by the disease. Additionally, observing World TB Day in the UAE highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic services offered by the ministry free of charge to those infected, further emphasising the commitment to addressing this pressing public health issue.
Supporting International Efforts
Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Public Health Sector, said, “World TB Day provides an ideal opportunity to showcase the UAE’s success in reducing the incidence of TB, highlighting our persistent efforts to enhance global collaboration, support scientific research, pioneer new treatments, and craft sustainable solutions.’
Al Rand added, ‘The UAE follows the WHO Regional Ac
tion Plan on Tuberculosis for the Eastern Mediterranean Region 2023-2030, underscoring our commitment to sustainable development goals and combating the disease.”
Dr. Al Rand emphasised that the ministry has launched comprehensive preventive measures to curb and manage TB’s spread, collaborating closely with strategic partners. These measures include improving the surveillance system for TB, setting up efficient monitoring frameworks, ensuring uninterrupted access to medications, and providing targeted training for healthcare professionals.
The measures also feature proactive screenings to detect TB early among residency applicants, before their entry into the country and after their arrival, along with routine screenings to facilitate the prompt identification of the disease.
Community Awareness Campaigns
Dr. Nada Al Marzouqi, Director of the Department of Public Health and Prevention, reaffirmed that the ministry is committed to enhancing public health awareness about TB through targeted campaigns, prog
rammes and comprehensive awareness events that foster community engagement. Through such initiatives, we look forward to highlighting the importance of early detection and the need to adopt preventive strategies to avert the spread of the infection. ‘Our initiatives are bolstered by sophisticated healthcare systems as well as strategic plans aimed at enhancing public awareness and knowledge.’
With its partners, the ministry continues to battle TB, ensuring seamless access to care and support services for patients. These collective efforts play a pivotal role in fortifying the healthcare system, curbing the spread of communicable diseases, fostering a sustainable, healthy environment, and ultimately promoting health and well-being for all members of society.
Source: Emirates News Agency
