Countries with Minimal Tuberculosis Prevalence Include United Arab Emirates
UAE Aims to Eliminate Tuberculosis by 2030
In an effort to combat tuberculosis (TB), the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is spearheading a multi-layered strategy aimed at eradicating the disease by 2030. This strategy aligns with the Eastern Mediterranean region's strategy and global health initiatives.
MoHAP organized interactive awareness sessions for World TB Day in multiple languages to increase public awareness about TB. National landmarks in the UAE were lit up in red to mark the day.
The UAE's approach emphasizes prevention, early detection, treatment, technology use, and a strong health system to achieve TB elimination. Key elements of the strategy include:
- Scale-up of Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT): High-risk groups such as household contacts of TB patients and people living with HIV will be targeted to prevent progression to active TB. Short-course regimens like 12-week or 1-month courses are being used.
- Strengthening Early Diagnosis and Health Workforce Capacity: Frontline health care workers are being trained to improve early TB detection and integrate TB screening with other health services. Digital tools for screening and engagement are considered important.
- Use of Technology and Genomics: Collaboration with technology partners and development of innovations such as genomics-based diagnostics and mRNA vaccine technologies are being pursued to enhance TB detection and treatment.
- Integration with Global Goals and Regional Cooperation: The UAE is collaborating with global health initiatives and regional partners to share knowledge and resources. Recognizing the critical role of TB control in global health security, the UAE is contributing to this broader effort.
- Sustained Investment and Political Commitment: Continuous funding and strong political will are crucial to sustain TB control programs and avoid setbacks like those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While specific steps by MoHAP have not been explicitly outlined, these themes reflect global and regional best practices consistent with UAE's health policy environment and WHO guidelines.
The UAE's low TB rates are attributed to standardized surveillance protocols, an advanced monitoring system, and a reliable supply of TB medications. MoHAP's initiatives include preventing TB through newborn vaccination and a screening process for visa applicants.
Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, the Assistant Under-Secretary for the Public Health Sector at MoHAP, has stated that the ministry's commitment to controlling TB is reflected in the ongoing collaboration with strategic partners and continuous efforts for early diagnosis. Proactive training for healthcare professionals, the introduction of rapid diagnostic tests, modern treatments, and digital technology are emphasized in the UAE's approach to TB control. Social media campaigns are being used to spread information about TB early detection and prevention.
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