Today's Edition
SAMI ABDUL RAOUF (DUBAI)
Federal and local health authorities announced that the 100-Day Challenge initiative, titled “Show the Red Card to Diabetes” has been successful, with previously set targets exceeded by 140% through the 12,877 early detection tests for type 2 diabetes that were conducted across the country over the initiative’s 100 days.
The challenge is part of the Government Accelerators Programme initiative, which targeted 5,000 residents for the early detection of type 2 diabetes across the UAE to enhance diabetes prevention and achieve national reduction targets.
At the national level, Abu Dhabi placed first, with 7,000 individuals benefitting from the initiative.
Health authorities celebrated the achievement in an event held to announce the intiative’s results, emphasising that this achievement is a first step in implementing a comprehensive programme for examination, treatment, and follow-up on pre-diabetic patients.
The national campaign includes several primary healthcare clinics affiliated with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Dubai Health, and the Emirates Health Services, as well as some workplaces in the public and private sectors.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) revealed that the diabetes rate in the UAE, according to the latest national survey, reached 11.8% of the total population.
Dr. Buthaina Abdulla Bin Belaila, head of Non-communicable Disease and Mental Health Department at the MoHAP, said: “What is unique is that this is the first-of-its kind national campaign and we are closing the circle. Indicators suggest a significant decrease in the disease’s prevalence.”
Bin Belaila said the campaign used digital questionnaires to assess the risks of the participants. Based on the results of the questionnaires, participants underwent haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) tests for the first time, instead of the routine instant glucose test.
On the sidelines of the event, Bin Belaila explained in press statements that 11.7% of tested cases were classified as having pre-diabetic, with ages ranging between 47 and 59.
“The success of this campaign comes as part of the ministry’s continuous efforts to raise the level of public health in society and enhance awareness of the importance of preventing non-communicable diseases, including diabetes. Its inclusion in the Government Accelerators Programme confirms the importance of integration between federal and local government agencies, the private sector, and non-governmental institutions,” she said.
Bin Belaila added: “This cooperation and coordination has yielded this great achievement, achieving more than the target. This contributes to enhancing the quality of life nationwide by encouraging individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles.
Additionally, it focuses on the importance of early detection of diseases, risk factors, and diligent follow-up to achieve results and prevent chronic diseases before they occur.”
The campaign aims to expand its reach to all parts of the country, providing comprehensive support like digital surveys to assess risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes, and the HbA1c test for individuals most susceptible to the disease. It also offers medical consultations to treat and manage pre-diabetes by connecting patients to a treatment path and providing diligent follow up after three- and six-month periods. Remote consultations were also provided through the hotline (800-DIABEAT).
Dr. Salem Al Darmaki, Adviser to the MoHAP, stated: “The success achieved by conducting more than 12,000 early detection tests for diabetes nationwide within 100 days represents a qualitative leap towards achieving our goals in reducing the spread of the disease. It reflects the continuous efforts to enhance diabetes prevention by providing early examinations to identify potential risks and take the necessary measures. This contributes to achieving national diabetes reduction targets within the framework of the national campaign launched by the ministry in collaboration with partners, which aims to examine pre-diabetes to prevent type 2 diabetes.”
Dr. Al Darmaki affirmed that the MoHAP is committed to raising awareness of the importance of early detection of diabetes and maintaining community health, pointing out that this achievement embodies the collaboration between the public and private sectors.
He praised the efforts of medical teams from various health authorities who contributed to the success of this campaign, emphasising the importance of continuing this effective collaboration to achieve the MoHAP’s goals to establish a globally leading healthcare system.
The accelerator teams that worked during the challenge period trained 44 employees from various federal, local, and semi-governmental entities on the tools and methodologies of government accelerators, Al Darmaki said, adding that the teams contributed to providing solutions to more than 30 real challenges.
He praised the efforts of health authorities in achieving the goal of the early detection challenge for diabetes and achieving quick and tangible results in a short period, highlighting the benefits of the government accelerators
diploma.
