Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi has consistently prioritised the health of women and children, as evidenced by a range of initiatives implemented over the years, from genetic screenings to newborn checks and the establishment of specialised healthcare centres.
As this year's World Health Day, marked on Monday, focused on a call to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths, a top official from the emirate's health authority highlighted how Abu Dhabi has kept women and children at the core of its vision to create a healthier society for future generations.
In a statement, Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), emphasised the importance of focusing on the health of women and children as a foundation for building healthier communities worldwide.
"In light of the rapid transformations witnessed in the global healthcare sector, most notably the shift toward a concept of comprehensive health focused on prevention and proactivity, we celebrate this year's World Health Day under the theme 'A Healthy Start for a Promising Future', with a focus on the health of women and children as a cornerstone in building healthier communities around the world," Al Mansouri said.
Acknowledging the significance of maternal and newborn health, Abu Dhabi continues to enhance primary care capabilities and expand prevention and early screening programmes, such as genetic testing before marriage and newborn checks, the DoH chairman said.
Al Mansouri also pointed out that is within this vision that the emirate is building an entire medical city that specialises in providing comprehensive care to women and children.
Announced in 2024, this city will include Sheikh Khalifa Medical City as a centre of excellence in paediatric care, the new Corniche Hospital for maternal and newborn health, as well as a rehabilitation hospital and a specialised centre for women and children's mental health.
These projects aim to ensure access to comprehensive healthcare and develop a proactive system to help the community enjoy long, healthy lives.
