UAE Strengthens Commitment to Eradicate Polio
The United Arab Emirates has reaffirmed its dedication to accelerating regional and global efforts to eradicate polio, enhance sustainable health security, and develop resilient health systems focused on proactive prevention and preparedness for the future. This commitment was highlighted during the 73rd session of the World Health Organization’s Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean, held in Cairo, where Dr. Hussein Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, delivered a significant speech.
During this session, Dr. Al Rand outlined key national health achievements and emphasized the importance of effective partnerships with the World Health Organization (WHO) and member states, translating shared health priorities into tangible outcomes that improve quality of life and expand the reach of universal health coverage.
UAE’s Health Achievements
The main session showcased several health achievements reported by the WHO regional director. Among these, the UAE recorded the highest comprehensive health service coverage index in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Additionally, the country successfully eliminated industrially produced trans fats from locally manufactured food products, established patient safety practices in both government and private sectors, and created an independent regulatory body for medicines and medical products.
Furthermore, the UAE has developed a comprehensive health surveillance system, linking data to enhance readiness and quick decision-making. Dr. Al Rand also discussed the health workforce strategy for 2026-2030 aimed at boosting the preparedness and sustainability of healthcare personnel. This includes initiatives to improve primary healthcare capabilities and emergency response, alongside a national health insurance system that enhances sustainable health financing and broadens health protection.
Collaborative Efforts to Eradicate Polio
In conjunction with the 73rd session, a UAE delegation participated in the 15th meeting of the regional subcommittee on polio eradication and outbreak response. The delegation stressed the significance of integrating international partnerships with vaccination programs and epidemic surveillance, noting the contribution of the Mohammed bin Zayed Humanitarian Foundation, which pledged $140 million as part of collective international commitments totaling $1.9 billion to eradicate polio.
This endeavor reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who has invested $525 million since 2011 in the fight against polio. The Mohammed bin Zayed Humanitarian Foundation, part of the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Foundation, continues to support this initiative, with over 850 million vaccine doses administered in Pakistan.
Regional Health Security Initiatives
The UAE’s participation in leading the “Polio Legacy Challenge” initiative in Afghanistan, in collaboration with regional and international partners, aims to bolster primary healthcare, vaccinations, and health infrastructure while eradicating the disease. This approach invests in establishing sustainable health capacities and integrates prevention programs with health development priorities to benefit communities effectively.
Dr. Al Rand emphasized that the UAE is leveraging international partnerships and expertise to expand access to preventive services and enhance countries’ abilities to protect children, facilitating sustainable progress toward eradicating targeted diseases and securing regional health.
The UAE’s strategy against infectious diseases is founded on a national vision that prioritizes prevention and investment in human health. It connects healthcare program support with the development of sustainable health systems, collaborating with the WHO and international partners to strengthen primary care, enhance surveillance and readiness, and expand impactful health and humanitarian initiatives.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
As the UAE continues its commitment to eradicating polio and enhancing health security, stakeholders eagerly anticipate the next steps in these initiatives. The ongoing collaboration with the WHO and international organizations will likely evolve, focusing on further improving healthcare systems and expanding vaccination programs. Observers should watch for updates on the UAE’s contributions to global health security and its efforts to ensure sustainable health advancements in the region.
