The UAE will mark the World Health Day (WHD) on Sunday (April 7), which this year is themed "My Health, My Right" with the aim of advocating for the right of everyone, everywhere, to access decent health services and care without discrimination.

The theme of this year's observance fitswell with the vision of the UAE and its efforts to promote a developed, integrated and accessible and affordable health system for all, which focuses on improving the quality of life of individuals, supports healthy lifestyles, and enjoys the highest levels of readiness for the future and quality in specialised care.

The event is an opportunity to highlight the achievements of the health sector in the United Arab Emirates, which continues to have a regional and international leadership in terms of medical services and scientific achievements, reaffirming its readiness and ability to face all health challenges in accordance with the best international standards and systems.

The UAE has made remarkable achievements in the global health competitiveness indexes. The UAE came first globally in measles immunisation, according to the Prosperity Index 2023, issued by Legatum Institute. The UAE also ranked first globally and in the Arab world in prenatal care coverage, low infant mortality rate, injuries from natural disasters, and the presence of national early detection programmes.

FIRST IN WORLD

According to the 2023 Sustainable Development Goals Index issued by the Bertelsmann Stiftung Foundation and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the UAE also ranked first in the world for number of births registered with the civil authorities.

The UAE also ranked first in the world in the extent of health care coverage and the lack of fuel-caused air pollution inside of homes, according to the Prosperity Index 2023.

The country also placed first in the Arab world and second globally in terms of satisfaction with health care, based on a measurement of the population’s satisfaction with the availability of quality health care through a Gallup World Poll.

The UAE also ranked first in the Arab world and second globally in the rate of tuberculosis infection per 100,000 population, according to the 2023 Sustainable Development Goals Index.

The country’s health authorities and their strategic partners have implemented many preventive strategies to reduce and control the spread of tuberculosis, including unifying surveillance methods and treatment systems.

The UAE Health Council, which coordinates efforts among federal and local health service providers, as well as the private sector, to promote integration and enhance the quality of healthcare in the country, addresses common challenges in the healthcare sector and works collaboratively with relevant authorities to implement appropriate measures. It also examines proposed laws, regulations, and guidelines related to the healthcare industry, providing feedback and recommendations to the appropriate authorities, and promotes scientific research and studies.

During a meeting held on March 21, the Council endorsed several decisions aimed at bolstering the health sector and fostering a cohesive approach between federal and local health authorities along with strategic partners. The UAE Health Council discussed key strategic initiatives in the country's health sector including plans for establishing a national centre for epidemic prevention as well as the latest developments on the health cloud project.

The health cloud project utilises cutting-edge cloud computing technology, offering a secure platform for storing, sharing, and managing health data. It facilitates quick and easy access to health information, thereby enhancing the quality and efficiency of healthcare services.

From improving communication between health providers and patients, to fostering innovation in health research, and providing advanced analytical capabilities for identifying health trends and diseases, the health cloud project paves the way for enhancing healthcare delivery and outcomes.

In December 2023, the COP28 Presidency joined with the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced a new ‘‘COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health’’ to accelerate actions to protect people’s health from growing climate impact.

WAM