CAIRO: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has honoured the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its progressive efforts in enhancing its national immunisation program, with a special focus on the integration of the HPV vaccine, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
This recognition underscores the WHO’s confidence in the UAE’s robust healthcare system, which prioritises preventive care and integrates cutting-edge immunisation technologies through innovative and sustainable approaches.
The award was received by Dr Ahmed Al Suwaidi, chairman of the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group (NITAG), alongside Dr Sulaiman Al Hammadi and Dr Laila Al-Jasmi of the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), during a ceremony at the WHO regional office for the Eastern Mediterranean in Cairo.
The event also marked the 50th anniversary of WHO’s Essential Programme for Immunisation, attended by senior officials and representatives from the Eastern Mediterranean region.
The accolade highlights MoHAP’s ongoing efforts to continuously enhance the national immunisation programme.
This key strategic initiative undergoes regular reviews by specialised technical committees, including NITAG and the Supreme National Committee for Immunisation. These reviews are aligned with the latest international standards and reflect local vaccine coverage and disease incidence.
Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, assistant undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, stated that this recognition is a source of national pride and reflects the UAE leadership’s commitment to global health excellence.
He emphasised that this honour not only recognises MoHAP and its partners’ dedication to improving health system efficiency but also serves as motivation to maintain high standards in public health and disease prevention.
Al Rand highlighted the UAE’s leading role in the region and globally in combating HPV and cervical cancer, achieved through comprehensive health policies based on scientific research.
Since 2018, the UAE has included the HPV vaccine for females in its national immunisation programme, making it the first in the Eastern Mediterranean to do so.
The programme was recently expanded to include male students aged 13 to 14 years. He also acknowledged the continued support from MoHAP’s strategic partners, which sustains the national immunisation programme and reinforces the UAE’s status as a global model for integrated healthcare. – BERNAMA-WAM
