UAE, June 7, 2017- Under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health & Prevention in UAE, the Ministry of Health & Prevention has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sanofi to initiate comprehensive measures for the prevention of non-communicable diseases in the country. 

H.E. Dr. Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Ministry’s Health Centers and Clinics Sector and Public Health, and Jean-Paul Scheuer, Country Chair and General Manager, Gulf Countries, Sanofi, signed the MoU at the Ministry’s headquarter in Dubai. 

The collaborative initiative aims to develop programs that will help enhance the skills of healthcare professionals for better disease management, implement national health awareness activities, and improve education and training on pharmaco-economics. The objective of the MoU is to reinforce support for all the key stakeholders involved in the healthcare sector including, regulators, health authorities, healthcare providers (HCPs) and, patients and caregivers.

“The healthcare system in the UAE is taking every step to control the prevalence of preventable diseases among communities. Non-Communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease pose a threat to the health of the Emirati population and citizens. The incidence of these conditions can be greatly reduced if preventive and curative interventions are implemented effectively. Collaborative public-private partnerships are critical to achieving our healthcare goals and securing the future of the country. In line with this, we are happy to have Sanofi’s support in helping us strengthen the healthcare infrastructure in the UAE,” said H.E. Dr. Al Rand.

To provide a holistic approach, the initiative involves customized outreach activities designed to effectively educate various stakeholders and target groups for different disease areas. 

H.E. Dr. Al Rand reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to provide outstanding healthcare services to the community in accordance with international standards of healthcare and add greater value to its national role and leadership. He pointed out that the development of the health policy will be based on scientific and practical research as well as abide by the standards and regulatory frameworks to provide means to prevent and treat diseases and epidemics. He added that non-communicable diseases are a threat to the good health and well-being of the community; however, its occurrence can be significantly reduced with proper and effective implementation of preventive and therapeutic interventions. “Cooperation with the private players have a key role in achieving our healthcare goals and we are looking forward to our collaboration with Sanofi to raise awareness and educate patients as well as develop best medical practices,” concluded H.E. Dr. Al Rand.

“At Sanofi, we are pleased to enter into the partnership with the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention to further our commitment towards improving patient lives and contributing to the growth of healthy societies. Our efforts are dedicated to raising awareness among communities and support accessibility to high quality healthcare services in UAE backed by scientific research.” said Scheuer.

Public programs for communities will educate families on the benefits of following a healthy lifestyle to prevent chronic diseases. Educational sessions will be conducted for children and adolescents in schools. They will receive interactive materials aimed at promoting the benefits of healthy diet and physical activities, while fostering a safe and supportive school environment for children with diabetes to help manage their condition effectively. 

In the sphere of communicable diseases, a ‘Vaccine Expert Group’ will bring together vaccine leaders in the country to discuss unmet needs and challenges. This will be supported by a sustained program to raise awareness on the importance of immunization against conditions like flu among communities. 

To encourage two-way communication between patients, caregivers and the public, an integrated smart phone app will be developed to help maximize access to healthcare services. 

The MoU also focuses on enhancing laboratory capabilities and genetic assay expertise by offering access to high-quality diagnostic testing for newborn babies, and free of cost testing for patients with high risk of LSDs (Lysosomal Storage Disorders). The long-term plan involves establishing disease registries, collecting epidemiological data, and driving awareness campaigns and screening programs on rare diseases.