UAE, June 13, 2017- The Ministry of Health and Prevention recently signed an agreement with Pfizer-Gulf to raise local community awareness on infectious diseases and highlight the role of preventive measures and vaccinations in building a sustainable and healthy environment according to local and international policies and legislations. 

In the presence of Dr. Mohamed Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention, the agreement was signed at the Ministry’s office in Dubai by Dr. Hussein Abdul Rahman Al-Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for Health Centers and Clinics, and Dr. Mohammad Fawzi, Chairman of Pfizer Group- Gulf. 

The agreement seeks to emphasize the importance of vaccination in eliminating infectious diseases in society. It also aims to raise community awareness and improve the efficiency of healthcare providers according to advanced methods. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that infectious diseases continue to be among the leading causes of death worldwide.

H.E. Dr. Al-Rand added that the Ministry’s agreement with Pfizer will increase awareness level and focus on capacity building to fight infectious diseases and promote vaccination programs. The scope of the agreement also covers medical professional training as an effective strategy to identify and implement preventive measures and minimize risk exposure. This is in line with the Ministry’s strategy to build a world-class health system to protect the UAE society from communicable diseases, promote healthy lifestyles, and reduce associated diseases.

H.E. pointed out that the agreement is aligned with the national strategy aimed at combating non-communicable diseases in the next five years (2017-2021). The strategy has four main pillars, namely leadership and governance; risk factor prevention and reduction; surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation; and scientific research and monitoring of diseases. This is in line with the goal of UAE Vision 2021 to establish a health sector based on the highest international standards.