Health Ministry to test 50,000 residents across UAE for hypertension

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched the National Campaign for Early Detection of Hypertension in collaboration with the International Society of Hypertension and campaign sponsors. This year, the campaign is set to test 50,000 adults at various locations across the country during May and June, working alongside government and private health institutions, universities, Life pharmacies, the Emirates Cardiac Society, Servier, and Omron.

Themed "Don't wait! Take part and be aware: Monitor Your Blood Pressure and Embrace a Confident, Healthy Life", the campaign aims to raise health awareness within the community about the importance of checking blood pressure, adopting healthy lifestyles, and understanding the factors contributing to hypertension and its complications. It also aims to reduce the incidence of non-communicable diseases, in line with the objectives of the sustainable development strategy.

Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, and Dr. Buthaina Abdullah Bin Balila, Head of the Non-Communicable Disease Department at the Ministry attended the launch ceremony held in Dubai. This is in addition to representatives from government and private health entities and universities.

Free BP screening services

Dr. Buthaina said that the campaign will offer free blood pressure screening services, during which basic demographic and clinical information and blood pressure measurements will be collected by nurses, trained volunteers, and a network of pharmacies in the country.

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Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand said that the national campaign will support the UAE’s plans aimed at combating non-communicable diseases, and enhancing prevention as well as control of hypertension in line with the best international practices based on scientific research and evidence.

He stressed that the UAE is at the forefront of countries implementing programmes and initiatives developed to reduce the prevalence of diseases, including high blood pressure, which is part of the strategic health indicators. The nation's goal is to decrease the high blood pressure rate by 30% by 2030, ultimately enhancing individuals' quality of life and creating a healthy society with sustainable well-being. This can be achieved by prioritising prevention over treatment, guided by a clear vision that incorporates effective initiatives, plans, and programmes.

“The national campaign was initially launched on May 1, 2017, followed by campaigns in 2018 and 2019, in cooperation with government health agencies and the private health sector. As a result, the country achieved remarkable success, securing first place among 89 countries," Al Rand said while urging attendees, strategic partners, and community members to actively participate in the campaign.

On her part, Dr. Buthaina stressed that the the national campaign will help promote public health and strengthen preventive and health commitments, adding that the ministry has already developed effective plans for managing preventive and community health programmes to enhance the quality of healthy life across the nation.

Dr. Buthaina stated that MoHAP is dedicated to periodically updating scientific evidence based on the latest international practices and research. In 2019, the fourth updated version of the hypertension guide was launched to help develop the skills of healthcare professionals, and preparations are underway to launch the updated 2023 version.