Overview

The UAE’s National Agenda 2021 is in line with SDG 3 of the 2030 Agenda as health is one of the six national priorities of the UAE’s Vision. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) is striving to enhance community health by providing innovative and fair healthcare services

as per international standards. In addition, MOHAP acts as a regulator of the sector through an integrated health legislative system. The UAE is aspiring to create one of the best healthcare systems in the world by the nation’s Golden Jubilee.

Policies and Initiatives

• New regulation regarding the code of marketing for breast milk substitute to enhance breastfeeding (2018). The aim of the regulation is to contribute effectively to the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding. This will be achieved through the coordination of marketing and promotion activities for supplies and products related to infant and young children, and by providing appropriate information for the protection of their health
• National Policy for the Promotion of Mental Health in the UAE (2017)
• Roll out of an excise tax on Tobacco (100%), Energy drinks (100%), and Soft drinks (50%) in 2017
• Launch of the 3rd phase of ‘Your Health Comes First’.
• A mass media awareness campaign focusing on health risks associated with drinking sugar-sweetened beverages

Challenges

Rise in obesity, physical inactivity and unhealthy diets constitute a huge challenge in the UAE. MOHAP is working jointly with different sectors to promote a multisector approach to enhance collaboration and improve accountability.