The Ministry of Health has today (Monday, September 28, 2015) launched two new initiatives aimed at raising public awareness on cancer and the importance of its early detection through regular medical check-ups for more effective treatments. Developed under the slogan Etmnan, the National Periodic Health Screening and Cancer Screening initiatives were formally unveiled during a press conference held at the Ministry of Health's auditorium in the presence of H.E. Dr. Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for Health Centers and Clinics. H.E. Dr. Al Rand emphasized the significance of the two initiatives, saying that they complement the Ministrys vision and mission of promoting individual and community health in the UAE by providing full and distinctive services delivered within a sustainable healthy environment. The initiatives are part of the Cabinet approved programs.

H.E. Dr. Al Rand said: "The two new initiatives are aligned with our efforts to raise awareness about health risks and provide diagnostic and therapeutic services according to the highest international standards. They adhere with UAE Vision 2021s goal of ensuring long life and good health for all citizens and residents. Their formal launching is part of our annual initiatives for instilling a culture of health awareness and prevention in the UAE that highlight the importance of regular screening tests for cancer and common diseases, spreading awareness about prevention, diagnosis and treatment, and providing valuable information on how to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

The success of our new initiatives lies in their capacity to promote a culture of prevention among our citizens and residents, which is a fundamental pillar in achieving better health and effectively fighting various illnesses, especially cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Through these two initiatives, we aim to offer preventive vaccines, provide screening tests for early detection of cancer, and conduct full periodic medical check-ups in primary health care centers starting in Sharjah and Fujairah this year. We will eventually expand them to cover other emirates in the next few years, added H.E. Dr. Al Rand.

H.E. concluded: "We are currently preparing a section at Dhadna Health Center in Fujairah where screening tests will be provided. Similar services will be offered in other health centers in Sharjah and other areas in Fujairah soon. Recently, as part of our fruitful partnership with Abu Dhabi Health Authority "HAAD" and Dubai Health Authority "DHA", we issued the national scientific guidelines for early detection of breast, cervical and colon cancer. We also completed a comprehensive personnel training program in primary healthcare centers for the appropriate application of the guidelines and the improvement of early detection procedures as a part of our efforts to provide society with comprehensive healthcare services.

The Cancer Screening initiative aims to increase the detection rates of the most common types of cancers in the early stages in order to enhance the effectiveness of treatment. It also aspires to raise public awareness on the importance of early detection. The new initiative is expected to impact the healthcare sector and increase the efficiency of healthcare service providers, especially in primary healthcare centers. Early detection ensures that the most effective and appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic services are provided. The National Periodic Health Screening initiative, on the other hand, focuses on reducing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, through early detection and identification of the main factors leading to them. It also aims to provide the local community with suitable health-related information to encourage individuals to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Both initiatives provide specialized services for promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about factors and risks related to various diseases, including obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as the expected rates of cardiovascular disease over the next 10 years. They also aim to encourage early detection of the most common types of cancers such as breast, cervical and colon, in addition to other conditions such as depression, osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency, and eye and hearing problems.