The Ministry of Health and Prevention has launched an early detection programme for diabetes throughout 10 of its primary health care centres in the UAE.

Launched in co-operation with Johnson & Johnson, the move falls in line with the ministry's strategy to address non-communicable diseases and increase the effectiveness of following up on highly-vulnerable patients.

The health centres covered by the new programme include Al-Qarain and Al-Sabkha health centres in Sharjah; Al Muhaisnah in Dubai; Al Salamah Health Centre and Al Madina Health Centre in Ajman; Family Health Promotion Centres in Ras al-Khaimah, and Al Murshid Health Centre and Al Bedia Health Centre in Fujairah. The programme targets all adult patients who have risk factors, such as obesity, high blood pressure, family history of diabetes and smoking.

The programme seeks to examine 10,000 people among the most vulnerable groups with conditions such as obesity and high blood pressure, in addition to educating some 100 members of the nursing staff, and enabling them to utilise the programme’s curriculum as per the highest international standards.

Dr. Haifa Hamad Fares, Head of the Ministry of Health and Prevention’s Primary Health Care Programme Section, said that the ministry aims to use the awareness campaign, launched in March this year, to reach the largest segment of society, as part of its efforts to combat non-communicable diseases, especially diabetes.

The move is aimed at improving the results of the national indicator of the proportion of the population with diabetes, as part of its strategy to provide comprehensive and integrated health care in innovative and sustainable ways. The goal is to ensure community prevention of diseases and optimise the programme through the provision of preventive services, in accordance with global best practices. She explained that the priority given to combating diseases, such as diabetes, is included in the National Agenda 2021.