The UAE is observing World Health Day on Monday, April 7, aligning with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) year-long campaign titled “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.” This global initiative aims to intensify efforts to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths and to prioritise the long-term health and well-being of women and infants.

Global Context

According to WHO estimates, approximately 300,000 women worldwide die annually due to pregnancy or childbirth-related complications. Additionally, over two million infants die within their first month of life, and around two million more are stillborn each year. These figures underscore the urgent need for enhanced maternal and newborn healthcare services globally.

UAE’s Commitment to Maternal and Newborn Health

The UAE has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving maternal and newborn health through various national initiatives:

• National Policy for the Promotion of Women’s Health (2024): This policy outlines comprehensive healthcare requirements for women at all life stages, emphasizing care during the reproductive years. 
• Advanced Maternal Healthcare Services: The UAE offers a robust maternal healthcare system that includes premarital medical screenings, regular prenatal care, childbirth services, and breastfeeding education. These services aim to ensure the health and development of both mothers and their babies. 
• Early Detection Programmes: National programmes for the early detection of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and osteoporosis are in place, contributing to the overall well-being of women. 
• Comprehensive Child Healthcare: The UAE provides high-quality, comprehensive healthcare services to children from birth through adolescence. This includes specialized hospitals, pediatric clinics, preventive care programmes, early disease screening, routine immunisations, mental health services, and therapeutic nutrition programs. 

Notable Initiatives

A standout programme is the newborn screening initiative run by Emirates Health Services (EHS). Targeting infants from birth to 28 days old, the programme includes early screening for genetic disorders, critical congenital heart defects, and hearing impairments. Implemented across all public and specialized hospitals under the EHS umbrella that offer maternity services, this initiative ensures timely treatment and follow-up, aiming to prevent physical and cognitive disabilities and reduce mortality rates. 

Additionally, EHS provides comprehensive screening for genetic and congenital diseases in newborns and offers early screening services for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at primary healthcare centers for children aged 16 to 30 months. These efforts reflect the UAE’s dedication to early intervention and comprehensive care for its youngest citizens. 

Conclusion

As the UAE joins the global community in observing World Health Day 2025, its ongoing initiatives and policies underscore a strong commitment to enhancing maternal and newborn health. These efforts not only align with the WHO’s campaign objectives but also contribute significantly to the nation’s goal of providing high-quality healthcare services, ensuring healthier beginnings and hopeful futures for all.

(Source: WHO, Wam)