UAE- WHO initiative aims to combat malnutrition on Yemen's Socotra Island
Global reports say that Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rate in the island has reached 10.9 per cent, and the Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) rate is 1.6 per cent among children under five. Internationally, GAM rates between 10 per cent and 14 per cent are classified as serious, while SAM rates above 1 per cent are considered alarming.
Mohamed Haji Al Khouri, Director-General of the Foundation, stressed the UAE's humanitarian and global responsibility to develop communities and enhance critical health services.
'This stems from the enduring humanitarian legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. We are determined to effectively address food and health challenges faced by women and children in Socotra, in collaboration with the WHO,' he said.
Al Khouri explained that the Khalifa Foundation, an affiliate of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, would work with the WHO to develop appropriate solutions to nutritional and health challenges using a new survey based on current data.
'The joint initiative aims to reduce maternal and child mortality caused by malnutrition through a comprehensive plan of action spanning over two years. This will enhance maternal, infant, and child care services, and improve emergency preparedness and response to epidemics,' he added.
Acting WHO Representative in Yemen Dr. Ferima Coulibaly-Zerbo said, 'This joint effort reflects our shared vision of building resilient health systems in Yemen. Together with the UAE and national authorities we are working to address urgent needs and lay the foundation for long-term health security on the Island.
"Through this partnership, WHO and the UAE aim to build stronger, more responsive and more equitable health systems to serve the people of Socotra and contribute to a healthier, more resilient Yemen.'
The initiative is part of joint aid activities between the UAE and WHO in Yemen aimed to provide urgent food relief and curb nutritional and health deterioration across various population groups. It will strengthen healthcare infrastructure in Socotra by training medical staff, supplying medications, and establishing emergency preparedness mechanisms.
It also seeks to implement sustainable solutions for malnutrition, ensure food security, raise community awareness, and improve disease surveillance for more effective medical interventions based on ongoing assessments and studies.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Web Release
2 days ago
- Web Release
Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE Warns Parents About the Hidden Risks of Excessive Screen Time on Children's Vision during back to School preparations
As children across the UAE return to classrooms this month, Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE is urging parents and educators to take a closer look, literally, at the impact of screens on young eyes. With schoolwork increasingly moving online and recreational screen use at an all-time high, eye health experts are raising concerns about a silent but growing epidemic: vision problems in children linked to prolonged digital device use. From completing homework on tablets to chatting with friends on smartphones and watching videos on laptops, children today spend more hours in front of screens than ever before. A recent survey found that more than one-third of children in the UAE spend over seven hours a day using screens, far exceeding the safe limits recommended by the World Health Organization. Myopia, or nearsightedness is one of the most significant concerns linked to sustained near work on devices. According to a 2023 global meta-analysis of more than 335,000 children, each additional hour of daily screen use increases the risk of myopia by 21%. At four or more hours, the risk nearly doubles. 'This is not just about blurred vision,' explains Dr. Alina Mugnani Deza – a Specialist Ophthalmologist for Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE. 'Childhood myopia can progress rapidly, increasing the likelihood of serious eye diseases later in life. With so much learning and leisure happening on screens, parents must be proactive in protecting their children's eyes.' Beyond myopia, prolonged screen exposure can strain the retina due to high-energy blue light emitted by digital devices. While short-term effects include eye strain and disrupted sleep, some studies suggest chronic exposure in children may have longer-term consequences. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is another growing concern, with symptoms such as dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and neck pain. Children are particularly vulnerable, as they may hold devices too close to their eyes or forget to take breaks. Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE advises parents and educators to take simple yet effective measures to protect children's vision during the school year. Limiting non-academic screen time—particularly for children under five is an important first step. Encouraging at least one to two hours of outdoor play each day helps reduce the risk of myopia, as natural light plays a protective role in healthy eye development. The hospital also recommends following the 20-20-20 rule, where every 20 minutes of screen use is followed by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Adjusting screen settings, such as enabling blue-light filters, increasing font size, and lowering brightness, can further reduce strain. Most importantly, scheduling annual pediatric eye exams ensures that any vision changes are detected early, allowing for timely and effective intervention. 'With the right habits, we can prevent much of the vision damage caused by excessive screen use,' says Dr. Alina Mugnani Deza. 'Parents, teachers, and healthcare providers all have a role in ensuring that today's students can enjoy both the benefits of technology and a lifetime of healthy vision.' As the academic year begins, Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE invites parents to book comprehensive pediatric eye exams to set their children up for visual success—both inside and outside the classroom.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
WHO designates Jeddah and Madinah among 16 'Healthy Cities'
RIYADH — The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated 16 cities as 'Healthy Cities' and two Saudi cities found a place among them, according to the Ministry of Health. Jeddah and Madinah stand out as the first cities in the Middle East with populations of two million to receive the accreditation, marking a key milestone in the ministry's Healthy Cities Program and its ongoing efforts to enhance quality of life. The accomplishment reflects successful collaboration among government and community stakeholders, through the application of more than 80 international evaluation criteria across nine core domains spanning health, development, and sustainability. The ministry noted that the national health system continues to strengthen its global standing through a series of significant achievements in scientific research and international recognition. The Kingdom has also made notable advances in medical research and innovation. A study conducted by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) on robotic liver transplantation was named one of the top 10 most influential research papers of 2024 by the American Society of Transplantation. In addition, seven Saudi hospitals were included in Brand Finance's Global Top 250 Hospitals 2025 report, highlighting the Kingdom's strong healthcare infrastructure, international competitiveness, and commitment to high-quality patient care. These accomplishments are closely aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 — particularly the 'A Vibrant Society' and 'A Thriving Economy' pillars, to enhance quality of life and support innovation and scientific advancement. Together, these milestones reflect the integrated efforts of the national health system and various sectors, reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a regional hub and global destination for advanced healthcare. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Gulf Today
UAE delivers medicines, medical supplies to support Gaza's health sector
The UAE, in cooperation with the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the Gaza Strip, has delivered a shipment of medicines and medical supplies to the health sector, as part of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3. The aid will be distributed to hospitals and medical facilities to help address acute shortages and strengthen their ability to respond to emergencies. Among the recipients was Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, which received several truckloads carrying essential medicines and critical supplies. The delivery aims to boost the hospital's capacity to handle urgent cases at a time when it is facing severe shortages of medicines and equipment. Sharif Al-Nayrab, Media Director for Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 in Gaza, reaffirmed that the UAE continues to provide medical aid and pharmaceuticals to the Gaza Strip under the initiative to prevent the collapse of the healthcare system and alleviate the suffering of hospitals and patients. Heba Alnajjar, Emergency medical teams (EMT) coordinator at WHO, stated that the organisation delivered the shipment to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, containing all essential and currently unavailable medicines in Gaza's health facilities. She expressed hope for continued cooperation and the entry of more UAE aid to support the health sector. Dr. Ibrahim Al-Farra, Director of the Palestinian Aid Delivering Committee at the Ministry of Health in Gaza, described the UAE's assistance as a 'lifeline' for all patients, noting that the continued supply of medicines and medical equipment revitalises hospitals and helps save the lives of the sick and wounded. The delivery is part of an ongoing series of aid shipments scheduled for the coming period, as part of the UAE's sustained efforts through Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 to ease the health crisis in Gaza and ensure the continuity of medical services. WAM
