logo
Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and Boehringer Ingelheim partner to combat chronic diseases in the UAE

Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and Boehringer Ingelheim partner to combat chronic diseases in the UAE

Zawya17-05-2025

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), an affiliate of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boehringer Ingelheim, a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry, to enhance health outcomes for patients living with chronic diseases in the Emirate.
The partnership aims to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic (CRM) conditions, pulmonary fibrosis, and stroke. With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on the rise across the UAE, this collaboration underscores the importance of joint, data-driven approaches to prevention, early detection, and public education.
Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases remain leading contributors to hospitalisations and long-term health complications in the region. The MoU outlines a series of public awareness campaigns designed to educate communities on the risks, symptoms, and management of CRM conditions and pulmonary fibrosis. In addition, both organisations will work together to collect data and generate insights, promote healthier lifestyle choices, and drive participation in early screening and health education initiatives.
H.E. Dr. Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADPHC, stated: "The increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, driven by sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, and other behavioural risk factors, calls for urgent, coordinated action. These conditions impact not just individuals, but families and the healthcare system at large. Through this collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, we aim to strengthen Abu Dhabi's public health framework by empowering communities, promoting healthier living, and prioritising prevention through education and outreach."
Ousama Alhaj, General Manager and Head of Human Pharma for the Near East and UAE at Boehringer Ingelheim, added: "We believe that meaningful transformation in healthcare is only possible through collaboration. As part of the UAE's Year of Community, we are proud to partner with ADPHC to promote early detection and awareness of CRM diseases, pulmonary fibrosis, and stroke. Together, we will drive forward innovative, patient-focused solutions that build healthier communities today—and for generations to come."
Chronic diseases, including cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic conditions, as well as pulmonary fibrosis and stroke, are major contributors to morbidity and mortality across the Middle East.
This partnership represents a united commitment to tackling these challenges through collaboration, innovation, and public engagement. By joining forces, ADPHC and Boehringer Ingelheim aim to reduce disease incidence, improve patient outcomes, and support a healthier, more resilient future for Abu Dhabi and the wider region.
Brief about ADPHC :
The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), established in 2019 under the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, is the emirate's dedicated authority for public and preventive health. As the first of its kind in the region, ADPHC leads efforts to protect and promote community well-being through evidence-based programs targeting communicable and non-communicable diseases, occupational and environmental health, and emergency preparedness. Driven by innovation, research, and strategic partnerships, ADPHC is committed to fostering a healthier, safer society in line with Abu Dhabi's vision for sustainable and proactive healthcare.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Ethiopia Secures Global Laboratory Accreditation to Boost Animal Products, and Inputs Quality and Safety
Ethiopia Secures Global Laboratory Accreditation to Boost Animal Products, and Inputs Quality and Safety

Zawya

time13 minutes ago

  • Zawya

Ethiopia Secures Global Laboratory Accreditation to Boost Animal Products, and Inputs Quality and Safety

In a major stride towards enhancing public health and regional trade, the Animal Products and Inputs Quality Testing Center (APIQTC) under the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA) has officially earned ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation. This international certification, awarded on 25 April 2025 during a high-level event at Haile Grand Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, recognized the Center's capacity to perform laboratory tests to globally accepted standards. This milestone strengthens Ethiopia's ability to ensure the safety and quality of animal products and inputs, prevent and contain the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and safeguard human, animal, and environmental health through a One Health approach. Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 confirms the APIQTC's technical competence in performing on thirteen parameters on veterinary pharmaceutical quality; Aflatoxin residue monitoring in animal source food and feed, and microbiological analysis. These functions are vital for independently verifying animal products and inputs quality and adherence to international trade requirements and supporting public confidence. In a country where livestock plays a central role in the economy, such capabilities are indispensable for market access, trade, and sustainable agricultural development. FAO's Strategic Role The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Ethiopia was recognized during the ceremony for its long-standing health system strengthening support of the regulatory frameworks and laboratory capacity of APIQTC. FAO's technical and logistical assistance was instrumental in achieving this global standard. Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Dr. Girma Amente, praised the achievement during the event, stating that, 'ISO accreditation is critical for Ethiopia's agricultural sustainability and public health security. This international recognition reflects our commitment to quality assurance and our readiness to meet global food safety standards.' Looking Ahead More than a technical certification, this accreditation marks a turning point for Ethiopia's livestock and agriculture sectors. It signals the country's growing capacity to independently ensure animal products and inputs safety and quality, mitigate Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) threats, and meet the demands of markets. Aligned with FAO's global vision for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, this achievement positions Ethiopia to move forward with confidence toward sustainable agrifood systems transformation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

UAE: Travelling for Hajj? New smart medical bag launched for pilgrims
UAE: Travelling for Hajj? New smart medical bag launched for pilgrims

Khaleej Times

time2 hours ago

  • Khaleej Times

UAE: Travelling for Hajj? New smart medical bag launched for pilgrims

A smart medical bag, that marks a new advancement in portable healthcare for Hajj pilgrims, has been introduced with the launch of 'Masand'. This innovative unit is tailored to assist healthcare teams in fast-paced, mobile environments where prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential. This bag has been developed by health-tech company Doctory in collaboration with the Sharjah Open Innovation Lab (SoiLAB). The innovative medical bag integrates advanced diagnostic tools into a single portable unit, allowing for rapid and effective health assessments during the pilgrimage. Developed through close cooperation between Doctory's healthcare experts and SoiLAB's engineering team, 'Masand' harnesses technologies including 3D printing, additive manufacturing, laser cutting, and precision electronics. The launch reinforces the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park's (SRTI Park) reputation as a regional hub for next-generation medical devices, born from dynamic partnerships between government, academia, and industry. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTI Park, said, 'Doctory's innovative products, designed within SoiLAB, are a model of health innovation. This project reflects our commitment to empowering creative and innovative companies to turn their ideas into tangible solutions that improve lives. The Hajj season provides a unique opportunity to test these solutions in real-world conditions, showcasing SRTI Park's ability to turn research and innovation into practical outcomes.' He added, 'We are dedicated to enabling innovators by providing world-class research and development facilities, advanced industrial expertise, and supportive investment networks. Our goal is to create an environment where pioneering ideas in health technology can thrive, transforming how medical solutions are developed and implemented.' How does it work? The 'Masand' medical bag can directly connect patients with a network of specialised doctors, enabling remote diagnosis and treatment — even in areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. The bag has attracted significant attention from medical authorities and regulatory bodies during the current Hajj season, where it has proven effective in managing emergency health cases at the holy sites. Osama Shamsi Pasha, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Doctory, said, "The 'Masand' medical bag represents a significant leap in mobile healthcare, made possible by the advanced innovation environment and world-class team at SoiLAB. We have had previous successful collaborations with SoiLAB, such as developing the 'Doctory Chair,' which reinforces our confidence that SRTI Park is the ideal environment for testing ambitious ideas and turning them into practical products."

African Leaders, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and Partners Unite in Bold Drive to Fight Cholera
African Leaders, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and Partners Unite in Bold Drive to Fight Cholera

Zawya

time2 hours ago

  • Zawya

African Leaders, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and Partners Unite in Bold Drive to Fight Cholera

In a historic demonstration of political resolve and continental unity, twenty African Union (AU) Member States affected by cholera convened on 4 June 2025 for a high-level virtual meeting, following a call by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and under the leadership of H.E. Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia and AU Champion on Cholera. The meeting brought together ten Heads of State and Vice-Presidents—representing Angola, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe—alongside Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers of Health, Finance, and Water and Sanitation. Global health partners, including WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, the Global Fund, and others, also participated to forge a united front in the fight against cholera. As of May 2025, Africa has reported approximately 130,000 cholera cases and 2,700 deaths, representing 60% of global reported cases and an alarming 93.5% of cholera-related deaths. Angola, the DRC, Sudan, and South Sudan remain among the most severely affected. In his opening address, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, called for bold leadership and systemic change: 'The people of Africa are watching. They expect bold, coordinated, and unwavering leadership that puts their health and dignity first. This crisis demands action at the highest political level. Only through the direct engagement of our Heads of State can we drive the elimination of cholera by 2030. This requires a continental shift—strong national leadership, domestic investment, integrated national actions, and regional coordination. We must also break the cycle of dependency by accelerating vaccine manufacturing and ensuring equitable access to life-saving tools.' H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union, underscored the need for transformative investments: 'To tackle this disease, we must invest robustly in water, sanitation, and health systems. This is our moment to turn historic challenges into real opportunities for economic and social development.' Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, emphasized the systemic drivers of the crisis—limited WASH infrastructure, insecurity, weak coordination, and vaccine shortages: 'Africa needs 54 million doses of oral cholera vaccine annually but receives barely half. This gap is unacceptable. Urgent action is needed to scale up local production and secure supply.' Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, welcomed the leadership shown: 'I commend the Heads of State for their vision and commitment. WHO will intensify its support to affected countries through this Call to Action.' African leaders committed to operationalizing the Continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST), building on the successful mpox response, to reinforce cross-border surveillance. At the national level, they pledged to establish Presidential Task Forces on Cholera to strengthen multisectoral coordination, mobilize domestic resources, and enforce accountability frameworks. They further emphasized scaling up local vaccine manufacturing, expanding WASH infrastructure, and deepening partnerships with the private sector. Etleva Kadili, UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, reminded leaders that children are most affected: 'Children bear the brunt of this crisis. Bold action and unwavering political will are urgently needed.' Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, reported significant improvements in vaccine availability—from 2 million doses in 2013 to over 21 million in 2025—and the delivery of 1.9 million rapid diagnostic kits to support outbreak detection. She reaffirmed Gavi's commitment to supporting local manufacturing in Africa through the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) and urged global support for Gavi's upcoming replenishment. In closing, H.E. Hakainde Hichilema reaffirmed his commitment to report back to the AU Assembly on progress: 'We have issued a clear Call to Action. Now we must deliver—through scaled-up domestic investments, strengthened cross-border coordination, and community-driven responses. Africa needs one continental IMST, one community-centered plan, and one accountability framework.' The meeting marks a turning point in Africa's response to cholera—anchored in high-level political ownership, multisectoral collaboration, and continental solidarity. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store