UAE reaffirms commitment to health on World Health Day

UAE – On World Health Day, President Sheikh Mohamed emphasized that investing in healthcare is an investment in society’s future, reinforcing the United Arab Emirates’ enduring commitment to advancing healthcare at home and abroad.

Speaking on the global platform, the UAE leader underlined the importance of promoting a culture of healthy living across the Emirates as well as supporting international efforts that leverage science and innovation to overcome pressing health challenges.

In a social media post on platform X, Sheikh Mohamed stated, “Investing in health is an investment in society’s future. On World Health Day, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to prioritizing health care and promoting a culture of healthy living in our communities.

“We also remain dedicated to supporting international efforts aimed at addressing global health challenges through science and innovation for the benefit of all.”

His call to action came as part of a broader national initiative that has seen significant strides in expanding healthcare access and improving patient outcomes across the country.

The UAE has taken notable steps to bolster health care through major strategic initiatives. In March, the country launched the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity.

This new platform is designed to deliver life-changing care to people around the world by investing in health systems that enhance workforces in less wealthy nations and provide critical new equipment to combat preventable diseases.

The foundation’s ambitious goal is to reach over 500 million individuals across 50 countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East over the next five years.

Further enhancing its healthcare drive, the UAE is embracing cutting-edge technology to advance preventive care.

In January, United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain opened the Stem Cells Research Centre to drive progress in regenerative medicine.

This state-of-the-art facility aims to cultivate a new generation of Emirati scientists, bolstering research and manufacturing capabilities and forging international partnerships in the growing Middle East stem cell market.

Another significant achievement in the UAE’s healthcare expansion was the nationwide launch of a basic health insurance plan for private sector and domestic workers, effective January 1.

Previously, mandated insurance coverage existed only in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, leaving workers in the Northern Emirates without standardized coverage.

This new scheme now establishes a uniform, countrywide standard for health insurance, thus broadening access to essential healthcare services.

World Health Day, observed annually on April 7—the anniversary of the formation of the World Health Organization—serves as a launch pad for this year’s “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures” campaign.

The initiative focuses on maternal and newborn health, urging governments and the global health community to intensify their efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and to prioritize women’s long-term health and well-being.