World Health Day 2019 in the UAE

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) primary goal is to make health coverage universally accessible. The focus of the World Health Day 2019 in Dubai is also towards accomplishing this goal. The WHO aims to achieve this by ensuring everyone who needs healthcare facilities can get it wherever they are, whenever they need it. In this respect, a lot of progress has been made in a lot of regions and countries. However, there are still a lot of people who still have no access to healthcare at all. There are still people who are forced to choose between healthcare and other basic necessities. This explains the goal behind the theme of World Health Day 2019 in Dubai and the rest of the world. Today, MyBayut will brief you on how the day is going to be celebrated in Dubai and across UAE.

What is World Health Day about?

The basic aim of this day is to spread awareness about health-related issues across the world in a bid to make healthcare accessible for all. This is irrespective of what region people are from and regardless of their financial constraints. The day is organized by the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO). After a lot of research, the UN agency has concluded that countries which prioritise investing in healthcare reap long-term benefits. Doing so directly decreases hunger and poverty, boosts the economy by creating jobs, and improves gender equality besides guarding against epidemics.

When is World Health Day in UAE?

The day is celebrated every year on 7 April in all regions of the world. All countries which are members of the United Nations observe it, including the United Arab Emirates.

World Health Day History

World Health Day commemorates the founding date of the WHO. The first World Health Assembly was held by the WHO in 1948, and 7 April was chosen as the date to celebrate World Health Day from 1950 onwards. Every year, a new global health crisis gets discussed by the Assembly. A new theme gets defined every year for the day and the ensuing debate. Local, regional and international events surrounding said theme are arranged around the world. Non-profit organisations interested in healthcare such as the Global Health Council show support over the media as well. Since 1950, a number of global health issues have been raised on World Health Day, including climate change, child and maternal care and mental health.

World Health Day Celebration

Every year, a number of events and activities are held on World Health Day. Celebrations focus on activities which highlight the various global health issues which remain largely unresolved.

World Health Day Activities in Dubai for 2019

Last year, an event was held on 7 April in Dubai by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). It was based on the World Health Day 2018 slogan “Health for all.” MOHAP Assistant Undersecretary for Health Centres and Clinics His Excellency Dr. Hussein Abdel Rahman Rand presided over the event.

In addition, before the day was observed, more than 1,200 labourers were given free medical check-ups in Jebel Ali, Dubai and at a number of “Mega Medical and Wellness Camp” setups. They were screened for a number of diseases including dental issues, skin problems, hypertension and diabetes. Indian Consul General Vipul and Ministry of Labour Director of Inspection Department Eisa Al Zarooni attended the event.

For World Health Day 2019, a similar arrangement is expected to be held in Dubai. Just like last year, free screening tests will be offered by Mediclinic Middle East on Sunday, 7 April. However, this year around UAE residents will be the ones to get screened. Tests will include screening for blood pressure, BMI, blood sugar and blood cholesterol. These tests will be offered at the following timings and locations:

In Dubai:

• From 10:00 am till 05:00 pm at Deira City Centre
• From 10:00 am till 04:00 pm at City Centre Me’aisem
• From 09:00 am till 03:00 pm at Dubai Mall, Fashion Parking, Level 7
• From 10:00 am till 04:00 pm at Spinneys Motorcity
• From 10:00 am till 04:00 pm at Fitness First, Meadows Souq
• From 10:00 am till 04:00 pm at Fitness First, Ibn Battuta
• From 09:00 am till 02:00 pm at AXS, Dubai Knowledge Village
• From 08:00 am till 02:00 pm at Mediclinic City Hospital
• From 08:00 am till 02:00 pm at Mediclinic Parkview Hospital
• From 09:00 am till 02:00 pm at Mediclinic Mirdif
• From 09:00 am till 02:00 pm at Mediclinic Al Qusais

In Abu Dhabi:

• From 10:00 am till 06:00 pm at Bawabat Al Sharq Mall
• From 03:00 pm till 09:00 pm at Mazayad Mall
• From 04:00 pm till 10:00 pm at Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital
• From 10:00 am till 06:00 pm at Mediclinic Al Mamora
• From 10:00 am till 06:00 pm at Mediclinic Khalifa City

In Al Ain:

• From 10:00 am till 04:00 pm at Al Ain Mall
• From 10:00 am till 01:00 pm at Mediclinic Al Madar
• From 10:00 am till 01:00 pm at Mediclinic Al Yahar
• From 10:00 am till 01:00 pm at Mediclinic Al Bawadi
• From 10:00 am till 01:00 pm at Mediclinic Zakher

In Al Dhafra area:

• From 04:00 pm till 10:00 pm at Mediclinic Ghayathi
• From 04:00 pm till 10:00 pm at Mediclinic Madinat Zayed

By supporting the WHO’s campaign and offering free health checks on the occasion of World Health Day, we hope to highlight the importance of free health checks on the occasion of World Health Day, we hope to highlight the importance of such health services and the plight of those who are not able to benefit from them,” said Mediclinic Middle East Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Pietie Loubser.

The St. Mary’s Church is also organising an event in connection with World Health Day 2019 in Dubai. They are running this in partnership with Noor Dubai Foundation and Dubai Health Authority. The medical camp for parishioners will be held on Saturday, 6th April 2019, from 04:00 pm till 09:00 pm in the church premises. This free medical service for World Health Day 2019 in Dubai includes eye tests, dental checkups, blood pressure, blood sugar level, dietitian consultations, etc. 

Many other leading hospitals in Dubai will also be offering free workshops and events as part of World Health Day 2019 in Dubai. 

Zayed University also recently held an awareness campaign and free consultation service as part for the occasion. Other leading universities in Dubai will also be organising such events. In addition to this, DHA, along with Dubai Healthcare City, is also planning several events and seminars to address the medical requirements of the community. 

World Health Day 2019 Theme

The World Health Day 2019 theme is “Universal health coverage: everyone, everywhere.” This aims to ensure quality healthcare is available to everyone, irrespective of location and financial limitations. This includes all commonly needed healthcare services such as palliative care, rehabilitation, treatment and diseases prevention.

The WHO has a broader Sustainable Development agenda for 2030. Making universal health coverage possible is a part of that agenda, and therefore the key focus for this year. In this campaign, the WHO intends to increase awareness of universal health coverage. It will educate people about how people who don’t have access to quality affordable healthcare facilities are living. The purpose is to advocate equal healthcare access to everyone, everywhere.

In this campaign, healthcare workers will be one of the key stakeholders. They will have to increase recognition among healthcare policymakers about what changes need to be made at the primary level of care. Government officials and health ministers of UN member countries will also be encouraged to highlight progress in their respective health sectors and to make universal health coverage possible.

“Health for all by all” – WHO regional vision 2023 for Eastern-Mediterranean region

The WHO has its regional vision for 2023 for the Eastern-Mediterranean region, which the UAE is a part of. The vision is “health for all, by all” implying solidarity and equity in health care services by reducing gaps in current services. Although a number of strides have been made in terms of immunizing children and provision of safe-to-drink water, there is a lot more that needs attention. Key areas that are in dire need of focus include insufficient healthcare workers in emergency-stricken areas and financial restrictions.

World Health Day is not the only global health campaign arranged by the WHO. It also runs other health awareness campaigns including World Hepatitis Day, World Blood Donor Day, World AIDS Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Malaria Day, World Immunization Week and World Tuberculosis Day. 

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