In the presence of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Department of Health — Abu Dhabi (DoH) launch a series of initiatives at Arab Health 2020

During its four-day participation, DoH is set to launch a series of innovative initiatives in digital health and big data, developed in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA). DoH's Artificial Intelligence Lab will host a set of workshops and interactive sessions aimed at developing smart solutions under themes including Genomics, Blockchain, Predictive Analytics and the Internet of Medical Things. Additionally, the sessions will explore a range of topics, including digital health and personal medicine, with the aim of advancing health solutions in the Emirate.

In this regard, H.E. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of DoH extended his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the wise leadership, for their ongoing endeavours in further improving the outcomes of the healthcare sector and taking it to new heights.

Commenting on the partnership, H.E. Abdullah Al Hamed, Chairman of DoH said, "We are delighted to be working alongside our partner, the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority. Our joint efforts will allow us to harness the power of modern digital technology and further advance the Emirate's healthcare sector to achieve more efficient outcomes. Such partnerships allow us to foresee the future of the sector and provides us with vital data required to develop solutions in line with our leadership's direction and the government's agenda."

As part of the joint efforts between DoH and ADDA, the digital health initiatives aim to employ modern digital technologies to improve the health and wellbeing of the community in the Emirate. The partnership incorporates two projects including: Localized Diabetes Risk Calculator and Cardiovascular Risk Calculator.

H.E. Dr. Rauda Al-Saadi, Director General of ADDA, said, "At ADDA, we focus on enabling fast and accurate data exchange to improve government proactivity. We are pleased to be part of this fruitful partnership aimed at unlocking the full potential of big data analytics and leveraging its techniques for the advancement of all sectors across the Emirate, and healthcare in particular, and improving the quality of life for all residents of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi."

"ADDA's collaboration in launching a set of digital health initiatives comes in line with its efforts to enable a digital government that is personalised, collaborative and secure. Such projects will drive investments, boost the government's proactivity, and lead the digital future of Abu Dhabi." Dr. Al-Saadi added.

.The two projects aim to design, develop and build a pilot application for 'risk calculators' that enable physicians and policymakers to predict occurrence rates for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases based on patients' health data. Through the use of an electronic interface, healthcare providers are then able to make informed decisions based on solid scientific and statistical data.

With 19% of the country's population suffering from diabetes, DoH and ADDA were keen to develop this risk calculator. The UAE is amongst the top 10 countries in the world with type 2 diabetes, which studies indicate can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the UAE. Studies indicate that 12.6% of death rates can be prevented by obtaining the right medicine at the right time, in addition to adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Visitors at the DoH pavilion located at H5.B10 will have the opportunity to learn more about the latest programmes and initiatives launched by the healthcare sector in the Emirate. For more information, please visit: https://www.doh.gov.ae/Arab-Health-2020

-Ends-