Al Ain Initiates Healthcare Awareness Campaign to Mark World Health Day 2011

Recognizing the day, Health Authority - Abu Dhabi, (HAAD) the regulatory body of the healthcare sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, has launched a campaign promoting the prudent use of antibiotics targeting both healthcare professional and the community in Al Ain.

The campaign promotes antibiotic awareness through edutainment activities and free health check-ups in malls, parks and corporate hubs. In addition a continuous medical education (CME) session was hosted on 12th April to educate healthcare professionals on The spread of drug-resistant pathogens has accelerated in recent years. HAAD recognizes that reducing unnecessary consumption of antibiotics is the principal strategy to combat the emergence of antibiotic resistance.

Drug consumption analysis for 2010 showed that the highest consumption based on therapeutic classifications was for systemic antibacterial. Almost 180,355,232 AED was spent on systemic antibacterials in the Abu Dhabi market alone.

During 2010 HAAD established the Abu Dhabi based local chapter of the Alliance for a Prudent Use of Antibiotics (APUA), a non-profit organization charged with encouraging the rational, efficient and safe use of antibiotics through the provision of scientific advice, guidance and technical supervision.

APUA makes recommendations on best practice interventions to be implemented across the UAE to address the issue of microbial resistance to antibiotics. These interventions include the issuance of regulatory policies, awareness campaigns, workshops and educational activities professionals.

In further support of WHD booths will be set up in Bawadi Mall from 10th to 16th April and in Al Ain Mall from 17th to 23rd April where free ‘on-the-spot’ health check-ups will be offered. A Fun Park Event will also be held on 22nd April at Mubazara Park to provide further community awareness and fun activities for all the family. With a view to promoting healthcare within the corporate environment onsite checkups will be offered to a wide variety of government offices and corporate hubs during the following month.

This is the second consecutive year Al Ain has lead the UAE in acknowledging WHD and serves as an example of HAAD’s continued focus on improving Healthcare in Al Ain. Providing free checkups and healthcare awareness in the workplace is an effective long term solution to a sustained healthy and productive workforce and is an example of best practice in public health. We encourage members of the public to be proactive in taking advantage of these health checks over the coming month.

Checkups will focus on blood pressure, BMI, Blood Sugar and selected cholesterol. The Free checkups are provided by Al Ain Military Hospital Team.

The World Health Day event is sponsored by Tawam Hospital and Partnered with Al Ain Dairy, VLCC, Safe at Heart, Nestle and Al Ain Water. The events are hosted in support with Bawadi Mall, Al Ain Mall and Al Ain Municipality.