The UAE’s maternal mortality rate has practically been eradicated according to a study conducted by the UAE General Women’s Union. The reduction in the number of maternal mortality rates has dropped to 99.9 per cent since 2004. A commendable feat indeed since this is regarded as the highest success rate in the world.

It is also indicative of the UAE leadership’s commitment in bringing world class, advanced healthcare to its people. Not only have 99.9 per cent of deliveries been performed under supervision of qualified health workers, national awareness campaigns and women-oriented healthcare teaching centres have been instrumental in promoting awareness. It is a major contributing factor to changing perception among women about healthcare and implementing healthcare conscious behaviour patterns. In this context, Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s words as the Chairperson of the UAE’s General Women’s Union are a significant reminder of the strides the country has made in reducing mortality rates in pregnant women. If one looks at the success achieved in reducing maternal mortality in view of maternal ailments among pregnant women in the UAE, it is indeed impressive.

According to the UAE medical statistics, 22 per cent of pregnant women suffer from diabetes. Moreover, there has been a rise in caesarean sections by 18.2 per cent in 2007 and at least 80 per cent of the women are susceptible to contract osteoporosis. Besides, genetic-related diseases and spread of chronic and psychiatric disease are a cause of concern. In view of these figures, it is therefore heartening to see the UAE healthcare sector achieve this success.

Not only is this confined to the maternal mortality sector, even infant mortality has seen a remarkable drop. Besides, the death rate among children under five years of age has dropped dramatically. The eradication of polio since 1994 and diphtheria since 1990 have also contributed to reducing infant and children mortality. In 2005, infant mortality rate was 7.7 in 1000 while the death rate among children under five dropped to 9.9 in 2005 from a much higher figure of 14 in 1990. Despite the heartening progress in child healthcare, other child aliments continue to pose a challenge.

The good news is that the government is committed to bolstering the child healthcare sector by improving medical resources and facilities. The UAE leadership’s continued and untiring efforts to improve the healthcare of its people are, indeed, laudable. This is why the people have full confidence in the leadership and its ability to provide for their betterment and well-being.

(Khaleej Times)