MOHAP signs a MoU with Sanofi aimed at ensuring higher diabetes awareness and care for patients in the UAE

UAE, 5 June 2016: The Ministry of Health and Prevention has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to improve diabetes awareness and care for patients in the UAE with the Sanofi. The announcement is an initiative aimed at improving physicians and nurses’ capabilities in providing standardized treatment for diabetes patients, and enhancing prevention and awareness among healthy individuals in society for improved Type 2 diabetes management. 

In line with the UAE’s commitment to the 10-year plan by the Gulf Cooperation Council, the signing of the MoU was announced during a press conference held at Hyatt Regency Creek Heights in Dubai, in the presence of His Excellency Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for Health Centers and Clinics, Chairman of the National Diabetes Committee, and Jean-Paul Scheuer, Country Chair and General Manager for Sanofi Gulf. The press conference also saw the participation of members of the National Diabetes Committee, representatives of health authorities, hospitals, and medical centers, in addition to diabetes experts in the country.

Dr. Al Rand highlighted that, through this MoU, the Ministry aims to achieve the highest level of awareness on diabetes and its complications in the country. The effort is to equip the general public with the necessary knowledge to manage and prevent the disease. The Ministry also aims at imparting advanced training to healthcare professionals as part of its initiative to combat non-communicable diseases, along with community awareness programs to achieve their strategic goals of enhancing healthy lifestyles within the country and limit lifestyle related diseases. 

His Excellency also indicated that the Ministry is conducting many national surveys and research programs to evaluate the incidence of diabetes and risk factors associated with it. One such program is in progress by the Ministry of Health & Prevention in collaboration with the University of Sharjah, Dubai Health Authority and the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi under the scientific supervision of Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute. He also highlighted the importance of establishing surveillance systems and national patient records, in order create up-to-date databases that can contribute to drawing strategic plans, and monitor the progress achieved in combating diabetes through measurable indicators. 

“At Sanofi, we are pleased to be part of this joint partnership with the Ministry of Health and Prevention & National Diabetes Committee towards furthering our commitment to improving patient lives and contributing to the growth of healthy societies. Our aim is to empower healthcare professionals, patients and communities using innovative programs, and through research and development to help people effectively combat diabetes in UAE,” said Jean-Paul Scheuer, Country Chair and General Manager for Sanofi Gulf. 

The ‘Quality Improvement of Health Services’ activities will provide accredited training programs on standardized diabetes treatment for healthcare professionals including, physicians and nurses to help them ensure improved health outcomes for diabetes patients. 

The “Empowerment of Diabetic Patients” will see educational workshops being conducted for diabetes patients and their families involving sessions and lectures by specialized experts along with interactive material developed especially to elevate patient understanding of the Diabetes. Further, there will be educational sessions conducted for children, school students and their families and teachers. They will receive interactive training materials aimed at promoting the benefits of healthy diet and physical activities, while fostering a safe and supportive school environment for children with diabetes to help care for them.