UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention collaborates with Johnson & Johnson to launch new diabetes screening initiative

UAE, October 18, 2016 - The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson has announced the launch of a Diabetes Screening and Professional Healthcare Education program aimed at providing better medical care to diabetic patients. 

The signing of the partnership between the two parties was held at the Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf in Dubai in the presence of H.E. Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Ministry of Health and Prevention’s Health Centers and Clinics Sector; Dr. Haifa Hamad Fares, Head of the Ministry of Health and Prevention’s Primary Health Care Program Section; and Cheikh Sayed, General Manager - Middle East, Africa and Turkey, Johnson and Johnson Diabetes Care Companies.

H.E. Dr. Al Rand said: “The agreement is in line with our efforts of preventing non-communicable diseases by launching health and community awareness programs. Our goal is to successfully implement the Ministry’s strategies by reinforcing healthy lifestyle choices for the people of the UAE and improve the rate of diabetes in the country. The Ministry has prepared the National Strategy for Fighting Diabetes 2009-2018 and accordingly has launched several programs, events and initiatives, including the latest partnership with Johnson and Johnson. This collaboration is aimed at reducing the prevalence of diabetes from 19.3 per cent to 16.28 per cent by 2021 by placing the patient at the center of diabetes management.”

The key objectives of the program include screening of 10,000 high-risk individuals and to train 90 nurses based on the Johnson and Johnson Diabetes Institute (JJDI) curriculum. In addition, 25 doctors will attend the globally recognized JJDI program. The diabetes screening and education initiative will address critical areas of diabetes management such as maintaining healthy lifestyle for diabetes prevention, increasing rate of diagnosis and early detection, and improved care with self-management programs. 

“We reiterate our support to people diagnosed with diabetes and those who are at risk of getting it and through our partnership with the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, we will be able to provide a holistic and patient-first approach to diabetes care in line with our community responsibility. We are confident that our latest collaboration will enable us to bring innovative and preventative treatment options for patients and their families in the region. This program is one of many health empowerment programs driven by the Ministry of Health and Prevention and its partners to help attain a healthier life for the UAE people. Johnson and Johnson is committed to helping diabetics live a life without limits and believe that the most impactful changes are achieved through strategic partnerships,” concluded Sayed.