“Health” establishes a road map for eliminating human papillomavirus diseases

The Ministry of Health and Community Protection organized a dialogue session on the UAE’s policies in eliminating cervical cancer, with the participation of an elite group of experts and specialists in the fields of public health, vaccinations, women, obstetrics, oncology, and health economics, along with a number of strategic partners.

The session was attended by Dr. Buthaina Bin Balila, Head of the Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, in addition to Dr. Laila Al Jasmi, Head of the Department of Communicable Diseases and Immunization, Dr. Hoda Al Abdouli, Consultant at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and Dr. Sarah Al Dalal, President of the Emirates Society for Health Economics at the Emirates Medical Association.

Professor Bettina Buris, CEO of the World Federation of Public Health Associations, and experts and specialists from health authorities.

The session aimed to discuss national efforts and future plans related to eliminating diseases associated with the human papilloma virus (HPV), and to review best global practices and experiences in the fields of vaccination, early detection and health awareness, in a way that supports the UAE’s trends towards preventing cervical cancer and promoting public health.

Health priority

Dr. Buthaina Ben Balila stressed that organizing the session comes within the framework of the efforts of the Ministry and partners to strengthen the prevention system, develop health policies based on scientific evidence, and support national programs aimed at reducing diseases associated with the human papilloma virus, noting that eliminating cervical cancer is a health priority through strengthening vaccination programs, expanding the scope of early detection, and raising the level of community awareness of the importance of prevention. The UAE continues to develop initiatives and programs that contribute to protecting community health and building a sustainable preventive model based on global best practices.

The program included specialized scientific sessions that discussed future trends in eliminating diseases associated with the human papillomavirus, the UAE’s progress in the fields of screening and vaccination, in addition to treating cervical cancer, and the vital role of public awareness in promoting prevention and adherence to vaccination doses.

The session also discussed the main factors for coverage associated with human papilloma virus vaccination programs and solutions to enhance access to target groups, in addition to reviewing Sweden’s experience, best practices, lessons learned and innovative solutions in this field, and ways to develop a national road map that supports vaccination, early detection and health awareness programmes, and enhances integration between health policies, governance and innovation in prevention.