Topic: 2024-Tuberculosis
Country: United arab Emirates
Delegate Name: Miraya Latchamsetty
Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body. Despite being preventable and treatable, TB remains one of the top infectious killers globally, causing suffering and an economic burden. Its significance lies not only in its direct impact on health but also in its socioeconomic implications, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and stunting progress towards global health goals. Addressing TB is crucial for promoting health equity, achieving universal health coverage, and advancing towards a world free of preventable diseases.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recognizes TB as a significant public health priority and has committed to addressing it comprehensively. The government has implemented robust national strategies and programs for TB prevention, control, and treatment. These initiatives focus on early detection through widespread screening efforts, ensuring access to quality healthcare services, and providing free diagnosis and treatment for all TB patients. Accordingly, The UAE has the BCG vaccine that treats TB among their required vaccinations for children. Additionally, the UAE emphasizes the importance of public awareness campaigns to promote agreement to treatment regimens. Through these efforts, the UAE aims to achieve the World Health Organization’s targets for TB elimination and improve the overall health and well-being of its population.
The TB situation in the UAE reflects a controlled epidemic with relatively low prevalence and incidence rates. According to recent data, the prevalence of TB stands at approximately 0.1 cases per 100,000 population (or 1 case for 1,000,000 population), while the incidence rate has shown a declining trend over the years. Demographic groups most affected by TB in the UAE include migrant workers, due to factors such as overcrowded living conditions and limited access to healthcare. Recent trends in TB control efforts are focused on strengthening diagnostic capabilities, access to healthcare services, and targeted interventions for high-risk populations, contributing to the overall reduction of TB burden in the country. However, the UAE faces challenges in addressing TB such as the transient nature of its population, a significant portion of whom are expatriate workers which leads to difficulties in continuous care. There are also cultural factors and stigma surrounding TB that discourage people from getting timely medical attention, furthering the challenge of controlling the disease.
Specific initiatives and policies implemented by the UAE to combat TB include widespread TB screening programs, the provision of free diagnosis and treatment services, and public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and promote treatment adherence. The UAE collaborates with international organizations such as the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP) which have implemented several preventative strategies and programs to control TB, this includes the provision of TB drugs on a schedule, early TB testing, and vaccination of children with BCG. Ongoing efforts with MoHaP and its partners work to ensure that all care and services are provided free of charge. The UAE also introduced the National Programme for Tuberculosis Control which provides similar services. The UAE contributes resources, funding, and expertise to other countries and additionally plays an active role in conferences and workshops surrounding the treatment of TB
To improve TB control in the UAE, there should be a focus on strengthening healthcare systems by investing in training healthcare professionals and expanding TB clinics. The expansion of TB clinics increases accessibility to TB in remote areas. The collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, and international efforts is essential for sustainable TB control efforts.
The UAE is very active in the global fight against TB, the UAE makes donations, hosts conferences and workshops, and partners with international organizations to form optimal solutions. The expansion of clinics and investment in training healthcare workers are essential to the fight against TB. The UAE’s efforts have led to a downward trend in TB cases and the UAE will continue these efforts until these results are projected globally.
Works Cited:
Ministries of Health and Prevention, https://mohap.gov.ae/en, date accessed February 15
Emirates News Agency WAM, https://wam.ae/en/details/1395302677125, date accessed February 15
WHO TB, https://www.emro.who.int/tuberculosis/index.html, date accessed Febraury 15
