The Ministry of Health and Community Protection recently commenced the field work for the National Health and Nutrition Survey Campaign 2024-2025.
Launching the National Health and Nutrition Survey Campaign
In collaboration with health authorities and local statistics centers, the Ministry of Health and Community Protection and the Federal Center for Competitiveness and Statistics have recently initiated fieldwork for the National Health and Nutrition Survey Campaign 2024-2025. Representatives from health authorities throughout the nation were present at a press conference that formally declared the commencement of this critical undertaking in Dubai.
Dr. Hussein Abdul Rahman Al-Rand, the Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, revealed that the survey aims to reach 22,000 families, comprising 40% citizens and 60% residents. Scheduled to span seven months, the survey's findings will be unveiled at the onset of the following year.
The campaign is bolstered by 70 fieldwork teams, supplemented by administrative and security personnel, ensuring efficient survey execution across various regions. Dr. Al-Rand emphasized the global acceptance of health surveys as integral components of healthcare systems. These surveys are pivotal in crafting future health strategies, elevating public health, and enhancing healthcare services, aligning with the UAE's aspirations for global leadership in health standards.
The Ministry envisions integrated preventive and curative healthcare systems driven by updated, field-based data. This data will inform health policies, programs, and research, supported by reliable big data management and community health initiatives. The ultimate aim is to foster a healthier and happier society, underpinning the nation's developmental goals.
The National Health Survey encompasses goals such as collecting reliable field data on the UAE's health landscape, updating health databases, and measuring health performance indicators. Meanwhile, the National Nutrition Survey seeks to gather data on nutritional realities, inform nutritional health policies, and update nutritional databases.
The Ministry assures the confidentiality of participants' data, employing stringent measures to safeguard information solely for statistical purposes. Survey results will be presented in comprehensive statistical reports devoid of individual data.
Technological Advancements
Muhammad Hassan, Executive Director of the Statistics and Data Science Sector at the Federal Center for Competitiveness and Statistics, highlighted the importance of collected statistical information for the UAE's development. The Center ensures data confidentiality through robust governance tools and employs cutting-edge technology for data collection, analysis, and processing.
Dr. Abdullah Al Naqbi, Acting Executive Director of the Supportive Health Services Sector at the Emirates Health Services Corporation, underscored the campaign's alignment with the UAE's vision for 2031 and Sustainable Development Goals 2030. The initiative aims to enhance healthcare services, thereby improving the quality of life for all residents.
Dr. Alia Harbi, Director of the Ministry of Statistics and Research Center, detailed the survey's methodology, including personal interviews conducted in multiple languages and electronic questionnaire design to facilitate data collection. The survey targets both families and workers, aiming to gather comprehensive health and nutrition data.
Transformational Impact Khaled Al-Jallaf, Director of the Research, Studies, and Data Analysis Department at the Health Authority, emphasized the transformative impact of national health surveys on healthcare systems. He affirmed the ongoing transformation of the UAE's healthcare system and highlighted the survey's role in enhancing health sustainability.
The campaign focuses on six national health indicators, covering socio-economic factors, household healthcare expenditures, non-communicable diseases, biophysical measurements, healthcare access and utilization, and pollution indicators. Similarly, the National Nutrition Survey encompasses six indicators related to micronutrient deficiencies, nutritional intake, child growth, and maternal health, among others.