World Health Organisation honours UAE for commitment to HPV Vaccine

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recognised the UAE for its progressive efforts to ramp up the national immunisation programme, specifically highlighting the integration of the HPV vaccine.

The accolade showcases the WHO's confidence in the UAE's robust health system, which prioritises preventive measures and delivers comprehensive, integrated healthcare through innovative and sustainable approaches that ensure disease prevention and the integration of the latest advancements in immunisation technology.

Dr. Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group (NITAG), Dr. Sulaiman Al Hammadi, a member of the group, and Dr. Laila Al-Jasmi, Head of the Immunisation Department at the Ministry, received the award at a ceremony hosted by the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean in Cairo.

The event also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the WHO's Essential Programme for Immunisation and was attended by senior officials from the office and representatives from member states in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

The honour recognises MoHAP’s ongoing efforts and that of other health authorities to enhance and update the National Immunisation Programme. As one of the country's strategic initiatives, the programme undergoes periodic reviews by specialised technical committees, including the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group and the Supreme National Committee for Immunisation.

The reviews are conducted in accordance with the latest international standards and reflect the local vaccine coverage and the number of reported cases of diseases targeted by vaccination.

Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, stated that this honour is a source of pride for the UAE and clearly shows the commitment of the country's leadership to excel in global competitive indicators and emphasised that the honour comes in recognition of MoHAP, strategic partners, and health authorities’ relentless efforts to enhance the efficiency of the health system and prevent diseases.