UAE's Women's Health Policy: A Milestone for Women's Well-being
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai took a groundbreaking step on February 5, 2024, by adopting the National Women's Health Policy. This move signifies a pioneering initiative in the UAE's rich history of achievements in women's care. What does this policy involve, and how will it impact women in the UAE? Read on to find out.
What is the National Women's Health Policy in the UAE?
It is a comprehensive national policy initiated by government entities, led by the Ministry of Health and Prevention, since the summer of 2023. This policy aims to enhance women's health and well-being by providing appropriate and equitable healthcare through a national, multi-sectoral framework. The aim is to promote women's health and provide the highest levels of preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative healthcare services at all stages of a woman's life.
Why is this Step Important?
This comprehensive policy, involving both the public and private sectors, will offer integrated healthcare for women in the UAE, ensuring the highest quality of physical and mental health services. Key aspects of this policy include:
- To reduce cancer-related deaths among women through improved diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic healthcare services.
- To address health issues arising from unhealthy lifestyles, obesity, and a lack of physical activity, and aim for a 3% reduction.
- To enhance scientific research and medical studies in women's health across government and private sectors.
- To ensure the best healthcare services for women, encompassing preventive, educational, therapeutic, and rehabilitative care.
UAE's Distinction in Women's Care
This significant and pioneering step is unsurprising for the UAE, which has consistently set an admirable example in supporting and prioritizing women's health. Notable examples of this support include:
- Providing high-quality healthcare services for women in both government and private healthcare centers and hospitals.
- Supporting working mothers through flexible work options, paid maternity leave, breastfeeding breaks during the workday, and remote work options when needed.
- Launching the "Women's Health Empowerment" initiative by the Ministry of Health and Prevention. This initiative aims to increase women's visits to healthcare facilities to 70% within the first six weeks postpartum, ensuring optimal medical care for mothers and newborns. The initiative supports natural breastfeeding, infant health, early cancer detection, and postpartum depression screening—an impressive model showcasing the state's concern for women's physical and mental health.
Conclusion
We hope that more countries in the region will follow the UAE's model of empowering women and supporting their healthcare needs. This way, women in our societies can enjoy the health, well-being, and care they rightfully deserve.
