UAE Leads Regional Fight Against Hepatitis – MoHAP Report
UAE champions Hepatitis Eradication with Integrated National Program
Abu Dhabi, UAE – July 28, 2025 – In a meaningful stride towards safeguarding community wellbeing, the United Arab Emirates has underscored its unwavering commitment to combating hepatitis through a complete, integrated national programme. This initiative, focused on prevention, early detection, and treatment, exemplifies the nation’s robust collaboration between public and private health sectors.
The ministry’s remarks coincide with World Hepatitis Day 2025, observed annually on July 28. This year’s theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” serves as a powerful call to action, emphasizing the critical need for coordinated efforts and sustained dedication to eradicating the disease. The campaign advocates for heightened public awareness, education on prevention methods, increased screening, expanded access to integrated healthcare services, and ultimately, the elimination of hepatitis as a public health concern by 2030, aligning with global health objectives.Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), highlighted the Ministry’s proactive approach. “In close cooperation with other national health authorities, we are continuously scaling up the delivery of high-quality healthcare services,” Al Rand stated. “This involves equipping healthcare providers with advanced diagnostic protocols,implementing effective preventive strategies,and broadening the scope of screening and treatment services,all guided by international best practices.”
Al Rand further emphasized the UAE’s pioneering role in hepatitis prevention.”In line with our commitment to achieving the World Health Organization’s goal of eradicating hepatitis by 2030, the UAE has proactively taken key steps as 1991, most notably, the inclusion of the hepatitis B vaccine in the national immunization program. Today, vaccination coverage for hepatitis has reached an remarkable 98%, positioning the UAE as a pioneer in adopting a proactive, prevention-driven approach.”
The UAE’s multifaceted strategy to combat hepatitis is built upon four foundational pillars: raising community awareness, fostering cross-sectoral collaboration and optimal resource utilization, developing evidence-based health policies, and implementing forward-looking preventive measures. This holistic approach aims to considerably reduce transmission rates, enhance diagnostic and therapeutic services, and ensure timely interventions for all citizens and residents.
As part of its ongoing healthcare reforms, the UAE government has prioritized the continuous advancement of its legislative and regulatory frameworks to bolster community resilience. Medical fitness screening protocols have been modernized to incorporate mandatory hepatitis B and C testing for targeted population groups. Moreover,vaccination services are readily available for specific segments of society,including travelers,healthcare workers,and individuals undergoing premarital and occupational health screenings.
Embracing technological advancements, the UAE is leveraging cutting-edge digital solutions to bolster public health initiatives. The enhanced “Al Hosn” app now integrates tools for tracking immunization records for children and other community members, facilitating seamless digital documentation and monitoring of vaccination data.
By adhering to world-class health standards, the UAE is steadfast in its mission to build a proactive and lasting healthcare system, aligning with the enterprising visions of “We the UAE 2031” and the UAE Centennial 2071.