Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, recently shared the outcomes of the UAE’s “Your Pulse” project, along with a new health protocol aimed at predicting heart attacks and strokes early.
This initiative is part of the UAE’s broader effort to reduce the mortality rate from cardiovascular diseases by one third by 2030, as announced by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP).
The ministry outlined its goals to combat cardiovascular diseases during the announcement of the “Your Pulse” initiative. This national system focuses on the early detection of cardiovascular disease risks, complementing the 2023-2024 National Campaign for Early Detection of Hypertension. Cardiovascular disease remains one of the top causes of death in the UAE, with symptoms often emerging earlier in local patients compared to those in other developed countries.
“The Your Pulse project has implemented an early intervention system for individuals aged 40 and above who are at high risk, providing medical advice and essential treatments,” the ministry said.
The ministry reported that 80 per cent of the target demographic was covered, and 95 per cent of those visiting healthcare centers received necessary check-ups and medical support.
In addition to these efforts, the ministry also standardized the Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Score across all government health facilities. This tool helps physicians assess a person’s likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, by considering factors like age, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking habits.
By standardizing this scoring system nationwide, healthcare providers can consistently identify high-risk patients, enabling early intervention and lifestyle changes to help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
“This protocol, linked to national and global health indicators, aims to reduce the mortality rate from cardiovascular diseases by 33 per cent by 2030,” the ministry revealed.
Another crucial initiative in the UAE’s strategy to combat cardiovascular disease is the National Campaign for Early Detection of Hypertension, conducted between June and August 2023-2024. Through this campaign, 140,000 citizens and residents benefitted from health screenings.
The campaign found that 13.2 per cent of participants were already aware of their hypertension and receiving treatment, while four per cent were newly diagnosed. Additionally, correlations were drawn between hypertension, obesity, physical inactivity, and various forms of smoking.
These initiatives underline the UAE’s dedication to healthcare transformation through prevention, education, and the promotion of healthier lifestyles. Dr. Al Rand emphasized that “the results of the Your Pulse project and the National Campaign for Early Detection of Hypertension will strongly support the government’s new strategies,” which prioritize short-term, targeted projects that deliver tangible outcomes over traditional ministry-led programmes.
To further combat risk factors for non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, the ministry has entered into various partnerships. These collaborations aim to promote healthier and more active lifestyles while focusing on early detection. “This approach not only focuses on the central role of transformative projects in future government work but also aims to build a healthier and more sustainable future for coming generations in line with ‘We the UAE 2031 Vision,’” Dr. Al Rand added.
Ensuring cardiovascular health is critical in reducing premature mortality, and this goal can be achieved through prevention, early diagnosis, and advanced healthcare services for all. The results of these initiatives will shape future health policies, allocate resources based on anticipated health needs, and contribute to building a sustainable society where individuals enjoy a high quality of life.
The ministry, in collaboration with its partners, has developed a national plan to manage preventive and community health programs aimed at improving the overall quality of life in the UAE. Dr. Buthaina Bin Belaila, head of the Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Section at MoHAP, explained, “The plan focuses on building the skills of healthcare professionals and educating the public on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular physical activity, eating nutritious food, reducing salt intake, and quitting smoking.”
These announcements were made during an event in Dubai, co-hosted by the ministry alongside government, private, and telecommunications sector partners, further showcasing the UAE’s commitment to improving public health and wellbeing.
