United Arab Emirates Leads World in Health Inclusion and Wellbeing Advancement, According to Haleon Index Report
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has secured the top spot in the inaugural Health Inclusivity Index, a global evaluation of healthcare systems across 40 countries. This achievement marks the UAE's commitment to promoting wellbeing, community health outreach, and public involvement in health policy.
The Health Inclusivity Index, developed by Haleon in collaboration with Economist Impact, assesses countries based on 58 indicators. The UAE's top ranking is a testament to its comprehensive strategies in health promotion and community engagement.
One of the key strategies employed by the UAE is the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031. This strategy, consisting of 14 components, aims to make the UAE a leader in quality of life by promoting healthy and active lifestyles. The strategy encompasses multidimensional approaches, including physical activity, nutrition, and mental health.
The UAE's focus on community participation and health literacy is also noteworthy. Health outreach programs and initiatives to improve health literacy among the public are crucial for effective participation in health policy and making informed health decisions.
In terms of nutrition, the UAE has developed dietary guidelines based on a national health survey. These guidelines, represented symbolically, guide citizens towards healthier eating habits. Additionally, regulations for nutritional labeling provide consumers with essential information about pre-packaged products, encouraging informed choices.
Strategic partnerships in healthcare also play a significant role in the UAE's success. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) collaborates with local and international entities to enhance healthcare services, aligning with international standards and the UAE's national agenda. These partnerships aim to achieve sustainable development goals and improve preventive healthcare services to reduce lifestyle-related diseases.
The UAE's efforts in promoting healthy aging and organ donation are also commendable. Initiatives such as the Longevity Ambassadors Programme and the National Programme for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue 'Hayat' are integral parts of the broader strategy to enhance community health and well-being.
At a high-level event in Abu Dhabi themed "From Awareness to Action: Building Healthier Communities Through Self-Care and Literacy," speakers emphasised the link between inclusive health strategies and economic resilience. The event marked the beginning of a multi-phase regional effort to embed health literacy and inclusivity into healthcare frameworks in the MENA region, with the goal of shaping more equitable and sustainable healthcare systems across the region.
The economic and social value of inclusive healthcare is highlighted by the Index findings. For instance, addressing anaemia in women of reproductive age could save $336 million each year in the UAE. Reducing low health literacy by 25% could save $2.3 billion annually. Moreover, managing gum disease more effectively could reduce diabetes-related costs by over $809 million over a decade in the UAE.
Improved oral health could also prevent $572 million in lifetime costs. Tooth decay alone leads to $175 million in productivity losses annually in the UAE, with 8.2 million work hours lost. These figures underscore the importance of inclusive healthcare in promoting economic growth and social wellbeing.
Health literacy levels in the UAE have risen by 30% over the past three years, placing the country 10th globally in this category. The UAE also ranks in the top five globally for person-centered healthcare and comes second in inclusive health system implementation.
In conclusion, the UAE's success in the Health Inclusivity Index is a testament to its comprehensive and multifaceted approach to community health and wellbeing. The country's strategies, which include the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, nutritional guidelines and labeling, community participation and health literacy initiatives, strategic partnerships in healthcare, and efforts in promoting healthy aging and organ donation, have contributed significantly to its top rankings. The UAE's commitment to inclusive healthcare is not only improving the quality of life for its citizens but also driving economic growth and social development.
- The UAE's commitment to community health outreach and public involvement in health policy extends to various aspects, such as collaborative workplace-wellness programs, mental health support, and therapies and treatments for medical conditions like chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
- In alignment with the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, the UAE advocates for fitness and exercise as integral components of a healthy lifestyle, promoting community-based physical activities and sports events.
- The UAE recognizes the significance of chronic diseases, such as respiratory conditions, digestive health issues, eye-health problems, and hearing impairments, and invests in therapies and treatments to manage these burdens.
- Additionally, the UAE prioritizes skin care, supporting research, and encouraging the development of skin-care products that are safe and effective.
- Aware of the impact of autoimmune disorders on health and quality of life, the UAE works towards increasing awareness, investing in research, and promoting access to treatment.
- The nation also emphasizes the importance of health-and-wellness education, implementing programs to improve health literacy within the community, especially among at-risk populations and underserved communities.
- To promote holistic health and wellness, the UAE encourages its citizens to adopt healthy-cooking practices, offering cooking classes and workshops on global cuisines and food & drink preferences.
- The UAE's financial sector supports companies focused on health and wellness, fostering entrepreneurship through investment in small-business ventures that cater to health products, services, and food alternatives.
- To expand its health-related services, the UAE invests in data and cloud computing, harnessing technology to improve medical diagnoses, treatments, and the overall efficiency of the healthcare system.
- Meanwhile, the Mediacare system ensures that citizens have affordable access to essential health services, reducing the financial burden on individuals with medical-conditions and chronic-diseases.
- The UAE's commitment to sustainable-living extends to health-conscious practices, promoting eco-friendly dietary choices, sustainable fishing, and organic farming.
- Budgeting and financial planning resources are made available to help individuals make informed decisions about their nutrition, weight-management, and health-related expenses.
- Debt-management support systems help those struggling with medical bills access debt relief and stabilize their personal finance.
- To encourage healthy behavior and weight management, the UAE invests in educational programs, fitness facilities, and outdoor-living spaces that promote active and healthy lifestyles.
- Additionally, the government supports initiatives focused on addressing skin conditions and issues related to lifestyle, such as proper sun protection and skincare regimens.
- The UAE demonstrates leadership in health promotion and supports diversity and inclusion, ensuring that its health system caters to the unique needs of its diverse population.
- Lifestyle choices are recognized as crucial factors in health outcomes, so the UAE advocates for the importance of maintaining health in various aspects of one's life, including personal finance, careers, housing market, and relationships.
- As part of its commitment to creating healthier communities, the UAE funds the development of interior-design projects that promote a calm and restorative environment in healthcare facilities and community centers.
- The UAE ensures equal access to health services and encourages the integration of health promotion into community-based activities, such as celebrations, dining, and arts events.
- The country supports initiatives that promote "real-estate with a health focus," such as green buildings, walkable neighborhoods, and equitable housing opportunities.
- To further support the health and well-being of its citizens, the UAE invests in resources related to saving, such as financial-planning workshops andtools to help families make informed decisions about their budgeting and expenditures.
- The UAE recognizes the importance of mental health in overall wellness and works to destigmatize mental health issues by promoting open conversations, support groups, and counseling services.
- Resources for local entrepreneurs who want to enter the health products and services market are made available, providing access to startup funds, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
- To achieve its health goals, the UAE relies on evidence-based scientific research that informs its policies, programs, and initiatives in all areas of health, from nutrition and exercise to medical-treatments and therapies.
- The UAE's investments in health and wellness extend to areas such as beverages, health supplements, and natural remedies like CBD oils, supporting entrepreneurs who offer innovative and effective solutions.
- The UAE's commitment to community health outreach and education promotes best practices in home and garden design, incorporating elements that support health, such as natural light, air circulation, and green spaces.
- The UAE's home-improvement initiatives prioritize health-conscious features, such as water filtration systems, air-purifiers, and energy-efficient appliances, promoting cleaner and safer living environments.
- Recognizing the importance of health education across generations, the UAE invests in programs that teach children important skills related to nutrition, hygiene, and healthy-lifestyle choices.
- Ultimately, the UAE's comprehensive and inclusive approach to health ensures the ongoing improvement of the quality of life for its citizens and contributes to social development and economic growth in the region.
