The importance of strengthening partnerships for the prevention and control of chronic diseases in the region was underlined at the inaugural session of Arabian Public Health Forum 2010, which opened today (October 11) in Abu Dhabi.

Dr Mahmood Fikree, chief executive officer for health policies affairs at the UAE Ministry of Health, focused on key issues such as cementing partnerships for the integrated prevention and control of non-communicable diseases’ in the UAE, as well as the importance of early detection and control, and the prevention and proper management of the diseases.

“Health is not only an issue of the government but also a shared responsibility. It is important for all of us to be well aligned in dealing with these issues,” said Dr Fikree.

“This includes the family, private sector and the overall community – a reason why we refer to it as public-private partnerships.”

“We are here; we are responsible for our health and that of the next generation. We need to work together, sustain the control and prevention of communicable diseases and at same time adapt our legislation to deal with new challenges.”

The two-day event has been conceptualised by Meed, a leading business information services firm, in partnership with Green Crescent Insurance Company, a major health insurance provider, and AstraZeneca, global biopharmaceutical company.

Taking place at Crowne Plaza in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the event has brought together more than 150 delegates and healthcare professionals including industry policymakers from the GCC countries.

M Hamed Farooqi, MD, FACP, FACE, director and consultant endocrinologist, Dubai Diabetes Center at Dubai Health Authority, said: “It is important to stress on the collaboration necessary for improving public health, specifically in areas that deal with chronic illness.”

“Green Crescent Insurance Company and AstraZeneca are prime examples of companies that pool resources and knowledge in order to work for the same goal here in the UAE. It is important to regard the two companies as a benchmark for others to emulate,” he added.

The event is designed to offer a unique opportunity to discuss current developments in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases in the region such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as non-communicable diseases such as asthma, psoriasis, colitis, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and Alzheimer's disease.

The forum is also showcasing the various initiatives being implemented by governments and other stakeholders.

Edmund O’Sullivan, chairman, Meed Events, said: “The Arabian Public Health Forum 2010 has gathered all stakeholders and leaders in healthcare to discuss the challenges in treating chronic diseases.”

“Healthcare industry in the region has witnessed tremendous development in the last decade, and the event acts as a platform to engage stakeholders to play a more effective role in the community’s well-being,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service