The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has introduced the National School Health Screening Guideline, a robust framework aimed at enhancing the health and development of students from kindergarten to Grade 12. This initiative, developed in collaboration with health, education, and social authorities, seeks to standardize school health examinations across the country, ensuring early detection and intervention for various health conditions.
Transforming School Health with Unified Standards
The new guideline aims to unify healthcare efforts and establish a reliable national database of student health screening results. This approach aligns with MoHAP’s commitment to adopting international best practices in school healthcare, inspired by standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.
Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, highlighted the guideline’s significance during its launch in Dubai, attended by officials and representatives from diverse sectors. “This initiative contributes to achieving sustainable development goals and aligns with the UAE Centennial Plan 2071, preparing future generations for optimal health and readiness while fostering a sustainable future,” he remarked.
Key Components of the Guideline
The guideline details a range of screening procedures and preventive measures designed to monitor and address the health needs of students. These include:
- Annual Health Examinations: Regular updates to each student’s medical history.
- Growth Assessments: Monitoring height, weight, and body mass index.
- Vision and Dental Screenings: Early detection of common issues affecting learning and quality of life.
- Specialised Checks: Scoliosis detection, hearing evaluations, psychological and behavioral assessments, and monitoring smoking habits in students over 10 years.
- Immunisation Reviews: Ensuring vaccination schedules are up-to-date per national standards.
In addition to screenings, the guideline incorporates age-specific awareness programs to enhance health literacy among students.
A Collaborative Effort for the Future
Dr. Suad Al Awar, Head of the Family Health Department at MoHAP, emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach among health, education, and social authorities to ensure the success of this initiative. Programs such as the National Programme to Combat Obesity and the National Immunisation Programme complement these efforts, promoting the well-being of the UAE’s younger population.
The UAE Government views investment in children’s health as an investment in the nation’s future. With this comprehensive guideline, MoHAP underscores its dedication to fostering a healthier, more prepared generation equipped to contribute to a sustainable and prosperous future.
