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Database is planned on chronic diseases

They also say that the survey is being carried out due to the socio-economic burden that chronic diseases, including obesity, pose to the national exchequer. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Dr Huda Al Suwaidi, Director of WHO’s Global Health Survey in the UAE, said, “The MoH will formulate a strategy on diet, physical activity and health based on the findings of this survey.”

“In the UAE, one out of four persons above 20 years of age is diabetic. One in three persons above 18 has hypertension and over 67 per cent of the adult population is either obese or overweight. However, these are figures from small studies. There is a need for a nationwide study to get the basic data for the future plans,” explained Dr Suwaidi.

According to details, Al Suwaidi said that 10,000 houses would be surveyed on a random basis by 200 health workers with the help of the Ministry of Planning. “Vital statistics and blood tests will be conducted to check the incidence of diabetes, cholesterol, etc. An internationally uniform questionnaire will be distributed to check other important health details of the sample population,” she explained.

On the other hand, Al Suwaidi explained that according to recently held discussions, recommendations have been made to implement a unified food policy and promote healthy food habits among schoolchildren.

“Strict implementation of ban on fizzy drinks, junk food in school canteens and changes in curriculum to encourage physical activities have also been recommended,” she explained.

The workshop was attended by 50 experts from GCC countries, including doctors, nutritionists and health educators. “Since treatment of these diseases cost many times more than the expenses needed to prevent them, we are focusing on preventive measures by advocating a healthy lifestyle,” she explained.

Al Suwaidi, who is also a family physician with the MoH, said that experts had discussed ways to implement a better food labelling system to inform the public on the nutritional factors. “We plan to hold discussions with key players in the industry, including fast food chains and companies to include more vegetable portions in their menu,” she added.

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