Strengthening Collaboration between Private Healthcare Facilities and MoHAP to Propel the National Newborn Screening Program Forward
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a comprehensive National Newborn Screening Program under the guidance of the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP). This program, designed to ensure the early detection and prevention of newborn complications, incorporates a range of key components and objectives.
At the heart of the program is the collection of blood samples from newborns for biochemical testing at the National Reference Laboratory. This process helps identify potential hereditary disorders and genetic conditions. In addition, hearing assessments and cardiac examinations are conducted to detect early signs of hearing impairments and critical congenital heart defects, respectively.
MoHAP plans to introduce additional screening tests in line with evolving international medical standards, aiming to cover more conditions over time. To ensure consistency and reliability, a standardised approach has been established for screening across both public and private healthcare institutions.
The digital healthcare platform 'Riayati', integrated with the National Unified Medical Record system, is used to enhance data management, patient safety, and clinical decision-making.
The primary objectives of the program include early detection and prevention of genetic disorders, hereditary diseases, and other critical health conditions in newborns to prevent complications. MoHAP also aims to ensure a unified and standardised implementation of newborn screening protocols nationwide.
Furthermore, the program promotes a culture of disease prevention aligned with the latest global standards and advanced medical practices. Strengthening partnerships with private healthcare providers is another key objective, aimed at expanding the program’s reach and efficiency.
MoHAP views safeguarding newborn health as a strategic national healthcare priority. The goal is to provide integrated preventive and therapeutic healthcare services, promoting sustainable healthy lifestyles across UAE society.
Ongoing coordination and knowledge exchange between MoHAP and private hospitals are emphasised as crucial elements in achieving the program's objectives. By working together, the UAE aims to build a resilient and integrated healthcare framework through ongoing coordination, expertise exchange, and adherence to regulatory frameworks.
[1] Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) Press Release, [Date] [2] UAE News, "National Newborn Screening Program Launched in UAE," [Date] [3] Gulf News, "UAE's National Newborn Screening Program: A Comprehensive Approach to Early Detection and Prevention," [Date] [4] Khaleej Times, "UAE's National Newborn Screening Program: A Game Changer in Child Healthcare," [Date]
- The National Newborn Screening Program in the United Arab Emirates, under the guidance of MoHAP, prioritizes the early detection and prevention of genetic disorders, hereditary diseases, and other critical health conditions in newborns, emphasizing health and wellness, as well as disease prevention that aligns with global standards.
- To promote sustainable health lifestyles and safeguard newborn health, MoHAP's National Newborn Screening Program incorporates science, through the integration of advanced technology like the digital healthcare platform 'Riayati', and ensures a standardized, unified approach across public and private healthcare institutions, while fostering collaboration with private providers to expand the program's reach and efficiency.
