UAE Health Ministry Works to Curb Smoking and Cut Smoking Rates

Dubai, December 30, 2019 (WAM) - The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) continues its public health efforts to curb smoking among citizens and residents through various projects and initiatives. <\/p>

One proactive action is the six-week training program recently conducted by the Ministry for about 500 healthcare professionals in the country. According to the Korean News Agency, this training program provides healthcare professionals with practical skills to manage smoking cessation services in clinics and medical centers. <\/p>

The Ministry noted that the training program was developed according to international standards and guidelines, including the latest treatment methods available. 
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Dr. Hussein Abdel Rahman Al-Rand, Deputy Minister of Health for the Ministry's Health Assistant Department, health centers, and clinics, commented on this training program, stating that it aims to develop doctors' skills to assist individuals who wish to quit smoking. He added that the program "is part of MoHAP's collaborative efforts with relevant partners to reduce the smoking rate in the country."<\/p>

These efforts align with the UAE National Agenda 2021's goal of achieving a world-class healthcare system domestically. Dr. Al-Rand noted that the latest national health survey shows that the smoking rate among adults has decreased to 18% since 2010. The survey indicates that the prevalence of smoking among men and women is 9.1%, with rates of 15.7% and 2.4%, respectively. <\/p>

The prevalence of tobacco use is an indicator of the daily consumption of cigarettes and tobacco products across different social strata and age groups. 
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The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released its seventh report on the global tobacco epidemic. The report indicates that there are an estimated 1.1 billion smokers worldwide, with about 80% living in low- and middle-income countries. The WHO report highlights significant progress made by governments in implementing smoking cessation policies, with the UAE scoring 9 points (possibly the highest compliance score) in developing smoke-free policies. <\/p>

The UAE's smoking cessation program has also received a "full policy" rating.<\/p>

Al-Rand attributed these achievements to several legislative measures by the government, including Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 on tobacco control and the excise tax imposed on tobacco and tobacco products.<\/p>

The UAE National Agenda was announced in 2010. Its aim is to reduce the prevalence of smoking and enhance the UAE's healthcare system's preparedness to address epidemics and health risks.<\/p>