United Arab Emirates, Dubai, February 13, 2012: The Dubai Health Authority recently held a workshop to discuss burden of Rota virus gastroenteritis and the introduction of a new vaccine in the national immunization schedule.

The workshop was organised by the Public Health and Safety department within Health Policy and Strategy sector at the DHA .

Mrs Laila Al Jassmi, CEO of Health Policy and Strategy at the DHA said, Immunization, together with improvements in hygiene and sanitation, has revolutionized child health in countries throughout the world, preventing millions of deaths every year in addition to reducing the risk of disability caused by infectious diseases

Mrs Al Jassmi added "The recommendation obtained from this workshop is in line with the Dubai Health Strategy 2011-2013 that advocates the need to focus on vaccine-preventable diseases and pays significant emphasis on the need to constantly update public health issues. It outlines what needs to be done for preventing Rota Virus diseases and to develop a document that offers a framework within which national policies, programs and action plans can be elaborated. This will include introduction of new vaccines with an aim to keep up with changing times so that we protect our children and youth from all vaccine preventable diseases." 

Dr Aizeldin Ibrahim, Acting Director of Public Health and Safety Department, Health Policy and Strategy Section at the DHA said,

The workshop discuss the burden of one of the common public health problems, the Rota Virus disease.  It is the leading cause of severe childhood diarrhea and vomiting. There are many studies confirm the substantial health burden of severe rotavirus disease among children resulting in significant morbidity, mortality, and costs in the Middle East and North Africa. This will support the increasing need for an effective Rota Virus vaccination as primary public health intervention to reduce the burden of the disease in our region.

Dr. Ibrahim added "We are discussing the adoption of this vaccine in the national immunization schedule because it is a relatively new vaccine and the best method of prevention against this disease, which primarily affects children, The workshop also discussed a suggested framework for Rotavirus surveillance system that include vaccine adverse event reporting and notification."

Dr. Hisham Al Khatib senior specialist Public health and Safety department, DHA said, "Rotavirus causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and fever leading to rapid dehydration in infants and young children. It is estimated that almost every child in the world will suffer at least one infection by the time he/she is 2 years old, and improving sanitation and hygiene does not significantly reduce the spread of rotavirus and therefore vaccination is key."

Dr. Lubna Al Shaali, Public Health specialist, Public health and Safety department, DHA said, "It is important to note that although this vaccine is not mandatory as part of the national immunization schedule, it is readily available and many healthcare practitioners inform parents about the option to give their children this vaccine"

The workshop was attended by experts from various sectors who were invited to participate in the scientific session and discussion groups. The stakeholders included members from the Ministry of Health, Twam Hospital, Al Mafraq Hospital, Shaikh Khalifa Medical City and external WHO expert from the Ministry of Health in Oman.

For more information, please contact:
Heba Al Shaar
Director of Institutional Marketing& Communications
Dubai Health Authority
communication@dha.gov.ae
009714 2197455

About the Dubai Health Authority:
Initially, the Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS), which was created in 1973, was the functioning authority that almost exclusively focused on health service delivery.

Therefore, the DHA was created, in June 2007, by Law 13 issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, with an expanded vision to include strategic oversight for the complete health sector in Dubai and enhance private sector engagement.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance is the President of the Dubai Health Authority. His Excellency Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid is the Director General of the DHA

The DHA's aim in Dubai is to provide an accessible, effective and integrated healthcare system, protect public health and improve the quality of life within the Emirate. This is a direct translation of the objectives of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Keeping the strategic plan in mind, the DHA's mission is to ensure access to health services, maintain and improve the quality of these services, improve the health status of nationals, residents and visitors and oversee a dynamic, efficient and innovative health sector.

In addition to overseeing the health sector for the Emirate of Dubai, the DHA also focuses on providing services through DHA healthcare facilities including hospitals (Latifa, Dubai and Rashid), specialty centres (e.g. the Dubai Diabetes Center) and DHA primary health centres spread throughout the Emirate of Dubai.

The main pillars of service delivery at DHA health facilities are quality, efficiency, patients and staff.  It is our aim to maintain and improve the quality and efficiency of DHA health services. An important aspect of the service delivery strategy is to focus on patients, their needs and satisfaction as well as attract, retain, nurture and support outstanding staff.

© Press Release 2012