Adding features for citizen and resident children from birth through the “Hosn” application
The UAE health system has provided an updated version of the “Al Hosn” application, which includes additional functions, including comprehensive vaccination records for children from birth until they reach the age of 18 years. This development aims to enhance commitment to the national immunization programme.
Dr. Hussein Al-Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at the Ministry of Health and Community Protection, confirmed the inclusion of a new feature in the Al Hosn application. This application is one of the digital solutions provided by the United Arab Emirates, and it is a reliable, credible and widely trusted application.
The newly added feature allows users to the “Hosn” application to access information related to childhood vaccinations covered by the National Immunization Programme, and this update is consistent with the comprehensive transformation strategy of the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE government seeks to implement smart health care services, in addition to taking advantage of smart technologies and applications, as a means of expanding communication channels with members of society.
This initiative aims to enhance health care coverage and maintain high levels of vaccination rates. It is widely recognized that vaccination is a successful and highly effective health intervention in preventing vaccine-preventable infectious diseases, and by prioritizing vaccination, the government aims to protect children's health and enhance overall community immunity.
The beginning of the launch of the “Al Hosn” application:
Since its initial launch in 2020, the “Al Hosn” application has won many international awards, such as the Stevie Award for International Business, the Global Excellence Award in the “Best Smart Application” category, and the Best Award in the “Mobile Phone” category. “Digital Health Resources” category as part of the US Digital Health Awards program. USA is widely recognized as a preeminent authority in awarding renowned accolades for pioneering contributions to innovation and institutional excellence on a global scale.
Medical evaluation of the newborn:
Health facilities within the country provide early detection of diseases in newborns, specifically targeting hereditary and congenital conditions. This is achieved by providing newborn screening services available in both government hospitals and private healthcare institutions in all emirates of the country. Services are facilitated. This examination is done through a reference laboratory specialized in conducting blood tests for newborns.
The primary goal of the program is to identify and diagnose newborn disorders at an early stage, and ensure immediate medical intervention and regular monitoring to prevent the occurrence of physical and mental disabilities, as well as reduce mortality rates.
The examination includes about 40 genetic diseases that were carefully selected based on globally recognized criteria. These diseases were included to ensure comprehensive coverage of genetic disorders in screening.
Congenital hypothyroidism is examined to a medical condition characterized by the presence of an underactive thyroid gland at birth, and sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder characterized by the presence of abnormal molecules of hemoglobin, which leads to deformation of red blood cells into a sickle shape, and congenital adrenal dysfunction is examined to a group Biotin deficiency disorder is an inherited disorder that affects the normal functioning of the adrenal glands.
Mass spectrometry devices are also used to analyze diseases related to amino acids, organic acids and fatty acids.
Also, testing for galactose in the blood is a hereditary metabolic disorder characterized by the body’s inability to properly metabolize galactose, which is a sugar, in addition to performing heart tests to detect important congenital heart problems, and implementing early screening protocols for hearing disorders in newborns to identify cases of hereditary deafness.
Maternal and child health program provided by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center:
The Abu Dhabi Care Program is a social initiative that aims to provide support and assistance to individuals in need within the Abu Dhabi region.
In addition, the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi has launched a care program aimed at enhancing awareness of health concerns related to pregnant women and infants. The program relies on a series of preventive examinations for these children with the aim of identifying potentially serious conditions, but they are rarely encountered. The tests also include a variety of evaluation methods. .
Procedures for comprehensive evaluation of the child:
1- Evaluation of auditory perception.
2- The process of identifying congenital heart diseases through systematic examination.
3. The heel prick/blood spot test is a diagnostic procedure commonly used in medical settings.
Immunizations provided to youth.
The UAE has implemented a mandatory immunization schedule for children, in line with the National Program for Child Immunization against Diseases. This schedule includes the period from birth until completion of the eleventh grade. Vaccinations provide protection against a range of diseases, including:
1- Tuberculosis, often known as Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG),
2- Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver.
3- Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus, also referred to as DPT, DT, or DTaP, are three diseases of great public health concern.
4- Polio, also known as polio, is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system. It is a reason
5. The measles-mumps-rubella combination vaccine, commonly referred to as MMR, is widely used in public health interventions.
6- Haemophilus influenzae (Hib)
7- Pneumococcal influenza, often known as PCV,
8- Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a group of viruses known as papillomaviruses. The Department of Health in Abu Dhabi is responsible for developing and publishing vaccination and immunization schedules for infants and children. These tables aim to protect children from various diseases and enhance their overall health.
Obesity cases in the health system:
The Ministry of Health and Community Protection launched the “Monitoring” system, which is the first electronic system designed to collect data on obesity among students. This initiative is consistent with the Ministry's comprehensive strategy to provide comprehensive and integrated health care services in an innovative and sustainable manner, thus protecting society from the spread of diseases.
According to the latest figures obtained from the periodic examination of school students, it was found that the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents between the ages of 5-17 years reached 17.35%, based on data collected during the national survey conducted in the year 2017-2018. .
Our Healthy Children 2021 programme, sponsored by the National Government Communication Programme, seeks to reduce the prevalence of obesity in children. This project is in line with the goal set by the UAE National Agenda, which is to reduce the prevalence of obesity in children to 12% by 2021, compared to the number recorded in 2014, which reached 13.17%.
Healthy diet for children:
The Department of Health in Abu Dhabi launched the “My Health, Sponsored by My School” project with the aim of improving the health and general well-being of students attending schools in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. All educational institutions and food providers within schools in the United Arab Emirates are strictly committed to the nutritional standards set by the relevant administrative bodies, which is the primary goal of this initiative. It is to ensure the availability of nutritious meals for students in educational institutions.
