MoHAP and Department of Health – Abu Dhabi Strengthen Health Data Collaboration at GITEX Global 2024

ABU DHABI: The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at GITEX Global 2024 in Dubai, focusing on enhancing health data sharing and security across the UAE. According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement was signed by Dr. Salem Abdulrahman Al Darmaki, Advisor to the Minister of Health and Prevention, and Dr. Rashed Obaid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Healthcare Workforce Planning Sector at DoH. The MoU aims to unify the efforts in health data exchange and integrate statistical work and national disease registries within the country. The ceremony saw the presence of senior officials from both health authorities. The MoU establishes a structured framework for the exchange, issuance, and dissemination of health data, adhering to international standards and best practices. It seeks to optimize the use of health records and databases to improve system performance through detailed studies and reports. Additional ly, it focuses on empowering the health workforce with the necessary skills for data management, including collection, documentation, auditing, sharing, and dissemination. Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of MoHAP, highlighted the importance of the MoU in strengthening strategic partnerships and fostering integration across the UAE's health systems. "This agreement is pivotal in enabling informed decision-making based on accurate and comprehensive data, ensuring that health services are proactive, interconnected, and innovatively driven by digital insights," Al Olama stated. He emphasized that the secure and effective exchange of health information is crucial for developing a healthcare system that is smart, sustainable, competitive, and aligned with national priorities. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Under-Secretary of DoH, also expressed her views on the importance of the collaboration. "In Abu Dhabi, we aim to develop the world's smartest health system, recognizing the crucial role of data in ac hieving this goal. Our ongoing efforts to harness health data have significantly enhanced our health infrastructure, allowing us to shift from a reactive to a proactive healthcare approach that focuses on prevention and provides a personalized, high-quality experience for our community," said Al Ghaithi. The MoU not only facilitates the sharing of valuable health data but also sets the stage for both entities to address future health challenges and societal needs collaboratively.