Latest news with #Sahatna
Al Etihad
10-07-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
UAE ranks high for inclusive, people-centred health system in new index
11 July 2025 00:53 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)The UAE has ranked among the top countries for inclusive health systems, according to a new of the 40 nations assessed in the Health Inclusivity Index, the UAE secured the eighth spot for its health system, one of the three domains of the study. The country scored 77.8 in this area, reflecting the strength and scope of its healthcare system. The index by Economist Impact, supported by consumer health company Haleon, is based on insights from a survey of 42,000 people across 40 countries. It was launched on Thursday in partnership with the UAE-UK Business Council, during an event that saw industry leaders discuss how improving health literacy can foster community-centred care.'The UAE is not just preparing for the future — it is actively changing,' said Arda Arat, General Manager of Haleon Gulf and Near East. Arat described the UAE's healthcare strategy as 'future-looking'. '[The country is] generally in the first 10 among 40 countries — very high on wellbeing, person-centred care, and inclusive systems,' he said. 'Inclusive health systems' is one of the index's three primary domains. The other two are 'health in society' and 'people and community empowerment', emphasising the importance of literacy and public awareness in building healthier Omniyat Al Hajeri, Executive Director of the Community Health Sector at the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), recognised the importance of translating data and strategy into real changes in the community and within households. 'Our main target is to have a health-literate, empowered community ... making the right lifestyle choices from childhood,' Dr. Al Hajeri told Aletihad on the sidelines of the index's launch. Healthcare, she emphasised, goes beyond curing disease: 'The real target is having people reach their maximum health potential.''Care does not start at the hospital; it starts in our homes and communities,' Dr. Al Hajeri said. She also stressed that an appropriate shift in wellbeing mindset and priorities could build not only a healthy community but a happy family life. In Abu Dhabi, the vision is to build a system where 'everyone receives the care they deserve — curative and preventative —regardless of who they are or where they live', she said. Pointing to initiatives like Sahatna and Malaffi, Dr. Al Hajeri reaffirmed: 'We have built a whole institution to make inclusivity real — measurable, actionable, and lasting.' From Awareness to ActionBradley Jones, Executive Director of the UAE–UK Business Council, affirmed that health literacy is not only about keeping the public informed — 'it is about empowerment'. Jones called the Health Inclusivity Index 'a very important and impactful report'. 'This is just the beginning. Let's move from awareness to action and build a healthier, more inclusive future,' he said. Arat said the index's launch could mark the start of a shift 'from awareness to action' on health literacy and inclusivity. 'The index is just a number. It is about what you do with that… If you take it from people up, starting with their understanding and empowering them to act, it will have a change,' he said.
Filipino Times
21-06-2025
- Health
- Filipino Times
Abu Dhabi launches personalized weight loss programme; first in the Middle East
Abu Dhabi has launched the region's first Personalised Weight Management Programme to help residents manage their weight and prevent serious health problems. The program aims to lower the risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart problems, and some cancers, improving the quality of life and helping people live longer, Abu Dhabi Media Office reported. An initiative of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), this is the first program of its kind in the Middle East that combines online health tracking, insurance support, and medical care tailored to each person. 'Our focus is on health – not just weight. This programme supports our vision for an active, health-conscious community, empowering individuals through personalised and science-driven solutions,' Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, said. Those eligible include Thiqa insurance members aged 18 and above who are medically classified as overweight or obese. The plan includes early health checks, one-on-one coaching, diet and exercise guidance, and check-ups using the Sahatna health app.
Al Etihad
20-06-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre launch Personalised Weight Management Programme, first of its kind in Middle East
20 June 2025 11:29 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) have launched a new Personalised Weight Management Programme, integrating digital monitoring, a unique reimbursement model, and tailored clinical programme, which is the first-of-its-kind in the Middle East, promotes sustainable weight management and active living to significantly reduce the risks of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, ultimately enhancing overall quality of life and health to eligible Thiqa members aged 18 and above who are clinically identified as overweight or obese, the programme features an innovative reimbursement model designed to encourage sustained engagement, accountability, and continuous active Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: 'Our focus is on health – not just weight. This programme supports our vision for an active, health-conscious community, empowering individuals through personalised and science-driven solutions. Weight management requires tailored solutions, not a one-size-fits-all approach, and this programme ensures each participant receives precisely what they need to succeed.'The programme provides eligible individuals with a comprehensive, personalised 360-degree health plan that includes early screening, behavioural health support, clinical interventions if medically indicated, and ongoing long-term support to ensure sustainable plans could include early screening with initial health assessments, including BMI checks and metabolic evaluations, to proactively identify risks. The programme begins with personalised behavioural and lifestyle support, featuring an initial 16-week plan, extendable beyond a year, to offer tailored behavioural, lifestyle, and medical support based on each participant's includes individual coaching, nutritional and physical activity guidance, and regular follow-ups, with progress tracked via the Sahatna digital health app, clinical interventions (if medically indicated) with access to medications, under medical supervision ensuring safe and effective care and long-term support with structured follow-up plans with ongoing nutritional guidance, regular monitoring of health indicators and activity, and clear, medically supervised strategies for safely transitioning individuals off clinical treatments to maintain sustainable Dhabi's Sahatna app serves as the dedicated digital health platform, empowering participants, in collaboration with healthcare professionals, to track comprehensive health indicators beyond weight, including physical activity, heart health, sleep, and stress levels, to foster lasting positive Rashid Obaid Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADPHC, said: 'We know that even moderate weight loss and modest increases in physical activity significantly lower chronic disease risk. Traditionally, healthcare systems have lacked clear pathways for doctors to support patients in becoming physically active or to effectively link them with supportive services. Our programme directly addresses this gap by providing structured guidance, personalised activity plans, and continuous monitoring support through digital tools and clinical oversight - empowering our community to proactively manage their health and enhance their quality of life.'Eligible Thiqa members can begin their journey by booking an initial consultation at their local primary care centre, where a dedicated healthcare provider will guide them through every step of their personalised health plan. All participants, irrespective of past experiences or challenges, are encouraged to take this important first step toward improved weight management and long-term health. This initiative underscores Abu Dhabi's ongoing commitment to personalised, preventive health solutions that improve individual wellbeing and community health.
Al Etihad
19-06-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
DoH, ADPHC launch Personalised Weight Management Programme, first of its kind in Middle East
19 June 2025 21:08 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) have launched a new Personalised Weight Management Programme, integrating digital monitoring, a unique reimbursement model, and tailored clinical programme, which is the first-of-its-kind in the Middle East, promotes sustainable weight management and active living to significantly reduce the risks of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, ultimately enhancing overall quality of life and health to eligible Thiqa members aged 18 and above who are clinically identified as overweight or obese, the programme features an innovative reimbursement model designed to encourage sustained engagement, accountability, and continuous active Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: 'Our focus is on health – not just weight. This programme supports our vision for an active, health-conscious community, empowering individuals through personalised and science-driven solutions. Weight management requires tailored solutions, not a one-size-fits-all approach, and this programme ensures each participant receives precisely what they need to succeed.'The programme provides eligible individuals with a comprehensive, personalised 360-degree health plan that includes early screening, behavioural health support, clinical interventions if medically indicated, and ongoing long-term support to ensure sustainable plans could include early screening with initial health assessments, including BMI checks and metabolic evaluations, to proactively identify risks. The programme begins with personalised behavioural and lifestyle support, featuring an initial 16-week plan, extendable beyond a year, to offer tailored behavioural, lifestyle, and medical support based on each participant's includes individual coaching, nutritional and physical activity guidance, and regular follow-ups, with progress tracked via the Sahatna digital health app, clinical interventions (if medically indicated) with access to medications, under medical supervision ensuring safe and effective care and long-term support with structured follow-up plans with ongoing nutritional guidance, regular monitoring of health indicators and activity, and clear, medically supervised strategies for safely transitioning individuals off clinical treatments to maintain sustainable Dhabi's Sahatna app serves as the dedicated digital health platform, empowering participants, in collaboration with healthcare professionals, to track comprehensive health indicators beyond weight, including physical activity, heart health, sleep, and stress levels, to foster lasting positive Rashid Obaid Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADPHC, said: 'We know that even moderate weight loss and modest increases in physical activity significantly lower chronic disease risk. Traditionally, healthcare systems have lacked clear pathways for doctors to support patients in becoming physically active or to effectively link them with supportive services. Our programme directly addresses this gap by providing structured guidance, personalised activity plans, and continuous monitoring support through digital tools and clinical oversight - empowering our community to proactively manage their health and enhance their quality of life.'Eligible Thiqa members can begin their journey by booking an initial consultation at their local primary care centre, where a dedicated healthcare provider will guide them through every step of their personalised health plan. All participants, irrespective of past experiences or challenges, are encouraged to take this important first step toward improved weight management and long-term health. This initiative underscores Abu Dhabi's ongoing commitment to personalised, preventive health solutions that improve individual well-being and community health. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
The National
24-04-2025
- Health
- The National
Digital health and AI empower patients and physicians toward longevity
Artificial intelligence and digital health are playing transformative roles in the way health care is delivered in Abu Dhabi while improving patient care. And as the UAE capital puts itself front and centre of this digital age revolution, Abu Dhabi Global Health Week has again placed that progress in the spotlight. On the sidelines of the second health week, Ibrahim Al Jallaf, executive director of digital health at the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, revealed how Abu Dhabi's embracing of and taking forward the potential impact of AI and digital health was already bringing results. He defined digital health as the application of digital analytics and AI into the healthcare space and said it should complement and build 'on top of the existing system'. While AI is potentially impacting almost every aspect of human life, Mr Al Jallaf said that within the healthcare segment is where the effects could perhaps be felt most potently. 'AI has been there for quite a few years. However, more recently it's spiked in terms of prevalence and use, and that's the real game changer,' he told The National. 'The question that we're being asked quite a bit is how can AI positively impact healthcare. And the biggest benefit we're seeing is on enabling the shift from healthcare to health; how do we improve the healthy average life expectancy of the population?' 'Now, with artificial intelligence, we're starting to see a lot of solutions drive towards that, which is very impactful.' Mr Al Jallaf explained that everything done in digital health anchors on pillars such as whether it will drive a healthy population and improve healthy average life expectancy, improve accessibility or quality of care, and drive a resilient, innovative healthcare system that can handle future shocks, such as Covid, alongside long-term healthcare system sustainability. 'We look globally for advancements, and over the past few years, AI has become a lot more relevant,' he said. 'So where we find success cases and potential for innovation, we bring them to the UAE, and we grow some of them out of the UAE to then drive a healthier population.' Some innovations are experienced daily, while the impact of medical advances may be seen in the long term with better life quality and expectancy. 'The advantage of digital products and artificial intelligence, typically, is in scaling,' Mr Al Jallaf said. 'The opportunity to scale to millions, population-wide, and have scaled impact is where digital products and AI really kicks into gear and becomes extremely powerful. Our priority is the population, and the way to benefit the entire population is through these channels.' He gives the Sahatna app - 'our gateway to health' - as an example, as every Abu Dhabi individual has access. During Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, the DoH revealed Sahatna AI. 'It's a large language model with medical guardrails, fine-tuned for medical responses. It's all in-country, dealt with at the highest levels of patient privacy…connected to Malaffi, your health information exchange, and you can ask anything.' A user can, for example, check what medication they have been prescribed and why, simplifying the process of understanding. 'One of the things in Sahatna we're very passionate about is building out a significant wellness module, with the objective of improving the healthy average life expectancy,' Mr Al Jallaf continued. 'The focus is on the next best action for you as an individual to extend your lifespan. This really becomes your tailored health guide. And we don't just leave it at the patient level. We want to complement the ecosystem.' 'It's brilliant that the population is able to see this - giving a bit more control and oversight over their health care is important.' He explained that Malaffi is connected to all hospitals and clinics, so they all have 360-degree patient health records. 'They can ensure that they take the best care of you…that's incredible impact in action. Now, your physician and you both have the same 360-degree record, giving the patient more control, but also empowering the physician. This connected ecosystem has enabled us to do so much more.' This also better optimises the use of time and resources and can give a patient answers about a health issue without necessarily leaving home for a clinic waiting room, thereby improving care accessibility. 'How do you optimise population and patient experience? This is what we're seeing. And the benefits only increase from here,' said Mr Al Jallaf, expanding on how AI and digital fit in. 'It's a lot of AI-assisted care. We've rolled out numerous AI use cases and digital products to physicians. ' 'We have the patient risk profile, over 14 AI risk models. Each covers the probability of an individual getting a condition, such as diabetes or breast cancer, all based on their entire medical health record. 'In the AI models, there is explainability; if the physician clicks on it, they can see the different visits and lab test results this patient went through and they can then incorporate that into their care plans. 'This is live across 100 per cent of hospitals and clinics in Abu Dhabi, with over 70 per cent of physicians as active users. This is impact…and we're seeing a lot of success cases.' Some of the consequences of earlier work in the digital space are also being felt. Mr Al Jallaf said it will become more 'exponentially evident' but that health officials were already seeing positive changes in population health metrics and quality of care. 'Now the question is, how much further? The Department of Health will always strive to push the bar; the reality is, this is people's health care…the bar is always higher. There is no 'good enough' healthy average life expectancy, no 'good enough' quality of care, so we consistently strive to push the bar.' 'The obsession we have is, how do you drive the right impact? This is where we search the world for impact cases, because we're obsessed with success. 'We want to make sure all the initiatives and projects we do drive an increase in healthy average life expectancy, an increase in best class care, so we have conversations based on what's been successful and what we could do successfully. Which set of projects can we do to drive the highest impact?' Hosting an event such as Abu Dhabi Global Health Week enables collaboration and information sharing to take the broader health agenda forward, said Mr Al Jallaf. 'We consider ourselves one of the globally leading governments in health tech. There are other global health leaders that inspire us, and we leverage opportunities such as Abu Dhabi Global Health Week to spark these conversations. 'The fact that we have some great examples of impact puts us on the table to spark even greater conversations, because they see inspirational stories come out of us, and they bring their own inspirational stories. 'So we're now having conversations that are incredibly impactful because some other global leaders are excited to have a conversation with us, which only sparks further innovation. 'We're constantly looking for the next best innovation to move the needle on.' Mr Al Jallaf said that Abu Dhabi Global Health Week also gave exposure to new apps, AI use cases, and concepts that can be related to the UAE. 'The global perspective from leading AI experts is that healthcare is one of the fundamental sectors that will experience a significant amount of benefit from AI,' he added. 'The level of conversation and the excitement I hear from different leaders in healthcare is very strong. When you tell a leading health expert that they can improve the lives of a million people, the inspiration and the excitement are unlimited.' This page was produced by The National in partnership with Abu Dhabi Global Health Week.
