ABU DHABI, UAE – Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC) has signed an agreement with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to advance research and knowledge exchange and facilitate collaboration across key public health areas.
The agreement was signed by Director-General of the ADPHC Matar Saeed Al Nuaimi and Acting Director, Africa CDC Dr. Ahmed Ogwell.
Also present were Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Health Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Director of the African Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Maryam Al Mazrouei and Deputy Director of the Department of International Law, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ahmed Al-Marrashida.
The partnership aims to bolster collaboration and information exchange between the two parties to facilitate effective response mechanisms to public health challenges by creating an open corridor that fosters a synergistic partnership in skill-building initiatives.
The partnership’s priorities include promoting disease information and surveillance, effectively responding to epidemics and strengthening prevention tactics.
Both parties will collaborate in public health research, monitoring waterborne diseases and antimicrobial resistance, increasing preventive checks and promoting early detection of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and newborn illnesses.
This will be advanced through enhancing surveillance networks and laboratories, training and capacity building and exchanging knowledge in chronic diseases, nutrition, child and maternal health and mental healthcare.
Abdulla Al Hamed said, “Facing infectious diseases requires enhanced collaboration and communication between health authorities around the globe. The COVID-19 pandemic has proven that health challenges are directly and collectively affecting all communities worldwide, without exception.”
He said, “This emphasizes the need for joint action between states. Abu Dhabi has delivered a distinguished model in response to the pandemic that we are keen to showcase to our partners.”
He added, “To deal with epidemics and support our efforts to maintain the health and safety of communities in Abu Dhabi and around the world, and founding Abu Dhabi as a leading destination for healthcare globally.”
Matar Al Nuaimi said, “Abu Dhabi Public Health Center plays a crucial role in supporting initiatives aimed toward a healthy and safe society. Collaboration with public health authorities such as the African Union is essential to establish mutual cooperation in healthcare.”
He said, “They support the UAE’s efforts to further develop this vital sector and achieve the goals of sustainable growth. Our cooperation today with the Africa CDC strengthens early warning capacities and shares experiences and knowledge on infectious disease response processes.”
Dr. Ahmed Ogwell said, “Exchanging disease-related data is critical to the work of public health professionals. This partnership promotes bilateral collaboration, cooperation, communication, and coordination to strengthen our capacities as public health institutions to identify, prevent and respond to disease epidemics.”
Africa CDC is a specialized technical institution of the African Union that was established to support public health initiatives of member states and strengthen the capacity of their public health institutions to detect, prevent, control and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats.