The UAEU joins the world in marking the World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, which falls on January 30th each year. The World NTD Day aims to motivate cooperation between communities and nations to eradicate diseases that cause thousands of preventable deaths and disabilities, and to help millions of children and adults live healthy, dignified lives.
Dr Fatima Ali Salem Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences said, ‘We are proud that the UAE led diplomatic efforts that contributed to the decision by the World Health Assembly to make January 30th the World NTD Day and thereby progress measures to combat diseases. The World NTD Day raises world attention, increases political and public motivation, and strengthens global efforts to end the suffering of millions of people around the world.
Dr Fatima explained that the UAE has contributed to efforts to eliminate neglected tropical diseases for more than 30 years, following the example set by our founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Sheikh Zayed donated $5.77 million in 1990 to the Carter Center’s campaign to eliminate the Guinea Worm. The UAE’s effects continue under HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces with a $10 million contribution towards efforts to address global health issues, in addition to continuing donations towards efforts to eradicate the Guinea Worm.
Fr Fatima said that the College of Medicine and Health Sciences was established in 1984, 8 years after the foundation of the UAEU, and through its scientific research and academic education has led efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases ever since. I myself am a graduate of the College and serve as a faculty member in the field of infectious diseases. Sheikh Zayed’s early support for the Carter Foundation and the educational and research efforts of the College inspired me to specialize in the field.
