UAE Physicians Launch National Initiative to Boost Cardiovascular Health

The UAE has launched a major national heart health initiative called "Don't Miss the Beat" to tackle cardiovascular disease, which causes 22% of deaths in the country. The program brings together government agencies, private healthcare providers, and medical organizations to train 30,000 healthcare workers and raise public awareness about heart disease prevention and emergency response.

The UAE Doctors Initiative unveiled the program during the National Cardiac Resuscitation Conference in Abu Dhabi, timed with World Heart Day on September 29. The initiative involves multiple partners including the UAE Medical Readiness and Response Program "Jaheziya," the UAE Cardiac Resuscitation Council, and the Emirates Heart Foundation.

Dr. Adel Al-Shamari Al-Ajmi, an Emirati heart surgeon and executive chairman of the Zayed Giving Initiative, explained the urgency behind the program. Cardiovascular diseases kill over 17 million people worldwide each year. In the UAE specifically, heart disease accounts for more than one in five deaths, making it a critical public health priority.

The initiative operates on two main tracks. The community focus aims to educate people about heart disease prevention and treatment options. The professional track trains frontline medical staff - doctors, nurses, and paramedics - using standards approved by local and international resuscitation councils.

Here's what the program includes: a National Academy for Cardiac Resuscitation, specialized training programs, mobile clinics, a field heart hospital, the UAE Heart Award and Medal, and the UAE Heart Ambassadors program. These components work together to create a comprehensive response system for cardiac emergencies.

The pilot phase of the "Jaheziya" program has already trained thousands of medical personnel. Now the initiative plans to scale up significantly, working with prestigious international medical institutions and universities to reach its 30,000 healthcare worker target.

Dr. Ahmed Samir from the UAE Resuscitation Council said the program will standardize medical practices across the country through continuing education and community activities like health screenings and awareness workshops.

Dr. Said Al-Hindi, medical director of "Jaheziya," confirmed the first phase will run for one year to create measurable health, social, and economic impact. He emphasized that heart disease is largely preventable through comprehensive training and awareness programs that align with sustainable development goals.

Professor Olivier Jacquedin, director of the Global Council of Interventional Cardiac Surgeons, highlighted high blood pressure as the leading cause of heart disease. The problem is that it often goes undetected and untreated. Mobile clinics will play a key role in early detection and providing treatment access.

The organizing committee will provide technical support and internationally certified training to expand preventive and therapeutic interventions. This approach aims to boost the capacity of both healthcare workers and communities to reduce heart attacks and strokes - the world's leading cause of death.