The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently hosted a three-day national workshop aimed at enhancing and coordinating early childhood development programs throughout the country.
In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and strategic partners, the workshop focused on developing the National Framework for Early Childhood Development and strengthening related initiatives within the UAE. The ultimate goal is to create a healthy, secure, and sustainable environment for children in the UAE through various national programs and initiatives.
The workshop brought together renowned experts, policymakers, specialized professionals, and multi-sector partners from the UAE, including health authorities, the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Community Development, Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (SCMC), Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC), Community Development Authority in Dubai, Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, Sharjah Educational Academy and Universities, WHO, and UNICEF.
The event served as a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and strategic discussions centered around early childhood development and its significant impact on overall health outcomes. The three-day workshop aimed to raise awareness about the crucial role early childhood development plays in lifelong well-being, disseminate the latest research findings and best practices, and promote effective interventions.
Moreover, the workshop sought to reinforce policy frameworks and strategies by integrating early childhood development into healthcare systems and public policies. Collaboration among experts was encouraged to enhance the quality of early childhood development services by identifying challenges and devising innovative solutions.
The workshop comprised panel discussions, interactive sessions, and sub-workshops covering a wide range of early childhood development themes. Participants had the opportunity to engage, learn from specialized studies and success stories, and effectively communicate with professionals who shared a common objective of improving child health outcomes.
MoHAP emphasized the fruitful collaboration among health authorities, stakeholders, WHO, and UNICEF in organizing the workshop, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to prioritizing the health and future of younger generations. The Ministry stated that the workshop is a significant step toward realizing the UAE’s vision of becoming a global leader in providing innovative health, education, and social solutions for early childhood.
The event marks a milestone in the UAE’s efforts to reform its healthcare sector and lay the groundwork for a prosperous future for the nation’s children. Key themes covered during the workshop included evidence-based discussions on the importance of investing in early childhood development, the development of a comprehensive care framework, awareness-building among partners, and the creation of a multi-sectoral roadmap for implementing an innovative care framework within the country. The roadmap includes the development of training programs to support caregivers and improve their mental health and social well-being.
