The Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the regulatory body of the healthcare sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, announced today that the results of the Weqaya screening program will be distributed to families across the Emirate during June 2010. The Weqaya screening program will give Abu Dhabi Emirate’s population a critical analysis and insight into their personal health status, and aims to empower the community to take the necessary action to improve their health and wellbeing.
The Weqaya screening program, has screened approximately 96% of Emirati nationals (over 18 years), across Abu Dhabi. It measures individuals for their risk of suffering from diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, which are amongst the most common disorders to affect Abu Dhabi’s local population and for which the UAE overall has some of the highest rates in the world. Over two thirds of the Emirati population are, by international standards, abnormal weight and around 1 in 5 Emirati adults have diabetes, with a further 1 in 3 at high risk of developing diabetes over the next five years.
HAAD mentioned that, “the Weqaya screening program encourages Emiratis to take action for their future, to live healthier lives, enabling them to enjoy their families, children and grandchildren for years to come. HAAD encourages all Emiratis to make Weqaya a part of their everyday life, to empower them and the people around them to live healthier lives for generations to come.â€
Test results will report on blood sugar levels (an indication of risk of diabetes), cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index and smoking (all indications of risk of heart disease and stroke). A ‘traffic light indicator’ system will be used; green for normal, amber for moderate risk and red for high risk.
During the month of June, individual report cards will be delivered to families across the Emirate, containing the results of the Weqaya screening program. The report cards will contain advice on how people can improve their results for the future, through changes in lifestyle such as diet and exercise, and how they can seek further medical advice.
Recipients of the Weqaya report card can also call the dedicated Weqaya helpline on 800 61116 to set up an appointment with a doctor to discuss their results further. In addition an individual pin number will be provided for each individual so they can login to www.weqaya.ae and view their personalised results, information and advice on Weqaya’s dedicated website.
