UAE MoHAP launches updated national TB control guidelines 2025, targets elimination by 2030

UAE—The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) in the UAE has introduced the updated scientific guidelines for the National Tuberculosis Control Programme 2025, in cooperation with key health sector partners.

This initiative aims to enhance the national health system’s preparedness to face future challenges using a proactive, integrated strategy aligned with global best practices in disease prevention.

The guidelines were unveiled at a workshop held in Dubai, attended by several key figures, including Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Public Health Sector, and Dr. Nada Al Marzouqi, Director of Public Health and Prevention.

Other participants included representatives from the Department of Health-Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, Dubai Health Authority, Emirates Health Services, Dubai Health, along with public health and infectious disease experts from both governmental and private sectors.

These updated guidelines set out to standardize national policies and protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis.

They also focus on strengthening follow-up and surveillance systems to align with the most recent international standards.

The aim is to improve healthcare quality, promote universal access, and reduce TB incidence and relapse rates, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the World Health Organisation’s End TB Strategy 2030.

Key features of the new guidelines include the adoption of six-month oral treatment regimens for drug-resistant TB, updating protocols for patient follow-up, and expanding preventive treatment for latent tuberculosis.

The guidelines emphasize the importance of screening contacts and high-risk groups to support early detection.

Advanced diagnostic methods like molecular testing are highlighted as essential tools.

Furthermore, the guidelines call for the development of improved data registration and reporting models, consistent with international benchmarks.

Infection control and isolation protocols have been updated to enhance safety measures across healthcare facilities.

These efforts support the alignment of the national tuberculosis programme with global goals and reinforce equitable access to care.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Hussain Al Rand highlighted that the release of the updated scientific guide reflects ongoing national efforts to eliminate tuberculosis by 2030.

He described the guide as a unified national resource for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring TB cases, stressing the UAE’s commitment to evidence-based practices and consistent standards across healthcare providers.

Dr. Nada Al Marzouqi described the updated guide as a major step forward for infectious disease prevention in the country.

She emphasized that the new protocols introduce the latest medical evidence and technology to improve healthcare professionals’ capabilities and overall patient care quality.

“We are dedicated to sustainable, preventive treatment approaches that anticipate future health challenges and foster collaboration between health organizations,” she added.

The workshop also featured detailed presentations on national TB policies, paediatric tuberculosis, and treatment options for both active and latent tuberculosis cases.

The event provided a platform for experts to discuss enhancing disease surveillance, improving treatment effectiveness, and sharing best practices for the updated guidelines.

 These discussions contribute directly to the country’s efforts to strengthen tuberculosis control and advance healthcare quality.

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