UAE confirms health system readiness for emerging risks

May 12, 2026 / 7:26 PM

Sharjah 24: The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) confirmed the readiness of the UAE’s national surveillance and response system to address any health developments or emerging situations, particularly those related to hantavirus, noting that the country’s approved preparedness and health monitoring measures are subject to regular evaluation and review in line with international best practices and approved standards.

National Team meeting reviews health developments and preparedness measures

This came during a meeting of the National Team for the Management of Emergencies, Crises, and Disasters Related to Human Epidemics, chaired by H.E. Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, under the supervision of NCEMA, and attended by team members representing relevant entities and strategic partners. The meeting reviewed the latest developments related to hantavirus, alongside an assessment of the UAE’s national health surveillance and response systems, precautionary measures, and coordination mechanisms at local, national, and international levels.

Continued implementation of precautionary monitoring measures

The team affirmed the continued implementation of precautionary monitoring measures as part of the UAE’s proactive approach to strengthening public health preparedness and communicable disease response systems, while ensuring the readiness of healthcare facilities and medical teams to respond efficiently and effectively to various health situations when required.

Emphasis on official information and public awareness

The team also stressed the importance of obtaining information from official sources and refraining from circulating or publishing inaccurate information, reaffirming the UAE’s longstanding commitment to protecting public health and strengthening community health awareness.

WHO assessment of hantavirus risk

The World Health Organization has classified hantavirus as a low-risk pathogen in terms of global epidemic spread, citing the limited potential for human-to-human transmission and noting that most infections are linked to direct contact with rodents or contaminated environments. The WHO further stated that the current situation does not indicate a level of risk that would suggest a potential pandemic concern.