United Arab Emirates: a primary health care case study in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
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World Health Organization
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vi, 17 p.
This case study examines the primary health care (PHC) system in the United Arab Emirates during the COVID-19 pandemic between January 2020 and August 2022. Drawing on a review of government documents, published literature and stakeholder consultations, the study analyses the national response through the three PHC components of the Astana Declaration: primary care, multisectoral collaboration and community engagement. It describes how PHC contributed to surveillance, screening, contact tracing, management of community and isolation cases, continuity of essential health services and implementation of the national vaccination programme. The report highlights the role of centralized governance, strong political commitment and coordinated action through the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Authority and the COVID-19 Command and Control Center. It outlines measures adopted to sustain essential services, including telemedicine, drive-through testing and vaccination, home delivery of medicines and designated “clean” clinics for maternal and child health services. The study also emphasizes the importance of public–private partnerships, transparent communication and community engagement in supporting an effective response. Lessons learned point to the value of integrated PHC systems, task shifting, multisectoral coordination and the development of a comprehensive national PHC strategy to strengthen preparedness for future health emergencies.
This case study examines the primary health care (PHC) system in the United Arab Emirates during the COVID-19 pandemic between January 2020 and August 2022. Drawing on a review of government documents, published literature and stakeholder consultations, the study analyses the national response through the three PHC components of the Astana Declaration: primary care, multisectoral collaboration and community engagement. It describes how PHC contributed to surveillance, screening, contact tracing, management of community and isolation cases, continuity of essential health services and implementation of the national vaccination programme. The report highlights the role of centralized governance, strong political commitment and coordinated action through the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Authority and the COVID-19 Command and Control Center. It outlines measures adopted to sustain essential services, including telemedicine, drive-through testing and vaccination, home delivery of medicines and designated “clean” clinics for maternal and child health services. The study also emphasizes the importance of public–private partnerships, transparent communication and community engagement in supporting an effective response. Lessons learned point to the value of integrated PHC systems, task shifting, multisectoral coordination and the development of a comprehensive national PHC strategy to strengthen preparedness for future health emergencies.