The Ministry of Health and Prevention has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with Lundbeck, a global pharmaceutical company, to raise community awareness on mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease, among others.

Present during the signing ceremony were Dr. Mohamed Salim Al Olama, Under-Secretary of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dr. Hussein Abdel-Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary of the Ministry’s Health Centres and Clinics Sector, and, from Lundbeck, Emad Wajih, Regional Manager for the Gulf and the Near East along with Henrik Larsen, Managing Director of Lundbeck Middle East and North Africa.

Dr. Al Rand stressed that the MoU aims to implement stronger preventive measures and ensure early detection of mental disorders in alignment with the UAE’s national strategy preventing mental illnesses and providing rehabilitation of and support for mental patients. The national strategy also seeks to help patients integrate into society and build a high-quality life.

Dr. Youssif Al Serkal, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Prevention Hospitals Sector mentioned that the Council of Ministers’ move to adopt the National Policy for the Promotion of Mental Health took place during its previous session, with the aim of preparing a multi-sectoral framework and developing special services in partnership with concerned authorities. The adoption resulted in enhanced quality of services and lower treatment costs in accordance with national and international policies, legislations, programmes, and partnerships.

Henrik Larsen said, "We are pleased to sign the MoU with the Ministry of Health and Prevention. This is a show of our support to the government’s efforts to promote exchange of experiences, increase community awareness, educate healthcare practitioners, and empower patients through specialised programmes. Our partnership is part of our social responsibility to aid individuals suffering from mental disorders so that they can smoothly integrate into the community where they will be happier and productive members of our society."

Source: WAM