Day: March 8, 2024

ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crises and Disaster Management Team has held a coordination meeting at its premises in Abu Dhabi.

The meeting was chaired by Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Authority, to discuss preparations and proactive measures to enhance readiness to respond to the atmospheric depression and its expected impact across the emirate.

The team also discussed plans to enhance Abu Dhabi’s response teams’ readiness to respond to any emergency as well as mechanisms to enhance the joint efforts of relevant entities in the emirate to ensure a rapid response by coordinating the roles of response teams, standardising measures to respond to the atmospheric depression and its impacts, in order to more effectively respond to emergencies, crises and disasters across the emirate.

The team reviewed the roles and responsibilities of relevant teams in accordance with their
specialities. Plans to ensure business continuity of key entities across the emirate were also reviewed as well as mechanisms to activate Abu Dhabi Police’s early warning ecosystem by sending proactive alerts to Abu Dhabi residents on safety measures to be taken and followed to ensure public safety, and to protect individuals and property during adverse weather conditions.

Major General Al Mazrouei praised the wise leadership’s directives and continuous support to enhance the capabilities of response teams and enhance their leading role in protecting lives and property. He assured the team’s readiness to achieve anticipated objectives and aspirations thanks to the comprehensive plans in place, and the cooperation with relative local and federal entities.

The emergency readiness coordination meeting was attended by representatives from Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, The Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi, Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Department of
Energy, Abu Dhabi Media Office, Emirates Red Crescent, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Tadweer Group, the National Centre for Metrology, and ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defence, and the Department of Government Enablement.

Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crises and Disaster Management Team is working to develop an ecosystem to manage emergencies and crises through coordination with various entities to enhance competency, ensure capacity building and utilise the latest technologies to enhance Abu Dhabi’s as a leading centre of responding to emergencies and crises.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: – The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has set the dates for remote visitations to inmates of Correction and Rehabilitation Centres across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi via the “Nafidhaty” (My Window) visitation app from Monday to Friday during Ramadan for both men and women.

The ADJD indicated that applications to visit inmates can be registered electronically through the Abu Dhabi Government Services website (TAMM), via https://www.tamm.abudhabi/ar-ae, or www.adpolice.gov.ae.

The approval will be sent through an SMS message setting the date and the police station to conduct the visit remotely using the application.

The Judicial Department also explained that following the applicable regulations, visitations by families and relatives for male and female inmates are scheduled from the first day of Ramadan from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Thursday will be dedicated to visiting female inmates at Al Ain Correction and Rehabilitation Centres from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm.

Embassies and lawyers can conduc
t visitations on Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 am.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi is participating in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Traffic Week 2024, which is being held from 3rd to 9th March 2024 under the theme of “Driving Without a Phone.”

The ITC’s participation in the GCC Traffic Week reflects its commitment to raising awareness, promoting traffic culture among community members, and enhancing the safety and security of road users.

The ITC’s participation falls within the jurisdiction of the Joint Committee for Traffic Safety, which is chaired by the Department of Municipalities and Transport and includes the Integrated Transport Centre, Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, and the Abu Dhabi Health Department as its members.

The ITC participated in several events and activities, including setting up an interactive platform at the Arrivals Hall at Zayed International Airport to familiarise the arriving passengers with the GCC Traffic Week.

The intera
ctive platform explains traffic laws, emphasises the importance of adhering to road safety standards, and incorporates interactive surveys, videos, and awareness messages that reinforce the concept of safe driving. It also features a virtual driving experience aimed at consolidating the message of GCC Traffic Week, which advocates against using phones while driving and adhering to road safety standards.

The slogan of GCC Traffic Week was also displayed on “Darb” tariff boards at the entrances of Abu Dhabi and on digital signs throughout the road network. Furthermore, messages to raise awareness and caution drivers against using their phones or any other distractions were also displayed.

As part of the GCC Traffic Week activities, the Technical Committee for Traffic Safety held a workshop to examine the causes of accidents resulting from distractions on the road, primarily using phones.

Abdulla Al Marzouqi, Director-General of the ITC, emphasised the importance of the GCC Traffic Week in highlighting
adverse driving habits, particularly the use of phones and its negative impact on the driver’s concentration, which could potentially lead to serious traffic accidents.

The GCC Traffic Week 2024 is sponsored by the Federal Traffic Council under the theme of “Driving Without a Phone”. These initiatives and activities enhance traffic safety, realising Abu Dhabi’s vision to adopt a safe transport system, and decreasing traffic accidents and injuries by improving driving practices and reducing human errors.

Source: Emirates News Agency

MRAJEEB AL FHOOD: The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) continued its humanitarian programmes with the distribution of Ramadan Mir to Syrian refugees in the Emirati-Jordanian refugee camp in Mrajeeb Al Fhood, as well as to several underprivileged families in tents near the camp.

Hassan Salem Al-Qaidi, Head of the Emirati Relief Team in Jordan, supervised the distribution process, ensuring that 1,226 families within the camp, as well as 60 families in temporary tents outside the camp, received essential provisions ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan. The food parcels included rice, sugar, flour, and other basic necessities.

Furthermore, the medical team of the UAE Relief Team conducted a complimentary medical campaign, offering medical examinations and distributing medicines to the families in need.

The ERC’s annual Ramadan project encompasses various initiatives, including the distribution of Ramadan Mir, organising a Ramadan sports tournament, and providing Eid clothing to refugees within the camp.

Sou
rce: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI: The Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG), in partnership with the Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue (GCHRAGD), hosted an interactive panel discussion to examine the most effective and practical global government practices that can enhance healthcare access as a key element in peace-building processes.

The panel discussion is part of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the parties to encourage educational and research initiatives in the fields of human rights and governance, leveraging the expertise and international networks of both organisations.

Under the theme “Right to Health and Peacebuilding Amidst Geopolitcal Tensions”, the session focused on integrating healthcare into peace processes and conflict resolution. It emphasized the pivotal role of health and medical sector professionals in these efforts and highlighted the crucial role of women in health services for successful peace processes.

The panel featured multidisciplina
ry experts from the International Humanitarian City (IHC) in Dubai, Mr. Giuseppe Saba, CEO, Dr. Umesh Palwankar, Executive Director, Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue, Geneva, Switzerland, Dr. Khulood Alsayegh, Head of Health Policies and Regulation, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE and Ms. Clare Dalton, Head of Delegation, International Committee of the Red Cross, Dubai UAE, moderated by Professor Immanuel Azaad Moonesar, Professor of Health Policy and Systems Research of MBRSG. Esteemed panelists discussed the role of healthcare policymakers in operationalizing health as a bridge to peace through conflict analysis, advocacy, and enhancing capacity building of the health workforce for peace skills and partnerships.

Professor Immanuel Azaad Moonesar, Professor of Health Policy and Systems Research of MBRSG, emphasized that the policy council workshop underscored MBRSG’s commitment to fostering global dialogue. The discussion offered vital insights for governments, societal gro
ups, private entities, international allies, and individuals on promoting health rights as a pathway to peace.

Dr. Umesh Palwankar, the Executive Director of GCHRAGD, underscored the critical role of humanitarian law in safeguarding non-combatants in armed conflicts in his remarks. He stressed the importance of upholding the right to health and physical and moral integrity, ensuring the safety of the wounded, sick, and medical personnel, and protecting medical facilities and transports. Highlighting the severe humanitarian crises, including starvation, disease, and health threats resulting from violations of these principles in conflicts like the Middle East war.

Dr. Palwankar reinforced the Geneva Centre’s commitment to research, advocacy, and capacity building in human rights. He noted the Centre’s focus on equality, justice, and environmental sustainability and the significant role of its collaboration with MBRSG, which began even before the formalization of their MoU, in facilitating global dialogues
and collaborations through various events and publications.

The panel session identified three potential intervention avenues for health as a bridge for peace programs – delivering health services in conflict zones, providing a neutral platform to collaborate on health issues, and offering mental health and rehabilitation services to aid reconciliation in conflict-affected communities.

A comprehensive report, including panel proceedings, a Q and A session, analytical insights, and the full statements of the panelists, is to be published and distributed, contributing further to the discourse on healthcare’s role in peacebuilding.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: Operation Smile UAE recently completed its 14th surgical programme in the UAE at Healthpoint, an M42 company, in Abu Dhabi, where 19 children of different nationalities received free and safe surgery for their cleft lip or cleft palate, marking a major milestone in their lives and giving them a new smile.

Healthpoint has been a partner with Operation Smile since 2020 and this is the sixth mission performed at its facilities, which has seen the transformation of more than 73 patients of different age groups.

The two-day surgical event saw the collaboration of over 45 medical professionals, including nurses, pediatricians, surgeons, and anesthetists, come to the multi-specialty hospital and volunteer their expertise. Their commitment was complemented by the invaluable support from volunteers at Healthpoint, ensuring a well-rounded and effective medical team.

Omar Al Naqbi, Chief Executive Officer of Healthpoint, said, ‘Working alongside Operation Smile UAE has been a privilege and we take gr
eat pride in contributing to our communities and offering these simple but life-altering surgeries.

These procedures enable patients to lead healthier, happier lives. Our volunteers are dedicated to providing exceptional care, reflective of our commitment to world-class medical care.’

Morag Cromey-Hawke, Executive Director, Operation Smile UAE, commented, ‘Thanks to Operation Smile medical volunteers, Healthpoint volunteers, staff and management as well as the enormous support of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Operation Smile UAE were able to continue their work at the weekend to treat young patients who would otherwise not have access to safe surgery.

These surgeries allow the patients to eat, drink, speak and socialise and to lead healthier, happier lives. We are honoured to have access to the excellent facilities at Healthpoint for our patients and to the generosity and care extended to them.’

The Operation Smile UAE was founded in 2011 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Alyazia bint Sa
if bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, wife of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the charity has assisted and screened over 300 patients with cleft conditions here in the UAE.

Thanks to the Foundation’s support,167 of these patients have received surgery followed by comprehensive care including dental, nutrition, oral health and speech therapy.

Source: Emirates News Agency