MoHAP, Sanofi sign MoU to help prevent Chronic Respiratory Diseases and combat tobacco use

The UAE is doubling down on its mission to breathe easier, with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) inking a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global healthcare giant Sanofi to tackle chronic respiratory diseases head-on and stamp out tobacco use — the biggest culprit behind them. This isn't just a handshake deal; it's a roadmap for healthier lifestyles, sharper early detection, and smarter prevention programs.

As H.E. Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand put it, this partnership is about "forging high-impact strategic partnerships" that push the UAE closer to having one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world.

How will it work?

At its core, the MoU sets up a wide-ranging collaboration that touches science, awareness, and technology.

• Disease prevention: Joint programs to cut rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, with a sharp focus on tobacco control.
• Early detection: Using AI tools to identify people at high risk before symptoms escalate.
• Training: WHO-approved programs to boost health professionals' skills in behavioural therapy for smoking cessation.
• Research: Studies, clinical trials, and peer-reviewed publications on respiratory diseases in collaboration with national institutions.
• Community outreach: School programs, sporting events, and anti-tobacco campaigns designed to resonate — especially with younger audiences.

Why does it matter?

This is more than a public health campaign — it's a move to future-proof the nation's wellbeing. Tobacco-related illnesses are a slow-moving crisis, and in the UAE, where e-cigarette use among youth is climbing, the stakes are high. By blending AI-driven health screening, accredited medical training, and tech-powered public awareness, the MoU is betting on prevention over treatment.

"We will spare no effort," Dr. Al Rand said, "to consolidate the UAE's position as home to one of the most advanced healthcare systems globally."

It's also a win for Sanofi, which brings its global research muscle to a national cause with far-reaching impact.

The context

The deal plugs neatly into the UAE's broader health and wellbeing agenda — namely the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 and the UAE Centennial 2071 vision. Chronic diseases are a global health drain, but here, the government's approach is proactive: tighten tobacco control, elevate public awareness, empower healthcare workers, and keep prevention front and center. With MoHAP and Sanofi pulling in the same direction, the plan is to cut down disease rates, boost life expectancy, and give the UAE a competitive edge in global health rankings.

As Sanofi's Country Chair Preeti Futnani put it, the company is "honoured to partner with MoHAP" to roll out targeted awareness projects and integrated preventive programs that align perfectly with national health goals.