UAE’s MoHAP launches the region’s first health research platform at Arab Health 2024

The UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched an innovative health research platform, the first of its kind in the GCC and Arab countries — offering access to a wealth of data, including health research topics and fields, in an interactive, automated, and high-quality format, from reputable sources.

The platform aims to empower researchers, institutions, and decision-makers by providing them with the resources needed to develop studies and research plans.

Why does it matter?

Developed in collaboration with the international company "Elsevier," the health research platform delivers comprehensive insights into the health and medical research landscape in the country. It features research publications originating from academic institutions, healthcare establishments, and the private sector. Additionally, the platform includes information about researchers across various medical disciplines and basic sciences related to health, dating back to 2017.

MoHAP disclosed that the platform houses an impressive collection of 43,829 research papers, contributed by 4,079 researchers. Moreover, it integrates data on 42 relevant institutions, encompassing academic, healthcare, and private sectors.

This data is automatically updated, with the goal of empowering health authorities, academic institutions, and healthcare organizations to develop data-driven strategies and policies and foster collaborations, both domestically and internationally.

Unsurprisingly, the Health Research Platform is described as a "landmark initiative" that sets the Ministry of Health and Prevention apart from other ministries in Arab nations.

What's more, the Ministry will be further launching initiatives to strengthen knowledge, research, innovation, and excellence in line with international best practices. This is to bolster the UAE's competitive reputation as an active player in the global healthcare arena.

Also, initiatives like these pave the way for foreseeing the future to improve national innovation, research, and development, as well as quality of life indicators.

On the record

"This platform is a direct outcome of our health research strategy launched in 2021 to promote our national capabilities in health and medical research," said HE Dr. Mohamed Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry. "It comes as part of our broader initiatives to create an environment that stimulates scientific research, fostering skill and competency development.

The context

Earlier last August, the Ministry of Health and Prevention released a report on the state of health research in the country. The report revealed that health research in the UAE has grown at a rate exceeding three times the global average. Furthermore, research outputs increased by 25.2% between 2017 and 2022.

Notably, collaborative health research conducted by the UAE outperforms that of other GCC countries — with 80% of published health research being carried out in partnership with international specialized institutions.