Under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Chancellor Higher Colleges of Technology and Chairman of the UAE Genetic Diseases Association, the Folic Acid Awareness Campaign was held recently at Dubai Women’s College (DWC) in collaboration with the Dubai-based UAE Genetic Diseases Association.
The campaign, sponsored by the UAE Genetic Diseases Association in collaboration with Dubai Women’s College, aims at decreasing the risks of serious birth defects in unborn baby in the UAE, as well limiting the spread and effects of the genetic blood disorders dominating the country, through the organisation of enlightenment and preventive programmes and undergoing surveys based on research and successful experiments, in addition to educational exchange through good human, technological and rationalized financial resources.
The aim of the national campaign for prevention of folic acid deficiency i.e. “Manal Campaign” aims to prevent neural tube defects in the United Arab Emirates by Health Education, Public Awareness and Folic Acid Supplementation targeted for specific population.
Dr. Maryam Matar, in her speech, explained the objectives of the campaign "Manal", for the prevention of folic acid deficiency, saying "today on the occasion of National Day celebrations, we offer a token of our love to the nation, for a healthy society and healthy children."