The mission of CDs is to reduce the incidence and the prevalence of communicable disease such as (TB, HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis) in the community, through proper screening, notification, and investigation of certain suspected and confirmed communicable diseases aiming for early detection which could prevent the spread of the infectious diseases among the population.
The roles of Communicable Disease Section:
- Develop standards, guidelines and policies for intervention, controlling and preventing infectious diseases e.g. standards for visa screening and premarital screening
- Formulate legislation and policy that strengthen the enforcement of laws and regulations related to Communicable disease prevention and control program e.g. communicable disease law, disease notification policy
- Develop an efficient surveillance system to meet the challenges of communicable diseases in Abu Dhabi Emirate, emerging and reemerging infectious diseases by utilizing information technology such the new introduction of electronic system for reporting infectious disease (E-notification) and the new electronic visa screening system. These systems are designed to work as early warning system to facilitate the prompt and effective response to diseases outbreaks.
- Ensure effective control of infectious diseases (outbreaks, emerging infections, endemic and epidemic), for example we are leading the work to control and manage the pandemic of 2009 H1N1 influenza (swine flu) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and in coordination with the H1N1 National Committees.
- Carry out field epidemiologic investigations to identify infectious diseases related public health issues to ensure timely interventions and to monitoring
- Assess morbidity and mortality of communicable disease in the emirate of Abu Dhabi
- Implementing and integrating the infectious diseases surveillance with national and international programs (WHO) such as the surveillance of Measles, Polio and Malaria programs
- Ensure the integrity and maintenance of the Extended Immunization Program in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, as well as availability of other vaccines for other programs e.g. for travel clinics and for prophylaxis purposes.
- Interact and collaborate with stakeholder and local health facilities public and private like MOH and ADFCA