Dubai: The UAE will begin using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to identify smokers at risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases in key steps to strengthen preventive care and reduce tobacco-related illnesses.
This is part of a broad agreement signed by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and the global biopharmaceutical company Sanofi, aimed at leveraging innovations to combat tobacco use, particularly among young people.
The Memorandum Understanding (MOU) was signed to Dubai headquarters by Dr Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Land, aide in Mohap's Public Health Division, and Dr Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Land, Sanofi's country chair and general manager, Dr Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Land, in front of officials from both sides.
MOU supports the development and delivery of WHO-approved training programs to equip health professionals with behavioral therapy techniques to prevent smoking, along with AI-driven tools that help identify high-risk individuals before complications develop.
The initiative forms part of the UAE's comprehensive efforts to curb the use of tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices, among youths in schools and universities. This is done by integrating AI and new technology into awareness campaigns to effectively reach younger audiences.
Prevention and early detection
The agreement is designed to support early detection of non-communicable diseases and address key risk factors. This includes reducing the incidence of chronic respiratory diseases by tackling tobacco use. This is the main cause of conditions such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and bronchial asthma.
In addition to early interventions, the partnership aims to raise national awareness of the health risks of smoking, but also to strengthen the foundations of a health care system focused on world-class prevention that promotes health and longevity.
Medical research and training
The MOU is also working with national health and academic institutions to enhance research into respiratory diseases. This includes conducting surveillance and analytical studies, clinical trials, and publication of peer-reviewed scientific literature.
To further support the health workforce, the agreement will provide certified training workshops on AI applications and behavioral counseling, enhancing the ability of health professionals to provide targeted smoking ban support.
Additionally, the partnership will support educational and community events, including school programs and sports initiatives that promote anti-Tobacco messaging and healthy lifestyles.
Strategic Impact
Dr. Hussain Al Rand highlighted the strategic value of the partnership and noted that it is consistent with national goals to build a world-class preventive healthcare system and improve quality of life.
He said: “The agreement will support the expansion of innovative programs for the early detection of non-communicable diseases, strengthen prevention of chronic respiratory diseases, strengthen integrated awareness plans, and enable healthcare professionals to apply international best practices in behavioral therapy for tobacco detection.”
These efforts aim to improve the overall performance of the healthcare system.
Dr. Al Rand said the agreement will strengthen medical research and development through collaboration with academic institutions and the private sector, establishing sustainable evidence-based solutions to prevent chronic diseases and tobacco-related health complications.
It also supports the integration of AI technology to identify high-risk populations and provide advanced training to healthcare professionals, lowering non-infectious disease rates and promote healthy lifestyles. “In line with the goals of UAE Centennial 2071, we cannot escape efforts to integrate the status of the United Arab Emirates as one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world,” added Dr. Alland.
