UAE schools step up health monitoring to detect issues early

Dubai: Private schools across the UAE have expanded programmes aimed at early detection of student health issues, introducing preventive measures that include routine vaccinations, health screenings, medical record updates and monitoring of conditions such as obesity, vision problems, dental issues and chronic diseases. School leaders said school healthcare is evolving beyond the traditional role of providing first aid when students fall ill, with a stronger focus on prevention, early detection and ongoing monitoring. Ola Al Saqqa, Principal of Al Ahliya Charity School for Girls Ola Al Saqqa, Principal of Al Ahliya Charity School for Girls, said student health is closely linked to academic readiness and should not be viewed separately from the educational process. She noted that issues such as poor eyesight, tooth pain and weight gain can lead to reduced concentration, lower participation, increased absenteeism and declining academic performance if left untreated. The school annually implements an initiative titled "Community Health... Nation Health", aimed at promoting prevention and early detection through free eye and dental examinations conducted in partnership with hospitals, medical centres and pharmacies. Al Saqqa said the true value of health screenings lies not in the number of students examined, but in the health issues identified and the follow-up action taken with families and specialists. Khaled Abdul Hamid, Principal of Dubai Modern School's Ministry Section Khaled Abdul Hamid, Principal of Dubai Modern School's Ministry Section, said schools have intensified efforts to notify families of vaccination schedules and encourage student attendance to ensure immunisation programmes remain on track. He described schools as a link between students, families and health authorities, helping ensure health programmes are implemented effectively and that students requiring additional attention receive appropriate follow-up. Lana Coney, Principal of Sharjah International School Lana Coney, Principal of Sharjah International School, highlighted the importance of maintaining accurate student health records from the start of the academic year, particularly for students with chronic illnesses, allergies or conditions requiring special precautions. She said updated health information enables schools to respond appropriately during emergencies and helps identify issues such as deteriorating eyesight, dental problems and weight-related concerns before they become serious. Hamidan Madi, Principal of a private school, stressed the importance of accurate medical records for students who require medication during school hours. He said schools should be informed of any medications taken regularly by students and that medicines should only be administered on campus in accordance with an approved medical prescription specifying dosage and usage instructions. According to Madi, proper documentation allows school staff to respond safely and effectively when required and facilitates medical referrals when necessary. Lina Adnan, a school activities and events coordinator, said linking health screenings to awareness campaigns encourages students and families to pay closer attention to vision care, dental health, nutrition and physical activity. She added that the goal is to turn health awareness into a daily habit rather than a seasonal initiative. Health consultant Dr Munir Hamed said school health monitoring plays an important role in identifying early warning signs that might otherwise go unnoticed until they begin to affect a student's health, attendance and academic achievement. He emphasised that obesity should be viewed as a health indicator rather than simply an issue of appearance and may require attention to nutrition, exercise and lifestyle habits. Hamed said schools play a role in monitoring, raising awareness and informing families, while diagnosis and treatment remain the responsibility of healthcare professionals. He also noted that undiagnosed vision and dental problems often reveal themselves through declining classroom performance, reduced concentration, disrupted sleep and increased absenteeism. According to Hamed, a drop in participation or academic achievement may sometimes be the first sign of an underlying health issue, reinforcing the importance of regular school-based health screenings and early intervention.