Healthcare on par with the best, says Shaikha Fatima

"Healthcare services in the country have made substantial progress since the inception of the emirates in 1971," she said in her speech at a ceremony organised to award her the 'Certificate of Recognition' from Jhpiego, an affiliate of John Hopkins University, USA.

"The life expectancy of women in the country has reached levels similar to those in Europe and North America. Infant mortality and maternal mortality rates have dropped remarkably," she said. Shaikha Fatima attributed the achievements in the field of healthcare to the efforts by people in the field, who "invested heavily in healthcare not just in terms of establishing facilities like hospitals and clinics, but also in terms of expertise and education".

"I am honoured to receive this certificate of recognition from Jhpiego. I am pleased to accept the certificate on behalf of the country and in memory of late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who provided the inspiration, vision and determination that made the UAE what it is today," Shaikha Fatima said in the speech read out on her behalf by Ali bin Salim Al Kaabi, Director of the Presidential Affairs Office.

Addressing the gathering, Hamad Abdul Rahman Al Midfa, Minister of Health, praised Shaikha Fatima for supporting health services in the country.

"The continuous support and assistance of Shaikh Fatima has greatly contributed in developing health services, whereby the mortality among infants has dropped to less than 8:1000 and 10:1000 in children below five years, while mortality among mothers declined to less than 1:100,000," said the minister.

He lauded Shaikha Fatima for encouraging national women to take up medical professions, noting that her initiative to set up a higher council for childhood would guarantee healthy and creative environment for children.

Jhpiego is an international health organisation affiliated to the John Hopkins University which strives for improving the quality of health services for women and children around the globe.

The ceremony hosted by the Women's Federation was attended by ministers, ambassadors and other dignitaries.