5 Important EHS Measures to Curb Disease Spread in UAE Schools

Key EHS Measures UAE Schools Implementing Now

1. Integrated School Health Program (“Basma”)

The Basma project covers over 313 government schools in the northern Emirates, aiming to address various health needs. This includes early detection of diseases through screening programs, regular vaccinations, and health education. More than 164,000 students have already enrolled, and over 170,000 vaccine doses have been administered as part of this initiative.

2. Electronic Health Records and E-Link to Schools

To streamline and speed up health service delivery, EHS has electronically linked school health services and student medical files in 313 public schools. This digital integration allows faster vaccine processing, better tracking of health data, and seamless exchange of information between schools, parents, and medical teams.

3. School Clinic Preparedness & Preventive Services

School clinics have been strengthened with trained nursing staff skilled in first aid, emergency response, mental health, and infectious disease follow-ups. Clinics are also tasked with screening students for height, weight, vision, oral health, and conducting dental check-ups.

4. Vaccination Drives and National Immunization Program Support

EHS is providing catch-up vaccinations under the National Immunization Program in schools. Vaccinations are documented electronically, helping ensure students are up to date and reducing the risk of vaccine-preventable outbreaks.

5. Sick-Policies & Preventive Guidelines

Policies require students or staff with contagious symptoms or certain health conditions to stay home until fully recovered. Schools are also expected to have hygiene practices, disinfecting routines, and communication plans with parents in case of illness. For example, in Abu Dhabi early education institutions, sick children must remain absent until symptoms subside, and immunization records are required.

Why These EHS Measures UAE Schools Matter

• They help catch illnesses early before they spread widely among students.
• Vaccinations and screenings reduce the burden of disease and increase community immunity.
• Digital medical records ensure fast and coordinated response and less administrative delay.
• Cleaner environments, better hygiene policies, and clear sick-leave procedures protect both students and staff.
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• For full details, the Emirates Health Services “Basma” Project provides updates on how EHS is improving healthcare in schools.

For Further details, the Emirates Health Services “Basma” Project provides updates on how EHS is improving healthcare in schools.

What Parents & Schools Should Do

• Ensure children’s vaccination records are up to date and share them with school clinics.
• Pay attention to health screening notices and comply with preventive checkups.
• Stay home if your child shows contagious symptoms and follow the examination/clearance process.
• Schools should maintain hygiene best practices, provide regular disinfection, and keep open communication with health authorities.
  
  

Role of Parents and Teachers in Supporting EHS New Measures 

While the EHS new measures in UAE schools are comprehensive, their success depends heavily on collaboration between parents, teachers, and students. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s health daily, keep them home if they show symptoms, and educate them about basic hygiene practices. Teachers, on the other hand, play a frontline role by reinforcing handwashing, ensuring mask compliance where necessary, and promoting a healthy classroom culture.

The combined effort of families and schools creates a holistic shield of protection. When everyone takes responsibility, the measures become more than just rules—they evolve into a culture of care that safeguards the entire school community. This shared accountability ensures that students can continue to learn in a secure, supportive, and resilient environment.

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