Health Programmes Top Dubai Silicon Oasis Agenda

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) today announced a health campaign on breast cancer and heart disease drew the holistic participation of employees and tenants at the integrated free zone technology park.

Held on 26 October in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Health (MOH), the event was organised as part of DSOA’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda that aims to raise awareness on vital health issues in the region.

The initiative opened with a seminar on breast cancer exclusively for women. This was followed by breast cancer check-ups to encourage early detection. In parallel, DSO’s ‘Heart Health Campaign’ offered free blood sugar tests, cholesterol and blood pressure monitoring, as well as breath tests for active and passive smokers, and calculation of body mass index (BMI).

Based on the results of the tests, personalised assistance and health plans were recommended by physicians and nutrition specialists from the Ministry of Health.

Haidar Ali, Vice-President of People and Business Excellence at Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, said: "It is always an elevating experience when our community service campaigns close on such a successful note. DSO is very thankful to the UAE Ministry of Health for its continued support.

“Though breast cancer and heart diseases are much talked about, there is a lot more that still needs to be done in this space. DSO endeavours to continue in its efforts to propagate better understanding of health and lifestyle issues."

In the UAE, the number of breast cancer cases has doubled over the past decade, making up for 18.4 per cent of all cancer cases. Yet, only 30 per cent of them are diagnosed in the early stages.

Dubai Silicon Oasis is a wholly-owned entity of the Government of Dubai and operates as a free zone for semiconductor, microelectronic and other high technology-based companies looking to set up their regional headquarters and research and development (R&D) facilities in the Middle East and Africa region.