The UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has released the National School Health Screening Guideline, requiring all students from kindergarten through Grade 12 to undergo annual health checkups. The programme applies to both government and private schools and aims to deliver preventive care while identifying any health or developmental concerns early.
What the UAE School Health Screening Guidelines Cover
Each annual screening includes a full update of the student's medical history, measurement of growth parameters — height, weight, and BMI — and a vision acuity test. Schools are also required to verify and update each student's immunisation status in line with the UAE's national immunisation programme.
The guidelines establish clear, standardised timelines for health screenings across all UAE schools, ensuring consistency in how health data is collected and recorded.
Additional Checks for Older Students
For students above certain grade levels, the UAE school health screening guidelines include a broader range of assessments. These cover scoliosis detection, hearing evaluation, dental health checks, and monitoring of smoking among students aged 10 and above.
Psychological and behavioural health assessments are also part of the framework, ensuring that students' mental wellbeing receives the same attention as their physical health.
Building a National Health Database
Beyond individual student care, these screenings serve a larger national purpose: building a comprehensive database of health outcomes across UAE schools. This data will help authorities plan future health programmes, advance health literacy, and support sustainable development goals.
The initiative aligns directly with the UAE Centennial Plan 2071, which prioritises the long-term wellbeing of the nation's youth.
Links to Broader Health Programmes
The school health screening initiative is supported by and integrated with other national programmes, including the National Programme to Combat Obesity and the National Immunisation Programme. Together, these efforts address the foundational health needs of all students across the UAE.
