Kadhim Alabady
Dubai Health Authority, UAE
Title: Improving mental health for children in Dubai: A public health priority, mental health needs assessment for Dubai, 2015
Biography
Biography: Kadhim Alabady
Abstract
Background: Mental health is without doubt one of the most vital aspects of any child’s development. It is an essential part of
children’s overall health and has an impact on the child’s physical health and their ability to be successful. Mental health increases
children’s opportunity to live up to their full potential and do what is best for themselves and the people around them.
Purpose: Th is report intends to identify key challenges for mental health care for children aged 0–18 years in Dubai. It is of particular
importance to understand mental health needs and assess any gaps in care or services.
Method: A qualitative methodology approach was used. A focus group session was conducted concentrating on diff erent topics
related to diff erent mental health conditions.
Participants: Th e focus group consisted of seven mental health professionals including psychiatrists and psychologists from Latifa,
Al Jalila and Rashid hospitals with extensive knowledge about mental health illnesses, programs and services.
Setting: A single session was performed at Latifa Hospital during June 2015.
Key findings: Whilst some child mental health services exist, these are fragmented between the public and private sector. Th ere needs
to be a catalogue of comprehensive and coordinated services, which health care professionals can access to improve care delivery
and utilization of these services. Th ere is a shortage of child mental health professionals such as occupational therapists, speech
therapists, mental health nurses and psychologists. Th ere is also a need for on–going training and career development for existing
professionals. Th ere is an important need to develop and improve mental health services in the educational system that is tied in
with children’s mental health services. Th is will allow provision of eff ective and timely school interventions for children who require
special educational or supportive interventions due to mental health issues.