Abu Dhabi Public Health Workforce Development: Learning Points From the Comparison of Six Countries

Objectives: This study aimed to review the healthcare systems and the educational public health (PH) the workforce structures in six countries: the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United States of America (USA), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, and Singapore. Methods: This review was developed by searching databases from the World Health Organization and the World Bank, official data from each country’s respective ministries of health and National Bureaus of Statistics, the European Public Health Association, and studies conducted by educational institutions. Results: The USA, the UK, and the KSA showed an insufficient concentration of PH specialists and educational opportunities. In contrast, Singapore and Canada incentivized citizens to pursue PH education, resulting in more PH physicians and specialists. The UAE (Abu Dhabi) was found to remain in its early stages of development. Conclusion: To strengthen and advance the public health workforce in the UAE (Abu Dhabi) and the countries described, the concept needs to be defined and integrated fully into the entire health system, from academia to the transversal structures of the Ministries of Health.