The Ministry of Health is planning the country's first major study of attitudes towards HIV and Aids.
Conducted with the help of the UN children's fund, Unicef, and the UN Development Programme, the study will aim to discover how much students already know about the nature and scale of the disease.
The Minister of Health, Dr Hanif Hassan, saying that Aids was not a "serious problem" in the UAE, launched a campaign yesterday to raise awareness ahead of the study. He said young people were the most vulnerable group, which was why they were being targeted.
According to Samir Anouti, the Unicef regional adviser on HIV and Aids, the study will be complete by the end of March.
He said: "We have interviewed students from the Dubai Men's College, the American University of Dubai and the University of Sharjah. Currently we are still analysing data," he said.
A UN report in May said 636 UAE nationals were living with HIV last year.
At yesterday's campaign launch at the American University of Dubai (AUD), students said they were glad to see a previously taboo subject being addressed.
Sarah Gebreille, a 19-year-old AUD student, said that while HIV and Aids were commonly associated with sexuality, "it isn't only that … but that's how people here think".
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
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