Council lists Year of Zayed initiatives
sharjah — A series of initiatives will be organised by the department of health promotion at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah to promote health awareness among the residents.
Addressing a Press conference at the Consultative Council of Sharjah on Sunday, Iman Rashid Saif, director of the health promotion department, said a number of initiatives during the year will mark the Year of Zayed. They will be organised with the aid of health associations that promote health awareness and provide support and treatment for patients.
With the support of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah; and Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council of Family Affairs, the department has become a leader in maintaining public health.
Iman Turki, head of programmes at the department, reviewed the main programmes for 2018, which include the ‘Sahbati’ initiative aimed at spreading peer education and health awareness. The five-day campaign, including health and tourism and employee health campaigns, will promote a culture of consuming five servings of vegetables and fruits per day.
Khawla Al Haj, head of the Friends for Diabetes Association, revealed their main agenda for the Year of Zayed, focusing on three major initiatives. ‘The Blue Circle’ will organise free consultations, awareness workshops and entertainment events. ‘Prevention and Coexistence’ will provide health care for diabetes patients and follow up on those who are newly diagnosed. ‘Superhero –
Initiatives will be organised with the aid of health associations to promote health awareness and provide support and treatment for patients.” Iman Rashid Saif, director, health promotion department
Saeed’ aims to educate young students on diabetes.
Mona Al Hawai, member of the board of directors of the Friends of Kidney Patients Association, said their 2018 initiatives included a social media competition on World Kidney Day (March 8), an awareness film. Their ‘My Health in Ramadan’ will educate on maintaining blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and a ‘Water Campaign’ aims to raise awareness on the importance of drinking water for kidney health.
Waheeda Abdul Aziz, head of the Friends of Arthritis Patients Association, mentioned their 6th marathon, to run under the slogan “Life is Movement”, with a goal of 5,000 participants. Their ‘International Day of Joints’ will promote joint health through events.
The Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP) will organise ‘Sharjah Portage’, aimed at developing solutions for the therapeutic difficulties faced by children with cancer. Their ‘Fun Vehicle’ and ‘Global Color’ will be for women cancer patients. FoCP will also participate in the Gulf Cancer Awareness Campaign, with the slogan “40% protection equivalent to 40% cure”, said Khawla Rashid, FoCP managing director.
Dr Ruqaya Fikri, vice president of the Breastfeeding Friends Association, will organise home visits to breastfeeding mothers, to provide advice and guidance.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com