Sharjah, UAE- 26 June 2024- The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA) in Sharjah and strategic partners in the government, local and private sectors, has launched the Heat Exhaustion Prevention Campaign, under the theme “Your safety is our goal,” specifically targeting workers during the noon work ban period throughout July and August, with a plan to reach 6,000 workers.
The campaign aims to boost health awareness about the risks of heat exposure during the summer, provide preventive resources to workers, and recognize their hard work during the peak of summer. It also aims to prevent heat exhaustion and related health issues among workers.
MoHAP, in collaboration with SCFA’s Health Promotion Department, announced the initiative during a press conference at the Council’s headquarters in Sharjah. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director of the Ministry’s Representative Office in Sharjah, and Mira Shuhail, Head of Special Programmes Division at the Health Education Department of the Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs, attended the press event, along with several representatives from government and private entities participating in the campaign.
The campaign features educational awareness lectures at work sites, focusing on the risks and symptoms of heat exposure, providing first aid, and introducing preventive measures and best practices to avoid heat exhaustion. Additionally, it includes free health screenings for vision, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Workers will also receive personal protection supplies against sunlight, as well as food, water, and gifts, catering to a diverse target group of all nationalities.
Partners
Partners supporting the Heat Exhaustion Prevention Campaign include the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Sharjah Government Media Bureau, Sharjah Police, Emirates Health Services (EHS), Sharjah Sports Council, Labour Standards Development Authority, Sharjah Municipality, Department of Municipal Affairs, Sharjah Charity International, Sharjah Coop, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (SBA), Prevention and Safety Authority, Sharjah Volunteering Center- Social Services Department, Emirates Red Crescent, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Fast Building Contracting, Al Jaber Optical, Medcare Group, Aster DM Healthcare, Manzil Healthcare Services, and Zulal Water Factory.
Top government priorities
HE Iman Rashid Saif Director of the Health Promotion Department at Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs, emphasized the importance of identifying the health needs of workers and providing them with awareness programs. She stated that the health of all community members is a top government priority, adding that humans are the foundation and driving force of development. This vision is inspired by H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA).
Her Excellency explained that the campaign will focus on raising awareness about the importance of drinking enough water, wearing appropriate clothing, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours, and providing nutritional advice to enhance the body’s resistance to heat. These efforts are part of the emirate’s commitment to encourage the community to adopt healthy habits that maintain their health and safety, with a particular focus on workers, and to improve their health awareness.
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She lauded the support provided by the associations under umbrella the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, specifically mentioning the Breastfeeding Friends Association, the Friends of Arthritis Patients, the Friends of Kidney Patients Association, and the Friends of Diabetes Association.
