With the aim of raising health awareness and enhancing healthy lifestyles among community members, the Health Promotion Department, HPD, at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, has recently launched its annual campaign “Hilal Al-Seha”. The campaign highlights the most important health and food practices that should be followed in the holy month of Ramadan.

This year’s campaign is carried out through the HPD’s social media platforms in line with the precautionary measures taken by the UAE government to limit the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

Launching meaningful campaigns

Her Excellency Iman Rashid Saif, Director of the Health Promotion Department, said: “Through our initiatives and campaigns, we always seek to maintain people’s health and raise their awareness about healthy habits and behaviors. To that end, the HPD launches educational and awareness programs and campaigns suiting all society segments and age groups. This stems from our vision in terms of building a healthy society and reinforcing Sharjah’s reputation and status as the Middle East’s first healthy city.”

The HPD Director attributed the success of the Emirate of Sharjah in reaching this prestigious position to the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, aimed at raising the health awareness of Sharjah inhabitants.

Awareness efforts

She pointed to the efforts made by the HPD to enhance the awareness about COVID-19 through several initiatives and programs focusing on the psychological, nutritional, and preventive aspects to battle the spread of this pandemic and to enhance the health awareness among community members in Sharjah and the UAE.

“In the same vein, we have launched an online magazine titled “Towards a healthy lifestyle” and produced video clips about the preventive measures to prevent infection. We have also coordinated with the competent authorities in the country to expand health awareness about COVID-19. Additionally, we have published educational articles in various media outlets and awareness-raising segments on the radio by our health educators, in addition to hosting doctors and specialists through the “Instagram Live” feature to enhance health awareness and answer public inquiries.” Saif elaborated.

She shed light on the objectives of the “Hilal Al-Seha” campaign, including raising the awareness of fasting people about the importance of self-control by following simple guidelines to maintain weight and reduce blood cholesterol levels, as well as enhancing the awareness about the health benefits of fasting through the self-cleaning process in the cells of the body, and the treatment of some chronic diseases, as well as its spiritual benefits that help relieve mental and physical syndromes.

Virtual Initiatives

“Hilal Al-Seha” campaign is linked to the global campaign of the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean held under the theme “The 30-day challenge”. The local campaign includes several innovative virtual initiatives based on HPD’s advanced technological system.

The campaign also includes 30 episodes to be broadcasted through social media throughout the holy month, in addition to launching the 30-day challenge in cooperation with WHO. This is in addition to posting 30 low-calorie recipes, interviewing health specialists, and organizing online lectures on the importance and benefits of fasting. Besides, 60 health and nutritional publications will be posted over the course of Ramadan.