His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum led a significant children’s march in Abu Dhabi to champion healthy living across the UAE. This initiative, part of the ‘Healthy Children 2021’ campaign, aimed to instill active lifestyles in young people and underscore the government’s commitment to public health.
Royal Leadership for a Healthier Generation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, spearheaded the ‘Let’s Walk’ march on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. He was joined by Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. The event saw enthusiastic participation from students across the UAE, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in promoting well-being.
Key Takeaways
- Children’s Health as a Priority: Sheikh Mohammed stressed that children’s health is central to the government’s plans, viewing them as crucial pillars for the UAE’s growth and development towards becoming one of the world’s best countries by 2021.
- Collective Responsibility: He highlighted that promoting healthy lifestyle practices is a shared responsibility, best instilled from a young age.
- Call to Action: Government and private sector entities were urged to raise community awareness about adopting healthy behaviors.
The ‘Healthy Children 2021’ Campaign
The ‘Healthy Children 2021’ campaign, an initiative of the National Programme for Government Communication (NPGC), launched in January and continued until mid-April. It is a core component of the National Agenda and UAE Vision 2021, specifically addressing childhood obesity.
Key activities included:
- ‘Let’s Run’: School students participated in running events nationwide.
- ‘Let’s Walk’: Families, youth, and children walked together across various locations, including:
- Abu Dhabi Corniche
- Jumeirah Beach Walk
- Al Barsha Pond Park
- Al Khawaneej Park in Dubai
- Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah
- Al Qawasim Corniche in Ras Al Khaimah
- Ajman Corniche
During these events, innovative methods were used to distribute information on healthy lifestyles. The campaign’s overarching goal is to reduce childhood obesity levels to 12 percent by 2021, fostering a healthier UAE community with children at its heart.
UAE’s Enduring Commitment to Health
The UAE consistently reaffirms its dedication to public health. President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has reiterated the nation’s unwavering commitment to investing in healthcare, emphasizing that it is an investment in society’s future. The UAE continues to promote a culture of healthy living through initiatives that encourage preventive healthcare and enhance access to medical services for all. The nation also actively supports international efforts to address global health challenges through science and innovation.