The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has organized a workshop to discuss the National Policy for the Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles in the country, after being recently approved by the Cabinet.
The workshop aimed to promote community health, develop national initiatives, address future health challenges, and encourage collaboration between different stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the national policy.
Chaired by HE Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, the workshop was attended by Dr Lubna Al Shaali, Director of Health Policies and Legislation Department; Dr. Rasha Salama, Public Health Advisor at the Ministry, as well as representatives from various concerned authorities in the fields of public health, education, and health promotion in the UAE.
During the workshop, health officials discussed the key pillars of the National Policy for the Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles, as well as the various activities and initiatives supporting the policy. The workshop also provided a platform to discuss the executive procedures required for the successful implementation of the policy.
Comprehensive approach
In his opening speech, Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand emphasized that promoting healthy lifestyles is a crucial aspect of improving the quality of life for all members of UAE society. He highlighted that the National Wellbeing Strategy 2031 seeks to shift the country’s focus from a traditional concept of a good life to a comprehensive approach to integrated wellbeing. This, in turn, supports the country’s vision of “We the UAE 2031” and aligns with the objectives of the UAE Centennial Plan 2071.
Dr. Al Rand emphasized that chronic lifestyle-related diseases are a significant challenge for health systems worldwide, as they are often the result of unhealthy behaviors. He stated that these diseases have attracted global attention as they lead to health, social, and economic complications that negatively impact the quality of life in society, hinder national development plans, and place a significant burden on healthcare systems.
Keeping up with health variables
Dr. Al Rand stressed that the development of the National Policy for the Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles was a collaborative effort undertaken by all concerned authorities responsible for implementing national health policies in the country. He said that the policy was developed in response to the evolving health changes and developments in the country, with a view to promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing chronic diseases.
Roadmap
For her part, Dr. Lubna Al Shaali emphasized that the UAE is among the first countries in the world to adopt a national policy aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles for its citizens and residents. She added that this policy is part of the government’s broader plans and work mechanisms, which are based on innovation and aim to enhance the health of society by developing and implementing national initiatives.
Dr. Al Shaali went on to say that the National Policy for the Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles is a comprehensive roadmap that provides multiple options within a multi-sectoral national framework. She further said that the policy aims to enable the effective and efficient use of national resources through coordinated planning, implementation, and the exchange of innovative initiatives among all concerned authorities.
Dr. Al Shaali emphasized that the policy focuses on common behavioral factors that can be modified, such as physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits, and smoking, which are associated with diseases related to an unhealthy lifestyle that can be prevented.
During the event, Dr. Lubna Al Shaali and Dr. Rasha Salama gave a detailed presentation on the National Policy for the Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles in the UAE, which provided an overview of the policy and its objectives.
Representatives from various public health authorities also reviewed their respective activities and initiatives in support of the policy, with a focus on promoting healthy food, physical activity, and tobacco control.
The workshop also included a session on the procedures for monitoring and evaluating the executive plan of the national policy. In addition, a training session was conducted to discuss these procedures and provide guidance on their implementation.