The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), in collaboration with the Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA) and strategic partners from the government, local, and private sectors, has achieved three new milestones as part of the "Heat Exhaustion Prevention Campaign," launched in July under the theme "Your Safety is Our Goal."
Initially set to conclude at the end of August, the campaign was extended into September due to the strong engagement and positive response from companies and workers in the health and humanitarian sectors.
Free lectures and screenings
In the latest phase, the campaign targeted 1,150 workers in the Hamriyah Free Zone in Sharjah. The campaign team delivered awareness lectures on the dangers of heat exhaustion, its symptoms, first aid procedures, and preventive measures.
Additionally, free health screenings, including blood pressure and blood sugar tests, vision and dental check-ups, were provided. Personal protective equipment, food, water, and gifts were distributed to the workers as part of the campaign’s efforts to safeguard their well-being.
Promoting public health
The campaign aims to reach over 6,000 workers, raising awareness about the dangers of heat exposure during the summer and equipping them with preventive measures to avoid heat exhaustion and related illnesses.
The initiative is part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to promote community health. Additionally, the campaign sheds light on the key role of government partnerships with the private sector in enhancing the quality of life across the country.
Campaign stops
MoHAP, in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah and strategic partners from the government, local, and private sectors, has successfully completed several phases of the campaign.
Thousands of workers across various work sites in Sharjah, Hamriyah, Al Dhaid, Khorfakkan, Kalba, and Dibba Al Hisn benefitted from the campaign’s activities during July and August. In September, the campaign extended its reach with three additional stops in Hamriyah Free Zone.
Healthy work environment
Mohammed Abdullah Al Zarooni, Director of MoHAP’s Representative Office in Sharjah, emphasized that the campaign is driven by MoHAP’s commitment to social responsibility, promoting health awareness across all community segments, particularly among workers frequently exposed to sunlight.
“We are keen to protect workers' rights and ensure their safety and well-being in the workplace, in accordance with international standards set by relevant organisations.” Al Zarooni also commended the contributions of both federal and local government bodies, as well as the private sector in Sharjah, which have been crucial to the campaign’s success.
Improving quality of life
For her part, HE Iman Rashid Saif, Director of the Health Promotion Department at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, noted that extending the campaign into September was a step in the right direction towards enhancing public health and quality of life.
“The campaign seeks not only to protect workers from heat exhaustion but also foster a healthy culture that encourages positive behaviours. Saif also acknowledged the effective collaboration among all stakeholders and the enthusiastic participation and feedback from companies and workers.