Sharjah June 26th, 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.
The initiative was announced during a press conference held by MoHAP in collaboration with SCFA’a Health Promotion Department at the Council's headquarters in Sharjah. The press event was attended by Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director of the Ministry's Representative Office in Sharjah, and Mira Shuhail, Head of the Special Programmes Division at the Health Education Department of the Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs, as well as 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.
The campaign highlights the vital role partnerships between government and the private sector play in promoting public health. It is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at fostering constructive cooperation and exchanging knowledge and experiences. By strengthening collaboration between partners, the campaign seeks to achieve the Ministry's ambitious goals and improve the quality of life across the country.
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.
Community service is shared responsibility
Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director of the Ministry's Representative Office in Sharjah, emphasized that MoHAP’s campaign, launched in Sharjah for the 13th year with the participation of several governmental, charitable, and private agencies, represents a humanitarian initiative that reflects the values of social responsibility.”
“The campaign aims to preserve the health and safety of the community by spreading health awareness among all its segments, especially workers whose jobs require exposure to sunlight. It will educate them about the risks of heat exhaustion and related diseases, in line with government directives to protect workers' rights, ensure their safety, and maintain a healthy work environment in line with WHO-approved standards.”
Al Zarooni added, "Community service is a shared responsibility among all government and private entities, institutions, bodies, and individuals working as one team to ensure the well-being of all community members. Such initiatives contribute to building a healthy culture within the community and encourage healthy behaviors through the information, awareness guidance, and preventive measures they provide."
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.
She lauded the support provided by the associations under umbrella of 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.
Concerted Efforts
Meanwhile, H.E Dr. Sulaiman Abdallah Bin Sarhan Al Zaabi, Chairman of Municipal Affairs Department, stated, "Joining this campaign demonstrates our commitment in Sharjah to ensure the health and safety of all community members, particularly those who work outdoors and are exposed to the intense summer heat. The risk of heat exhaustion rises with the high temperatures, and we believe that collaborative efforts from various sectors are essential to enhancing health awareness in the community. We thank the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs for launching this campaign and extend our gratitude to all participating entities for their dedication to promoting health awareness in Sharjah."
Safety of Team
His Excellency Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), asserted the authority's commitment to prioritising the quality of life for employees, especially those involved in fieldwork across all projects. He acknowledged their pivotal role in achieving the organisation's strategic goals and highlighted Shurooq's dedication to ensuring the safety of work teams amidst the challenges of high temperatures.
He stated: "At Shurooq, we adopt a proactive approach focusing on prevention to ensure the health and safety of our field teams. This includes providing comprehensive training and awareness programs to enhance their understanding of heat-related risks and equip them with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves. We are pleased to participate in the heat exhaustion prevention campaign launched by the Ministry of Health and Prevention, as it reflects our commitment to our social and corporate responsibilities."
Promoting awareness
HE Salem Ali Al Ghaithi, Director of the Broadcasting Authority (SBA), emphasized that SBA’s involvement in the heat exhaustion prevention campaign aligns with its mission to promote health-conscious behavior during the summer, adding that the campaign focuses on raising awareness among citizens and residents about the dangers of heat exhaustion and educating contractors and business owners on the necessity of maintaining a safe work environment.
He stated, "Our participation in this community health initiative reflects our commitment to disseminating valuable information that enhances the health and safety of our community. This is in line with the directives of our wise leadership, which prioritizes human welfare as a core element of its developmental strategy."
Health of workers
Eng. Humaid Mohammed Al Ali, Manager of Zulal Water Plant at Sharjah Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority (SEWA), a strategic partner and supporter of the campaign, emphasized that the health of workers in the Emirate of Sharjah is a top priority. “Through the combined efforts of various institutions and operating companies, we ensure the highest standards of occupational health and safety in the emirate,” Al Ali said.