The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has taken part in the 9th International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH) Congress, which was hosted by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) in collaboration with the Department of Health Abu Dhabi.
Held under the theme "Every step counts", at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Department of Community Development, and ADNEC, as well as a number of universities and public and private sector partners.
The ministry’s participation aimed to support national and international efforts being made to enhance the public health of societies through engaging in different local, regional, and international events.
MoHAP also sought to shed light on the role physical activity may play in empowering community members to make positive changes to maintain health, lower the prevalence of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, as well as improve mental health, spark pleasant emotions, disseminate joy, and promote productive abilities, to create a healthy and happy society.
Underscoring the importance of the congress, HE Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Public Health Sector, said that hosting the ISPAH Congress, the largest physical activity and health gathering in the world, is yet another testament to the country's extraordinary ability in event planning and underlines its position as a leader in several health indices.
"The four-day event has provided us an opportunity to highlight the fruitful efforts and successful experiences that have been accomplished in the country, as well as to forge global partnerships that help upgrade the health system's capabilities and better engage in research and innovative practices," Al Rand added.
For her part, Nouf Khamis Al Ali, Director of the Health Promotion Department, said that MoHAP’s participation in the international congress, one of the most prominent of its kind, was fruitful and vital. We had joined a group of academics, decision-makers, and policy-makers to exchange knowledge and expertise on the most recent trends in physical activity and encourage members of society to adopt physical activity as a way of life.
The International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH) Congress is the world’s largest leading events in the field of public health promotion, which attracts researchers and experts interested in promoting physical activity for all age groups and regularly hosts a number of sessions and workshops.