Sharjah's Healthy Cities Programme Drives Healthcare Transformation Through Collaboration And Global Standards

The Executive Committee for the Expansion of Healthy Cities Programme in Sharjah organised a workshop on Monday. This event is part of ongoing efforts to adopt global health standards. It gathered 105 government officials from various cities, including Khorfakkan, Kalba, Al Dhaid, Al Madam, Mleiha, Dibba Al Hisn, Al Hamriya, and Al Batayeh.

Dr. Abdulaziz Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority and Head of the Executive Committee, highlighted the workshop's importance in fostering collaboration among government bodies. He stated, "The Expansion of Healthy Cities initiative reflects Sharjah’s vision to place community health at the core of sustainable development, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah."

Dr. Samar El-Feky from the World Health Organisation (WHO) provided an overview of WHO’s Healthy Cities Programme. She emphasised addressing social determinants as crucial for universal health coverage. Dr. El-Feky praised Sharjah's commitment to implementing these standards and called it a "regional pioneer" in this regard.

The Healthy Cities Programme aims to create environments that enhance physical, social, and emotional well-being for individuals and communities. In the Eastern Mediterranean region, it is structured around nine core pillars and 80 focus areas. These include community engagement, cross-sector collaboration, health education, food security, and emergency preparedness.

The Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development introduced a new digital platform during the workshop. This tool is designed to measure adherence to programme standards by providing accurate data for strategic decision-making and progress monitoring.

Participants took part in interactive sessions to devise action plans specific to their cities. They worked in groups to assess local challenges, identify opportunities, and explore partnership strengthening strategies.

This initiative underscores Sharjah's dedication to integrating health into sustainable development goals. By focusing on community well-being through collaborative efforts and innovative tools like the digital platform, Sharjah aims to set a benchmark for other regions.

With inputs from WAM