Heat Exhaustion And Disease Prevention Campaign To Launch In Sharjah On July 3, 2023

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched the 14th edition of its Heat Exhaustion and Disease Prevention Campaign. This initiative, themed "Your Safety is Our Priority," begins on 3rd July. It coincides with the midday work ban period in July and August, aiming to educate the public about heat exposure risks and equip outdoor workers with tools to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director of MoHAP’s Representative Office in Sharjah, emphasised the campaign's alignment with international standards set by the World Health Organisation. He stated that it contributes to sustainable development by prioritising human health. "Empowering people and ensuring a balance between workplace demands and public health is essential, especially during the summer. This campaign reinforces MoHAP’s dedication to preventive care and builds solidarity between institutions and communities," he said.

The campaign highlights the significance of collaboration between public and private sectors in promoting health. It aims to enhance health literacy, offer services in multiple languages, and protect vulnerable groups during summer. Partners include Emirates Health Services, Sharjah Police, Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, and several healthcare providers like Medcare Group and NMC Hospital.

This year’s campaign will extend its reach to families, domestic workers, factory employees, police officers, municipal inspectors, engineers, and delivery drivers. Awareness activities will be conducted through virtual sessions, SMS alerts, and on-site events across more than nine locations in Sharjah's Central and Eastern Regions.

On-site field inspections will be increased to ensure adherence to the midday work ban in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Workers will receive protective gear along with food and drinking water. The media campaign will utilise radio, TV, and social platforms to disseminate health and safety messages widely.

Iman Rashid Saif from the Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs highlighted that this initiative embodies social responsibility aligned with Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi's vision. She noted that guidance on hydration, sun avoidance, suitable clothing, and nutrition would help workers manage heat better. "It is the unity of the campaign’s partners and associations that drives this mission forward," she added.

Expanding Educational Initiatives

The campaign will offer educational lectures, medical screenings, health-focused competitions with giveaways to encourage safe practices. It underscores MoHAP’s commitment to preventive care by expanding outreach efforts through multilingual resources while promoting a culture of safety across all sectors.

The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Attendees included Mona Al Hawai from Friends of Kidney Patients Association alongside other campaign partners who support this initiative as part of UAE’s Year of Community effort.

This comprehensive approach reflects UAE's dedication to safeguarding worker welfare by fostering safe work environments during extreme weather conditions. The campaign not only prioritises wellbeing but also supports national efforts towards community initiatives aimed at improving overall quality of life for residents across various sectors.

With inputs from WAM