Sharjah part of WHO ‘Healthy Cities’ project

The emirate of Sharjah on Wednesday announced that it has been accepted in the World Health Organisation’s ‘Healthy Cities’ project, becoming the first emirate in the UAE to participate in the programme. Sharjah’s participation comes as part of its efforts to drive its environmental, social, cultural and economic potential and position the emirate on the global map. Experts from WHO will help Sharjah in achieving its goals and adhering to the programme’s criteria. Sharjah’s achievements will single it out as a role model for cities in the Arab world. The integration into WHO’s programme validates the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and is a testimony to his keenness and continuous concern for the welfare of his people. Furthermore, the entry into the ‘Healthy Cities’ project positions Sharjah as the health capital of the region. The distinction complements its existing status as the cultural hub of the region. As a first step, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, has formed a chair committee for managing the integration of Sharjah into WHO’s Healthy Cities programme. Sheikh Essam Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Office of the Ruler of Sharjah, has been named President of the Committee, while Sheikha Jameela Bint Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Vice-Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, has been appointed as Vice-President. The chair committee held its first meeting at the Office of the Ruler of Sharjah. The meeting agreed to assign coordinators from various government departments in Sharjah to work on the programme. During the meeting, Sheikh Essam Bin Saqr Al Qassimi highlighted the importance of the accession of Sharjah into the World Health Organisation’s Healthy Cities project, stating that it will help the emirate consolidate its international position for its continuous interest in achieving the highest health and environmental standards. Pointing out that Sharjah has achieved its health and environmental goals through launching a series of programmes, he stressed that participating in the project will help strengthen the community’s confidence in the quality, development and impact of services on public health, as well as the adoption of global best practices. Sheikh Essam Bin Saqr Al Qassimi said, “The WHO’s Healthy Cities programme is based on a preventive approach that promotes health and works towards improving the environmental, social and economic aspects of a city and their impact on the health of the community. It calls for collective action and constant innovation from every resident of the city, as any health or environmental hazard will affect everyone.” The meeting additionally discussed the agenda of World Health Organisation’s Healthy Cities project and the steps taken in Sharjah to improve health and environmental levels, in addition to fostering community participation in the programme.