Sharjah: The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), in partnership with the Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs and various public and private sector entities, has announced the launch of the 14th edition of the Heat Exhaustion and Disease Prevention Campaign, under the slogan 'Your Safety is Our Priority'. The campaign is set to begin on 3rd July and will coincide with the midday work ban period across July and August.
According to Emirates News Agency, the campaign aims to raise public awareness about the risks associated with heat exposure and equip outdoor workers with the necessary tools to prevent heat-related illnesses. This initiative aligns with national efforts to prioritize wellbeing and supports the UAE's Year of Community initiative. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, attended by notable figures such as Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director of MoHAP's Representative Office in Sharjah, and Mona Al Hawai, Chairperson of the Board of the Friends of Kidney Patients, alongside campaign partners.
This year, the campaign will extend its focus to include families, domestic workers, factory employees, and field-based professionals such as police officers, municipal inspectors, engineers, and delivery drivers. Awareness activities will be conducted through virtual sessions, SMS alerts, and on-site events in over nine locations across Sharjah and its Central and Eastern Regions. The campaign will provide educational lectures, medical screenings, and health-focused competitions with giveaways to promote safe practices.
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. Additionally, workers will receive protective gear, food, and drinking water. The media campaign will also be broadcast across radio, TV, and social platforms to disseminate health and safety messages more broadly.
The campaign highlights the significance of public-private collaboration in health promotion and aims to improve health literacy, deliver services in multiple languages, and protect vulnerable groups during the summer heat. Key partners include the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Sharjah Government Media Bureau, Sharjah Police, Emirates Health Services, and several other organizations and companies.
Mohammed Al Zarooni emphasized that the campaign reflects the UAE's commitment to safeguarding worker welfare and promoting safe work environments. He noted that the campaign adheres to international standards set by the World Health Organisation and contributes to sustainable development by focusing on human health. Al Zarooni also mentioned that the campaign will expand its outreach, provide multilingual resources, and foster a culture of safety across all sectors.
Iman Rashid Saif, Director of the Health Promotion Department at the Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs, stated that the campaign exemplifies social responsibility and human solidarity, reflecting the vision of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi. She added that the campaign offers guidance on hydration, sun avoidance, appropriate clothing, and nutrition to help workers better manage heat, driven by the unity of the campaign's partners and associations.