Sharjah applies international standards to build an innovative model for “healthy cities”

Today, Monday, the Executive Committee to expand the scope of the Healthy Cities Program in the Emirate of Sharjah organized an expanded workshop as part of ongoing efforts to enhance adherence to global health standards, with the participation of 105 employees from government agencies in the emirate’s various cities, including Khor Fakkan, Kalba, Al Dhaid, Al Madam, and Mleiha. Dibba Al-Hisn, Al-Hamriyah, and Al-Bataeh.

The Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority and Chairman of the Executive Committee, Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Muhairi, stressed the importance of this meeting in developing the capabilities of the participants and enhancing cooperation between the concerned authorities to implement global standards and build an innovative model that puts the health of individuals and society at the top of the list of priorities and in accordance with the visions and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed. Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to achieve sustainable development.

The World Health Organization’s expert for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Dr. Samar Al-Feki, gave an integrated presentation that addressed the principles of the Global Healthy Cities Programme, noting the need to address the social determinants of health as the basis for implementing comprehensive health coverage. Al-Feki also praised Sharjah’s constant commitment to applying international best practices and described it as “one of the leading cities in implementing the healthy cities program regionally.”

She added that healthy cities focus on creating and improving the physical and social environments and expanding community resources that enable people to support each other in performing all life functions and developing to their fullest potential.

Al-Fiqi pointed out that the healthy cities program in the Eastern Mediterranean region includes 9 basic standards and 80 axes, including community organization and mobilization for health and development, cooperation, partnership and advocacy between sectors, the community information center, water and sanitation, food safety and environmental pollution, health development, and emergency preparedness. and response, education and literacy, skills development, vocational training, capacity building, and microcredit activities.

The Department of Statistics and Community Development also presented the digital evidence platform, which was developed to measure the level of compliance with healthy city standards, focusing on its role in providing accurate and transparent data to support strategic decision-making.

The workshop included practical interactive sessions, which included analyzing local partnerships and developing customized operational plans for each city, where participants were divided into work teams to exchange ideas and discuss challenges and opportunities. These sessions aim to enable participants to perform their role as local coordinators of the program in their cities and to enhance their capabilities in managing health initiatives.

This meeting constituted a prominent step towards shaping a healthier and more prosperous future, as it embodied cooperation between various government agencies and partners in achieving an ambitious vision that seeks to improve the quality of life for society. As Sharjah continues its path towards development, these initiatives reflect its continued keenness to provide a healthy environment for all future generations to enjoy.