Sharjah joins WHO's programme of Healthy Cities

The emirate of Sharjah announced 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 Shaikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, 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. 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. The step will improve health and environmental levels of the city, in addition to fostering community participation in the programme. Members of the steering committee reviewed the advantages of associating with the Healthy Cities project such as supporting the efforts of government bodies and local institutions in Sharjah. The members also examined the programme's mechanisms and standards to put in place policies and systems that will ensure Sharjah's conformance to the parameters of a Healthy City. The meeting also discussed other topical issues related to facilitating the process of collecting and analysing information, preparing the city's health plan, encouraging the participation of community and non-governmental organisations, providing technical support and assisting the completion of the programme's activities, fostering cooperative action between different sectors of the economy, and assessing health risks and impacts. Shaikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, has formed a steering-committee to manage the integration of Sharjah into WHO's Healthy Cities programme. Shaikh Essam bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Office of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, has been named President of the Committee, while Shaikha Jameela bint Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Vice-Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, has been appointed as Vice-President. Members of the committee will include Shaikh Mohammed bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Director of Sharjah Medical District, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Director-General of the Department of Information and E-Government, Dr Saqr bin Abdullah Sultan Al Mualla, Vice-Chairman of the Mosanada (support) Committee, His Excellency Saeed Misbah Al Kaabi, Director of Sharjah Educational District, Her Excellency Afaf Ibrahim Al Marri, Director of the Sharjah Social Services Department, His Excellency Abdullah Ali Al Mohaian, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority, Dr. Abdullah Saleh Al Suaiji, Chairman of Sharjah Education Council, Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi. Chairperson of Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Osama Samra, Director of Sharjah Media Centre, Shatha Ali Abdullah Al Mualla, Director of Department of Public Health in Municipality of Sharjah, and Asma Samir Al Khodari, member of the Mosanada Committee. The committee held its first meeting at the office of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah. The meeting agreed to assign coordinators from various government departments in Sharjah to work on the programme. During the meeting, Shaikh 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. Shaikh 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.