emirates7 - The Executive Committee for the Expansion of the Healthy Cities Programme in Sharjah organized a workshop on Monday as part of its continuous efforts to adopt and implement international health standards. The event brought together 105 government officials from various cities in the emirate, including Khorfakkan, Kalba, Al Dhaid, Al Madam, Mleiha, Dibba Al Hisn, Al Hamriya, and Al Batayeh.
Dr. Abdulaziz Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority (SHA) and Head of the Executive Committee, highlighted the importance of the workshop in fostering collaboration among government entities. He emphasized that the Expansion of Healthy Cities initiative aligns with Sharjah’s vision to prioritize community health as a key component of sustainable development, in accordance with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
Dr. Samar El-Feky, a regional expert from the World Health Organization (WHO), delivered an in-depth presentation on the WHO’s Healthy Cities Programme. She stressed the significance of addressing social determinants of health as the foundation for achieving universal health coverage and praised Sharjah’s strong commitment to implementing the initiative. Dr. El-Feky recognized the emirate as a “regional pioneer” in advancing Healthy Cities standards.
She explained that the Healthy Cities Programme aims to supportive environments that enable individuals and communities to thrive by promoting physical, social, and emotional well-being. The programme in the Eastern Mediterranean region is structured around nine key pillars and 80 focus areas, including community engagement, intersectoral collaboration, health education, food security, and emergency preparedness.
The Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development used the workshop to introduce a new digital platform designed to monitor compliance with programme standards. This platform will deliver precise and transparent data to support strategic decision-making and track progress.
Participants took part in interactive sessions to formulate tailored action plans for their respective cities. Organized into working groups, they assessed local challenges, explored opportunities, and discussed strategies to strengthen partnerships and enhance collaboration.
Dr. Abdulaziz Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority (SHA) and Head of the Executive Committee, highlighted the importance of the workshop in fostering collaboration among government entities. He emphasized that the Expansion of Healthy Cities initiative aligns with Sharjah’s vision to prioritize community health as a key component of sustainable development, in accordance with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
Dr. Samar El-Feky, a regional expert from the World Health Organization (WHO), delivered an in-depth presentation on the WHO’s Healthy Cities Programme. She stressed the significance of addressing social determinants of health as the foundation for achieving universal health coverage and praised Sharjah’s strong commitment to implementing the initiative. Dr. El-Feky recognized the emirate as a “regional pioneer” in advancing Healthy Cities standards.
She explained that the Healthy Cities Programme aims to supportive environments that enable individuals and communities to thrive by promoting physical, social, and emotional well-being. The programme in the Eastern Mediterranean region is structured around nine key pillars and 80 focus areas, including community engagement, intersectoral collaboration, health education, food security, and emergency preparedness.
The Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development used the workshop to introduce a new digital platform designed to monitor compliance with programme standards. This platform will deliver precise and transparent data to support strategic decision-making and track progress.
Participants took part in interactive sessions to formulate tailored action plans for their respective cities. Organized into working groups, they assessed local challenges, explored opportunities, and discussed strategies to strengthen partnerships and enhance collaboration.