SHARJAH - Under the theme "Let’s Walk Anytime, Anywhere", the Health Promotion Department, HPD, recently launched the 7th edition of the Health and Tourism campaign, being held from 5th to 30th August 2020.
The Health and Tourism Campaign is the world's first virtual campaign to bring together health and tourism. Through a host of health and tourist programmes and events, the campaign aims to raise awareness among citizens and residents about daily health practices, while promoting tourist attractions and scenic locations in the Emirate of Sharjah.
Regarding the event, Iman Rashid Saif, Director of the Health Promotion Department, said, "This year’s edition is held in different circumstances, especially with the gradual resumption of businesses and activities following the Covid-19 pandemic. This gives greater importance to the campaign, which is specifically meant to stimulate and educate community members on the significance of walking and exercising, and how to adopt walking as a healthy lifestyle to boost immunity against infectious disease."
Thanking sponsors, partners, media outlets, and volunteers for their support, Saif pointed out that the event is focusing on enhancing Sharjah’s position by encouraging people to adopt healthy lifestyles and behaviors when sightseeing in the emirate.
Majid Al Suwaidi, Director of the Local Promotion Department, added, "As a strategic partner, we are keen to help spread healthy behaviors in tourist sites and reinforce Sharjah’s status as a distinctive tourist, heritage, and family destination."
Abdullah Al Dah, CEO of Al Shaab Village and a Silver Partner in the event, praised the efforts of the Health Promotion Department in organizing the campaign, pointing out that the participation of Al Zajil Fairs Management, represented by Al Shaab Village, reflects the importance of the integration with the governmental sector in all events and activities.
The press conference also included an introductory film on the achievements of the campaign since its launch in 2014, while Dr. Adel Sajwani, family physician in the Ministry of Health and Prevention, presented an educational lecture on the benefits of walking, its importance in maintaining a healthy weight, improving physical fitness and preventing chronic diseases.
This year’s campaign aims to demonstrate the importance of walking, noting how inactivity increases the risks of cancer, heart disease and stroke by 30 percent, while walking helps curb the causes of mortality by 50 percent.
© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2020.
