The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), in collaboration with a network of government and private entities, has completed six key phases of the 14th Heat Exhaustion and Disease Prevention Campaign.

Running throughout July and August under the theme “Your Safety is Our Priority” and coinciding with the midday work ban, the campaign aims to raise health awareness and safeguard outdoor labourers from risks associated with high summer temperatures, in line with the objectives of the ‘Year of Community’.

Thousands of workers reached

The campaign targeted thousands of workers across various locations, including Sharjah Cultural and Sports Club, Al Hamriyah Cultural and Sports Club, Al Dhaid Cultural and Sports Club, Kalba Cultural and Sports Club, Khorfakkan Cultural Centre, and Dibba Al Hisn Cultural and Sports Club.

As part of the campaign, specialist teams delivered awareness lectures on heat exhaustion risks and first-aid procedures, in addition to conducting field medical checkups and distributing preventive supplies to support workers and protect them from heat exhaustion.

The campaign will continue at various sites, including the Sharjah Cement Factory to educate factory workers, Al Qasimia University Theatre for female workers, as well as sites serving delivery drivers and staff at select petrol stations.

Field visits

Activities included field visits to raise workers’ awareness of required health practices and provide employers in factories and construction sites with recommendations on how to implement preventive measures to maintain safe working environments.

This year, the campaign also expanded to reach new groups, including sanitation workers and workers at fuel stations, public parks, parking facilities, and delivery services, providing them with vital information and preventive guidelines to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion. This comes as part of MoHAP’s mission to protect public health and promote quality of life nationwide.

Commitment to health and safety

Mohammed Abdullah Al Zarooni, Director of MoHAP’s Representative Office in Sharjah, said that completing these campaign phases is an important milestone in the campaign’s implementation, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to protecting workers’ health, in line with international standards and the Year of Community objectives.

He added that the campaign embodies the values of social responsibility and strengthens cooperation among entities to improve health quality in the emirate, ensuring a work environment in accordance with the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.

Partners supporting the initiative include the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Sharjah Government Media Bureau, Sharjah Police, Emirates Health Services, Sharjah Sports Council, Labour Standards Development Authority, Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Prevention and Safety Authority, Sharjah Volunteering Centre, Sharjah Coop, Sharjah Charity International, Emirates Red Crescent, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Fast Building Contracting, Al Jaber Optical, Medcare Group, Aster DM Healthcare, Burjeel Specialty Hospital, NMC Hospital, Zulekha Hospital, Life Pharmacy Group and Gaia Healthcare.