The Health Education Department of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in the Emirate of Sharjah launched its fourth annual health and tourism campaign and the world’s first online health and tourism campaign after three successful years of achievement in enhancing active lifestyle as well as promoting touristic areas in the city. The campaign will run until September 16 and is supported by several health organizations in the emirate, including the Friends for Diabetes, Friends of Arthritis Patients, Friends of Kidney Patients, Friends of Cancer Patients, Breastfeeding Friends and the Health Education Department.

Details about the campaign were announced during a press conference attended by Iman Rashid Saif, Director of Health Education, Department of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Sharjah Government Media Bureau, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority and its sponsors.

Saif said the health and tourism campaign is one of the most important educational and awareness campaigns, which was launched to raise health awareness among citizens and residents as well as highlighting the touristic areas in the emirate. Seven tourist sites including Heart of Sharjah, Central Market, Al Majaz, Al Qasba, Al Majaz Theater and Flag Island have been chosen as the best locations for lovers of walking.

Saif also emphasized the importance of community participation in the campaign’s fourth year programs and activities, which aims to highlight the role of walking in improving health, preventing disease and encouraging the public to take a positive outlook. The campaign offers free medical check-ups and tests.

This year’s campaign will be held under the theme ‘Lets walk’ to enhance the culture of walking as the lack of activity increases the risk of serious and chronic illnesses by 30 per cent meanwhile walking regularly helps to decrease death rate by 50 per cent. The ‘Lets Walk’ initiative is part of a wider health and tourism awareness campaign launched this year by Sharjah’s local government in cooperation with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority and a number of local hospitals and organizations.