ABU DHABI // A campaign aimed at encouraging children to take up healthier lifestyles has been backed by senior UAE leaders.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, took part in the “Let’s Walk” march along the capital’s Corniche, state news agency Wam reported.
“Children’s health is the focus of the Government’s plans and we aim to support them in all areas, considering that they are the main pillars of growth and development,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
“Their contribution is vital to making the UAE is one of the best countries in the world by 2021.”
The leaders were joined at the event by children from across the UAE to promote a healthy lifestyle for everyone.
The walk is part of the Healthy Children 2021 campaign launched by the National Programme for Government Communication.
It was vital that healthy lifestyles were promoted and the habit was instilled from a young age, Sheikh Mohammed said.
He also called on all government and private-sector organisations to help push the message by raising awareness in the community. The campaign was launched in January and will run until mid-April.
It includes a number of events and awareness activities, such as “Let’s Run”, that involve school pupils from across the country taking part in activities.
As part of Let’s Walk, information on healthy lifestyles was distributed at Abu Dhabi Corniche, Jumeirah Beach Walk, Al Barsha Pond Park and Al Khawaneej park in Dubai, Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah, Al Qawasim Corniche in Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman Corniche.
The campaign aims to reduce obesity levels to 12 per cent of the population by 2021.
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