Sharjah24: The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) recently organised the “Healthy coexistence in light of the next fifty years" forum, which comes as part of the Ministry's Tolerance Committee initiative to promote the values of tolerance, coexistence and social responsibility among employees.

The event coincides with Emirati Women's Day, which bears the slogan "Women: Ambitions & Inspiration for Next 50 Years", under the directives of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), the "Mother of the UAE".

The event, which was held virtually, began with a speech by His Excellency Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, in which he said: "Emirati Women's Day is an occasion to celebrate the important and well-deserved achievements and gains that Emirati women made, thanks to the capabilities provided by the wise leadership, and the unlimited support of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, "Mother of the UAE.

Innovative initiatives

Al Rand pointed out that the Ministry has innovative initiatives, policies, and plans to care for women's health, and to provide comprehensive and high-quality services during prenatal, perinatal, and post-natal care. These services are being developed and updated in accordance with approved health policies and programs.

pointed out that the UAE represents a global model in tolerance and coexistence of peoples and cultures, especially in the health field, where the right to treatment, cure, and prevention of diseases is granted without discrimination.

For his part, Muhammad Abdullah Al Zarooni, Director of the Sharjah Medical District and Chairman of the Tolerance Committee in the Ministry, said: "Since its establishment, the UAE has adopted the approach of tolerance, moderation and acceptance of the other, with over 200 nationalities living under laws that provide justice, respect, and equality. 

Thanks to the directives of the wise leadership, the culture of tolerance has been transformed into sustainable institutional work in the country, he added.

Since Emirati women represent the conscience and spirit of society and the basis for achieving its stability and development, they are best suited to promote a culture of tolerance, coexistence, and humanity, as deeply rooted values in Emirati society, which are being transferred by women from one generation to another with honesty and competence.

Road map

In turn, Wedad bu Humaid, Director of the Government Communications Department, said: "Emirati women have made their mark in various fields of national work, and are still making progress and unlocking more achievements, thanks to the will of developmental and economic empowerment that is fuelled by unprecedented laws and policies at the level of governments.

She noted that the theme "Women: Ambitions & Inspiration for Next 50 Years" represents a road map that enhances the journey of the Emirati female and her ability to play an active role in the progress of the nation's prosperity.

Bu Hameed lauded the central role of Emirati women in the fight against the pandemic through their participation in the first lines of defense, proving their ability to perform national tasks, no matter how big, with high efficiency. Not only that but they had greatly contributed to enhancing the efficiency of the country's response to the pandemic among the best countries in the world.

The event witnessed a speech delivered by Saeed Al Khatiri, Head of the Senior Citizens Vaccination Initiative at the Ministry of Community Development, during which he spoke about the initiative to vaccinate senior citizens and residents, which was launched in January 2021. 

The initiative is being implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Prevention through the presence of medical team at the ministry’s customer happiness centers in various emirates and regions of the country. In addition, medical teams pay field visits to the houses of senior citizens to administer the vaccine.

The event also included speeches by Dr. Hayat Al Balushi, Family Medicine Specialist, about the Breast and Cervical Cancer Initiative, and Wadha Al Sabousi from the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments about the role of women in light of the next fifty years.