The College of Arts and Sciences at Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has launched a health awareness campaign that features a series of events and activities to be held throughout the year across the emirate of Abu Dhabi as part of the University’s Year of Zayed Strategy.

The initiative aims to raise public awareness of topics as diverse as healthy diet, oral hygiene, weight management, body image, fitness and happiness, and promote the physical, emotional, intellectual, socio-cultural, financial, environmental, occupational and spiritual benefits of good health and well-being. The outreach campaign provides ADU’s public health program students with hands-on experience in engaging with the community.

ADU participated in the emirate-wide Health & Fitness Fun Festival, the most high-profile health-focused event in the UAE. Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, the 2018 edition of the annual festival ran in February and March across the UAE. The University also organized a successful health event on Dalma Island in conjunction with Delma Co-operative Society.

Dr Hamdi Sheibani, Dean of ADU’s College of Arts and Sciences, said: “In the spirit of the Year of Zayed, our public health awareness campaign brings the expertise of our faculty and researchers to the community, and helps UAE citizens and residents make informed choices to improve their health and well-being. ADU is proud to dedicate its resources and research capabilities to disseminating knowledge about the importance of health and leading a healthy lifestyle.”

Stressing the significance of raising public awareness about various health issues, Dr Deena Elsori, Assistant Professor of Biology, Head of the Department of Applied Sciences and Mathematics, and Coordinator of the Public Health Program at ADU’s College of Arts and Sciences, said: “We are keen to support the UAE’s population in remaining healthy and happy, and as part of this priority, are organizing large-scale health awareness campaigns to drive home the message that prevention is better than cure. Our events focus on health-related topics relevant to individuals, families and society in general, and promote healthy practices that help minimize the spread of diseases across the country.”