HPD: More than 40 speakers to take part in Sehati conference

Organised by the HPD under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA), the event will run from November 15 to 16.

The announcement was made during a press conference organized today (Wednesday) by the department at the headquarters of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in the presence of Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Public Health Sector at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and Iman Rashid Saif, Director of the Health Promotion Department.

Also present were Prof. Qutaiba Humaid, Dean of College of Medicine at the University of Sharjah, and Prof. Mohammad Alamuddin, Dean of College of Health Sciences at the University of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Scientific Organizing Committee of Sehati Conference as well as a number of representatives of the conference supporters, department staff, volunteers, and the media.

Dr. Hussain Al Rand stressed that the ministry is committed to playing a fundamental role in supporting the 9th edition of the Sehati conference to help achieve its ultimate goals of improving health practices in society and strengthening the UAE’s ongoing efforts to create a healthy life for every member of society.

"Many unhealthy habits have recently spread in the community; as a result, the ministry will spare no effort to curb these practices. We have prepared a national plan to combat non-communicable diseases and associated risk factors, which led to the launch of the National Policy for the Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles to bolster the health and happiness of the community," Al Rand said.

For her part, Iman Rashid Saif said that the Sehati conference is one of the most significant projects and events organized by the department in collaboration with the World Health Organization and a number of local and regional health institutions. It is slated to support our endeavors aimed at enhancing public health awareness and securing the UAE’s plans towards building a sustainable healthy future.

"This year, the conference will be different. It will highlight the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle by discussing several health aspects to encourage everyone to adopt the same healthy approach,” Saif added. 

Prof. Qutaiba Humaid, on the other hand, said that the conference this year will serve as a valuable regional health platform, providing a comprehensive and balanced approach to the health of individuals and society.  Leading specialists from the UAE, the Middle East, and across the globe will be gathered to discuss key health topics, covering the latest research findings, recommendations, and initiatives that will improve the health of the local population.

Meanwhile, Prof. Mohammad Alamuddin noted that the University of Sharjah will continue to support all health-focused conferences and symposiums, adding that the scientific committee organizing is moving forward in accordance with a well-thought-out plan and timetable to put in place all preparations that ensure a purposeful, successful and feasible conference that leaves a positive impact on society and promotes individual awareness   about many health issues. 

During the press conference, the department outlined the agenda of the upcoming event through a presentation delivered by Iman Turki, Head of Programs Department in the Health Promotion Department, in which she highlighted the core topics of the conference. 

The 9th edition of the conference is set to enhance the public awareness on the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle and related health issues of interest to all individuals and will familiarize attendees with the services and programs delivered by the department and other health associations. It also aims to highlight the voluntary opportunities provided by these entities, while also introducing health professionals and volunteers to the latest healthy lifestyle practices.