HPD concludes the activities of “Suhbati” 2024 Programme

The programme spanned a week, aiming to raise awareness and educate participants on fundamental health principles. It aimed to qualify them as health ambassadors, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to embrace a healthy lifestyle. This would enable them to share and promote healthy habits among their peers and community, while combating practices detrimental to health and public safety.

The programme focused on girls aged 16 to 18, aiming to heighten their awareness of health issues relevant to their life stages. It aimed to equip participants with skills to promote health education, teaching them to adopt positive behaviours and habits. This was achieved through intensive theoretical and practical workshops covering nutrition principles, food safety, basics of physical activity, and practical exercises in collaboration with "Concept Fitness & Wellbeing Studio". Additionally, it included hands-on cooking sessions emphasising healthy and sustainable practices in partnership with the International Chef Centre. The programme culminated in a dialogue session featuring experts from UNICEF and Ghaya Saad Al Ahbabi, UNICEF Youth Ambassador at COP28, discussing the impact of climate change on mental health.

The goal of this programme is to inspire participating girls to apply the health concepts they've learned in their daily lives. By doing so, they are empowered to promote this essential culture among their peers, as well as within their families, schools, and broader society. This initiative aims to strengthen their sense of social responsibility and encourage active national participation.

The participants' learning rate, as assessed through a questionnaire, increased by 22.15%. Initially, their knowledge stood at 51.83%, which was raised to 73.98% by the workshops offered under the " Suhbati" programme. Overall, satisfaction with the programme reached 93%. Moving forward, the next phase involves regular follow-ups to reinforce acquired knowledge. This includes forming WhatsApp groups and encouraging volunteerism among participants to disseminate health awareness within their communities. Additionally, ongoing support will be provided to empower participants in their role as advocates of health education among peers.

Iman Rashid Saif, Director of the Health Promotion Department, emphasised that the programme is specifically designed for girls, recognising them as the foundational pillar of societies and civilisation. Girls are pivotal in driving production and development processes, and investing in their education is crucial for future advancement. The programme aims to enhance their communication skills, self-confidence, and self-training, preparing them to promote a culture of health among individuals. It also seeks to inspire them to become role models for their peers at home, school, and within society.