The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) has unveiled this year’s ‘Heat Exhaustion and Disease Prevention Campaign’. The initiative, launched on Wednesday in collaboration with multiple government entities, aims to train thousands of workers to become first responders for their colleagues in emergencies like heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
“As many as 6,000 workers will undergo specialized training to equip them with the skills needed to save their colleagues during heat-related emergencies,” announced Mira Shuhail, head of the special programmes division at Mohap’s health promotion department. These trained workers will learn to identify symptoms of heat stroke, administer first aid, and ensure timely coordination with medical services.
The training sessions are set to commence on July 1. A team comprising government representatives, medical professionals, and experts will visit various worksites and accommodations in Sharjah to raise awareness and provide practical training.
The campaign will span across Sharjah’s central region, including Al Dhaid and Al Hamriya, and extend to the northwestern towns of Kalba, Khorfakkan, and Dibba Al Hisn. This wide-reaching approach is designed to ensure that workers throughout the emirate are well-prepared to handle heat-related emergencies.
“Workers are often the first to witness their colleagues in distress. By empowering them with emergency response skills, we aim to improve immediate care and outcomes in heat-related incidents,” Shuhail emphasized.
In addition to emergency response training, the campaign includes health screenings to monitor and maintain workers’ well-being. “We will conduct health checkups, including blood pressure and diabetes tests, to assess workers’ health and provide necessary care,” said Mohammed Al Zarooni, director of the Ministry’s Representative Office in Sharjah.
The campaign will also focus on promoting healthy lifestyle choices among workers. Participants will receive guidance on optimal dietary habits for high-temperature environments. Free resources such as nutritious food, juices, and personalized meal plans will be distributed to emphasize the importance of hydration and proper nutrition.
“These educational resources are designed to help workers understand the benefits of a balanced diet, especially during the scorching summer months. By adopting healthier eating habits, workers can better protect themselves from heat-related health issues,” Al Zarooni added.
The campaign’s impact will be amplified through social media, aiming to reach thousands of workers across Sharjah. Officials have plans to expand the program based on its success and the growing demand for such initiatives.
“This year, we hope to positively impact the lives of thousands of workers in Sharjah, with the potential to extend our reach even further in the future,” noted Shuhail.
